My projected thesis project is a luxury knitwear line for babies inspired by the ephemeral nature of infanthood. Similar to shadows cast by light or rainbow refractions that can only be seen for short periods of time at specific points of the day, infanthood is special yet transient. My knitted fabrics, much like babies, are soft and precious. The concepts of “touch” and tactility are emphasized through my natural fiber choices and squishy cabling structures.
My baby collection is comprised of a newborn set including a hat, mittens, and a cocoon to cradle the newborn, and a decorative yet functional stroller-size blanket. Gifted as a complete set or individually, each piece is knit in small-batch 100% natural hand-dyed yarns and free of harsh chemicals. Admired for their level of craftsmanship and seductive hand-dyed hues, these timeless garments and accessories are designed to be treasured and passed down from generation to generation.
This collection is geared towards new parents who are most interested in sustainably sourced baby products that boast process, craft, and ethics. Natural fibers like organic cotton and merino wool are utilized due to their softness, non-irritating, and lightweight properties. Throughout this collection I have striven to translate traditional hand-knitting processes into mechanical processes, demonstrating my skills as a knitwear designer. By combining cabling and pointelle patterns with hand-dyed yarns, heirloom fabrics with subtle color gradients are produced. Movement and rhythm are generated through the meandering structures, evoking an array of relaxing qualities.
To be continued...