~The online portfolio of Catriona L. McLaughlin~

In 2005 I completed a BA (Hons) degree in Textile Design at the Heriot-Watt University School of Textiles in Galashiels, formerly the Scottish College of Textiles.

During this time, I experimented with knitted, woven and printed textiles. I also developed my CAD skills in Photoshop, Shima, and Designaknit. Photography also played a very important part in the development of my work. Other elements of my work included drawing, painting, dyeing, collage, machine and hand embroidery.

In my final year I experimented with constructing my own yarns from exitsting fabrics or knitting them. I also knitted with non-woven tape yarn, ribbons, lace trimmings and other more unusual 'yarns' to create my own collection of unique accessories.

I did some work experience in textiles whilst studying, including working for Invista/Carruthers Associates designing and producing machine-knitted fabrics for trade shows and making mohair scarves for Eribé. I had a few months work experience in 2005 honing my skills at EMB Knitwear/Kearse & Boys in the Scottish Borders.

Coursework at university included live industry projects, which involved working in collaboration with Knoll spinners, Chris Judge, ScotWeave and Kinloch Anderson.

I also made costumes for an open-air production at Traquair House of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ by the Shakespeare at Traquair company.

I have eight years worth of experience from various retail postitions and my volunteer work included Oxfam, the Girl Guides and the Heriot-Watt University Students Association. I also spent a year and a half working for the designer handknitting yarn company Rowan as a store-based Design Consultant in Edinburgh.

Achievements

2008

- Started Wildkittens design line, knitted accessories for children
- Set up an online shop at Folksy for the UK market & had first sale
- Started teaching workshops at the Bead Shop Scotland
- Had designs featured in the Noise Festival Showcase in the Fashion & Textiles: Accessories & Jewellery category

2007

- Set up an online shop on DaWanda for the European market (in French, German & English)
- Worked for designer handknitting yarn company Rowan as a Design Consultant
- First European & UK sales through etsy shop
- Exhibited at Prettycraftythings in Leeds (first show outside of Scotland)
- Exhibited with Edinburgh Craft Fairs

2006

- Established my first stockist, Flux, in Edinburgh
- Set up my online shop, http://wildcatdesigns.etsy.com
- Joined Visual Arts Scotland
- Designed and launched new website, www.wildcat-designs.co.uk
- First international sales! (to the U.S.)

2005

- Graduated with BA(Hons) in Textile Design at Heriot-Watt University
- Designed and launched this website!
- Final year Degree show in Galashiels
- Work experience at E.M. Ballantyne/Kearse & Boys Knitwear in Walkerburn
- Took part in the New Designers graduate exhibition in London
- Had my work featured in the June/July issue of International Textiles
- Took part in an exhibition of work which was auctioned in aid of the Tsunami Appeal