University News Last updated 27 June 2023
A talented textile designer at Birmingham City University (BCU) has created a powerful collection that celebrates natural habitats and encourages wildlife preservation.
Taking inspiration from long walks in the Shropshire countryside, Sarah Mills, a final year Textile Design student at BCU, spotted the Curlew - an endangered species of wading bird -and decided to help raise awareness through her textiles.
At a recent industry showcase at BCU, Sarah’s ‘The Wetlands collection’ received recognition and accolades from printing giants Epson and carpet manufacturer Brintons, who loved her combination of traditional and digital printing techniques.
Making a seamless transition from student to industry professional, Sarah has combined university study with work at Tweedmill, a top textile manufacturer that supplies major UK brands like John Lewis and the National Trust.
“Initially I won a competition with Tweedmill and spent two weeks working with their design team, they helped me manufacture my own throw called the ‘Mills check’. I gained so much insight into the industry working there - it was such a valuable experience”, added Sarah.
“After the two weeks I was offered a job in their design team, which of course I jumped at.
“I would travel down to their HQ in North Wales on days I wasn’t studying, during my time there I designed three picnic blankets which were stocked at Atlantic blankets.”
Hoping to garner more interest from major industry players, Sarah, alongside fellow student textile designers at BCU, will be heading to London for the New Designers showcase.
As Sarah embarks on the next chapter of her promising textiles career, she provided some insight into how new technology, used across BCU’s Fashion and Textile courses, is helping drive the design industry forward.
“New technology, specifically digital printing and Computer Aided Design is (CAD) is helping find more sustainable ways to create textile pieces,” she said.
“Designing for multifunctionality is important as well, a design that has more than one use makes it more sustainable and reduces waste. I designed cushions for example that can unzip and have a design on the in and outside.”
Sarah Mill’s project was displayed as part of the Inspired Festival at Birmingham City University, an annual celebration of work created by exciting new talent from the University’s Faculty of Arts, Design and Media.