Sophie combines handwoven techniques with her passion for material exploration and unconventional yarns; valuing craftsmanship and allowing different materials to inform and construct her practice. She contrasts block colour with intricate details inspired by urban wandering to create waterproof fabrics for lifestyle accessories as well as exterior furnishings and panels.

How did you get into textiles?

I have my mum to thank for this. I used to watch her knit and sew as a young child, we would then sit and knit together once I had learnt the technique. Knitting was my first passion, in school and college I continued to explore knitting and sewing. It wasn’t until I went to university I learnt to weave. I was lucky growing up, I always knew I wanted to work in textiles. I am ultimately a woven textile designer; I do other bits on the side like I try to dye all my own yarns and some techniques I use to embellish whilst weaving are quite similar to the process of sewing. Knitting has taken a bit of a back seat. I now knit occasionally when I have some spare time usually at Christmas. 

What kind of machinery do you use?

I currently work on hand looms in my studio at Cockpit Arts in London.

What other textiles would you like to explore and why?

I would love to learn traditional basket weaving techniques especially the idea of weaving three dimensionally. I often create quite graphic work which translates from my love of drawing and painting so perhaps bringing some print back into my woven fabrics. 

What do you apply your textiles on?

I have previously designed fabrics for fashion but my most recent collection ‘Solid Wovens’ which I created whilst at the Royal College of Art was all designed for interiors. I used different synthetic and coated yarns which enables my fabrics to be used not just indoors but outdoors too. I created fabric suitable for furniture, rugs and decorative table decorations or panels. Since graduating I have started my own business I am going to be making products for both fashion and interiors so keep your eyes peeled! 

Do you have any favourite textiles or art books that inspire you?

Being a weaver Anni Albers is a huge inspiration to me, her book On Weaving is one of my favourites. PATTERNITY: A New Way Of Seeing has the most amazing photographs that show you just how visually exciting the world is. I really enjoy exploring colour so I am also frequently looking at books on Picasso and Rothko. 

What do you love about textiles?

The absolute satisfaction of making something out of nothing!

Follow Sophie’s work here