Rosie Hilton-Knott - BA (Hons) Textiles in Practice
The Description of a Witches Dress and Those Who Are Susceptible To It
Folklore and supernatural fables have always fascinated me. It's valid that my interest in such things would inspire me and reflect in my work. My focussed area of study is knitwear. I incorporate text elements from the folkloric stories I read with a range of textural knit techniques to create garments that embody the narratives and wonder than conceived them. My research methods are immersive and intuitive, revisiting bygone mystical locations dotted around north-west England to inform my ideas.Sampling encompasses variations of textural, structural and arbitrary knit techniques: lace, pleats, inlay and layering of fabric just to name a few. I work mainly with minimal or natural colour as well as a range of chunky and fine yarns. Inherently, I veer towards using natural materials as I’m eco conscious and aware that they tend to produce a better-quality and suited result. The product of my work tends to manifest is an editorial, innovative photoshoot which requires collaboration with other creatives in different fields. This is an approach I thoroughly enjoy,and an environment thrive in.
The project I am presenting for Degree Show is no different. I followed the journey of the Pendle Witches, visiting Lancaster castle and learning about their tragic story. Inspired by medieval dress, my work consists of two looks: The Mage and The Jester. The Mages gown encompasses an elaborate repeat lace structure resembling leaves and berries reaching up the extremity of the garment, as well as contrasting solid knit text on the back panel(a direct quote from the 1597 book Daemonologie, written by James I and II.)The Jester was a trail to see how far I could push 3D structural knit on the body.
