Jess is 22 and has been a volunteer at Coldharbour Mill since August 2017 working on the factory floor and spinning yarn on the amazing old spinning machines. She studied Textile Design, specialising in woven textiles, at Manchester School of Art, so the chance to continue working alongside what she loves and enjoy , and spends one day a week back home in Devon,was appealing.
In late September last year she entered one of her handwoven designs into the inaugural Knockaddo Woollen Mill textile competition for the New Woven Textile Designer award. Jess says
“I was fortunate to be selected among 4 other finalists to attend an awards night at ‘Scotland Re-designed’, a very glamorous fashion event in Glasgow where the winner would be announced. I was lucky enough to win the prize, winning £500 and amazingly the production of my design at the mill In Scotland, which will feature my name as the designer on the label. It was such a great experience! “
She now hand-weaves in her studio in Bickleigh producing interior and fashion accessories and spends Thursdays volunteering with us at the Mill producing beautiful yarn.
