A hand-woven textile designer who has been commissioned to design a range of scarves and wraps for competitors and their guests at this weekend's Irish Open golf championship
I set out to become a successful hand-weaver and develop a uniquely Irish brand.
My most recent projects have involved working on the London 2012 Olympics and the Irish Open. I trained at the Glasgow School of Art graduating with a BA Hons in textile design, specialising in hand woven textiles. I also went on to work in industry in industry in London, Paris and Thailand. I am extremely passionate about design and a love of texture runs throughout my work. I enjoy creating beautiful fabric with originality.
I spend time every year in Europe selecting the most luxurious and exciting yarns from cashmere, Lurex linen mixes, retro reflective to silk and stainless steel mixes.
I design an annual fabric collection on my 150-year-old loom in Belfast.
I began my business in November 2009 with the idea that I could take intricate pieces of architecture, extract the detail structures and colours and transform these into pieces of fabric. Mass production is not my aim as I prefer the intimacy of working with my clients and creating bespoke products.
My Bilbao and Barca collections include fabrics, cushions and throws. The fabrics can be made into stunning textured cushions, draped curtains or upholstered to suit a wide range of interiors.
The co-ordinating throws create a sumptuous, luxurious accessory for any sofa or bed.
In the last two years I have has worked with many high profile designers such as Kelly Hoppen, David Collins, Katharine Pooley and David Linley to name but a few.
But it was a local business which gave me my first major contract when I was asked to design and weave cushions for the bedrooms in the £16m extension of the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. In 2011 I also delved into the fashion industry with a collaboration with local designer Grainne Maher.
I designed a range of hand woven scarves to co-ordinate with Grainne's headwear, which were well received when launched at Belfast Fashion week last year.
My fashion collection is stocked in Candy Plum, a boutique in Hillsborough.
Having the Irish Open at the north coast not only allows our well-known golfers to showcase their talent but my fashion range will also be put in the spotlight as I have been commissioned to design a range of scarves and wraps for the competitors and their guests.
