A journey knitted with heritage, education & innovation
Hawick has always been more than just home to me; it’s the heartbeat of Scotland’s knitwear heritage, a place where yarns tell stories and quality is a birthright. As a knitwear designer born into this rich tapestry, my journey has always been intertwined with tradition, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of craftsmanship- something we’re truly spoiled with in this town. Now, as I prepare to showcase my collection at the Heriot-Watt University Degree Show, in conjunction with the Heartland Market, I reflect on how every thread of my experience- from growing up here admiring the Pringle stockings in the Hawick Museum to studying at the Borders campus- has come together in my own brand: Loops of Colour Design.
Heritage & Influence
Living and working in Hawick means being surrounded by generations of makers and a deeply rooted textile culture. There’s always someone nearby who can mend a jumper or fix a zip. The town’s legacy is interwoven through everything I do. It has shaped my identity and ignited a lifelong commitment to preserving quality through knitwear. Hawick isn’t just where I live, it’s part of who I am, and that heritage lives in every piece I design. I’ve always been fascinated by the knitwear industry here, and believe it or not, getting a summer job in one of the mills was like gold dust.
Education at Heriot-Watt
Studying the Fashion for Textiles course and choosing to specialise in Knitwear Design at Heriot-Watt University in the Scottish Borders was truly transformative. It was the golden key to the proverbial door I had been hoping to open since I was young. The design program at HWSBC didn’t just teach me how to knit or create garments, it taught me about process, discipline, and storytelling through concept.
There’s a quote on the high mill staircase “Design is to question everything thought to be obvious…” Dieter Rams. I learned that great design is both intentional and iterative, requiring patience and close attention to detail, from yarn selection to finishing techniques. My knit tutor constantly pushed me to explore and refine my commercial ideas, challenging my decisions and helping me grow thank you Angela. I was also fortunate to have a mentor during my studies, a knitwear designer from Johnstons of Elgin, Amy, who has continued to support my journey. Since launching my brand, we’ve worked together again to develop my new website with thanks to funding from South of Scotland Enterprise.
Experience as a Knitwear Designer
My hands-on industry experience deepened all of this learning. From retail work during my studies to a voluntary placement with ERIBÉ Knitwear, just along the road from the university, I explored the juxtaposition of bold colour combinations and traditional Fair Isle techniques and how they could be reimagined with high-quality fibres. That creative spark still fuels my work.
Later, my role as a buyer’s assistant at Edinburgh Woollen Mill gave me a broader commercial view: what customers truly value, how collections come together, and how ideas become products. I learned about production timelines, finance filing (not my favourite part!), prepping mood boards for shoots, and coordinating the logistics of getting gold seal garments to location shoots. It was a great bridge from university life into the fashion industry.
Eventually, I stepped into a more fulfilling design role at Johnstons of Elgin, where I had previously interned. Working in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment taught me that delivering quality isn’t just a goal it’s a mindset. From mastering CAD-drawn stitches (thanks again Amy and team for the shortcuts!) to understanding the cost behind a bill of materials, I learned how everything matters: fibre choice, machine settings, colour placement, and materials. That’s why I now work with assured lambswool and cashmere not only are they luxurious, but their quality holds meaning and value that aligns with my brand’s ethos.
The Degree Show
This year’s Degree Show is a celebration of the hard work, creativity, and resilience of the Heriot-Watt design students. But the inclusion of the Heartland Market, curated through the university’s community engagement initiative (with special thanks to the lovely Lauren), makes it even more meaningful. It creates a platform not only for students, but also for alumni like me to return and show that it’s possible to build your own brand right here in your hometown.
At the show, I’ll be holding my own stall and I can’t wait! It’s a celebration of my accessory collection and the journey that brought me here. Each piece represents the skills I’ve developed: from technical precision at university, to practical insight from industry, to the deep, personal connection I hold with Hawick. Loops of Colour Design is more than a label, it’s a creative expression of everything I’ve learned and everything I value.
For me, this moment is a full circle from student to seller; I had my degree showcase in May 2017. Now I’m successfully running my own business from my studio in Hawick, it’s about more than displaying garments, it’s about sharing the story behind every stitch. I’m proud to represent not only my work, but the legacy of my family, my community, and an industry that continues to inspire me.
Looking Ahead
As I move forward, my goal is to continue balancing heritage and innovation—alongside raising my own little flock, including my two lambs, Magnus and Axel. I believe in curating with a slow fashionethos: creating accessories and garments that matter, that carry meaning, and that tell stories which last longer than trends.
This is what I believe the Heartland Market represents, and I’m so proud to be exhibiting alongside these brilliant emerging designers.
From student to seller, this journey has been knitted together with passion, purpose, and pride and it’s truly only just beginning with thanks to those mentioned and those who’ve always believed in me!
And if you’re visiting Hawick, there’s even more creative talent to discover…
Don’t Miss: Hawick High School Catwalk Showcase
Heritage in Every Stitch: Fabric of Our Future
Location: Borders Textile Towerhouse, 1 Tower Knowe, Hawick
Date/Time: On until November 2025
Open: Monday – Saturday, 10.00 – 16.00 (Closed Sunday)
This powerful exhibition celebrates the next generation of Borders fashion and textile talent. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Hawick’s creative community and a chance to support the future of knitwear and our cherished Live Borders venues.