WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’m a woven designer for a colourful country lifestyle brand, but hand weave my own colourful fabrics in my spare time.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

i’m inspired by British coastlines and country side, particularly in my home county of East Sussex. My work is also colour driven.

TELL US FIVE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT SUSSEX?

South Downs, Charleston House, beach walks, Brighton, and the beautiful countryside.

WHAT’S THE FAVOURITE THING YOU’VE MADE?

I designed and hand wove the fabric for ties and pocket squares for my brother’s wedding.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

I studied woven textiles at university. After I graduated I wanted to keep weaving so I bought a Harris table and some yarns and wove my first cushion collection.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID?

I never really thought about what I wanted to be. I just wanted to make pretty things and sell them.

WHAT DO YOU NOW KNOW THAT YOU’D LIKE TO GO BACK IN TIME TO TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

I know now that the textiles design industry is so tough and competitive. It’s so rare to get a job or be successful straight out of uni. When you’re a textile student you don’t get told how hard it is to get a job after graduating. Either in the industry or as a freelance designer, so I would say my younger self to not get disheartened or think any less of yourself because you’re not yet getting noticed. Keep going, work hard and the right opportunities will come along.

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Elinor Rothero, Textile Designer