Teresa has a BA (Hons) in Textiles for Fashion and Interiors from Farnham University for the Creative Arts specialising in weave and a MA degree in Textiles from Farnham with Merit. She also holds a City & Guilds Diploma in Design and Craft specialising in Patchwork and Quilting and is a Member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen (MSDC).
Teresa's MA research led her to design threading variations; she was fascinated with the eccentricity of the resulting woven structures and the optical illusions and secondary patterns they create. Teresa designs intricate patterns in pointed draft threading often incorporating an extra weft technique which as a finer weight structure introduces charming colour highlights into the woven cloth. Teresa also likes to 'morph' one design to another; the design process she finds very rewarding in itself.
Teresa hand dyes the yarns; the colours for her MA 'Maze Series' came from the patina and tarnish on aged and weathered brass and bronze and the resulting verdigris. This colour palette juxtaposed with her research of the Wabi Sabi philosophy and the beauty associated with the imperfections and changes seen in the inevitability of the ageing process. The following colour inspirations took the same path as she looked at the colours associated with rust. Both collections took design structure influence from ancient and modern mazes.
Teresa's next collection was inspired by the colours of the Iris, with 6 wraps completed. Teresa then worked on a variety of cowl neck or 'infinity' scarves. Teresa has also worked on more intricate design techniques, extended existing designs and created complex 'morphing' designs which are quite satisfying. The exploration of Celtic and Scandinavian patterns which can be adjusted for weave was next, apart from the usual photographic evidence she uses of geometric tilings, gratings, and brickwork etc. Teresa is generally interested in other cultures and their design concepts and has looked at Katagami stencils for future evaluation, albeit that is as far as she has come.
Teresa now has a 'library' of her own designs in box files with relevant inspiration and use. This includes her extra weft ideas and morphing designs. This means she can instantly source them for future projects. However, as Teresa really enjoy designing, that side of things will be ongoing.
Teresa only uses organic and sustainable yarns which provide a beautiful drape and a sensual handle. She considers the haptic experience to be of paramount importance in her work along with originality.
The gallery on this site exhibits large items of woven textile. However, Teresa is manufacturing small items from the variety of original samples and larger experimental woven lengths she has created into tote bags, soft bags and pockets along with the inclusion of more costly items - cushions, wall hangings, scarves (conventional and 'Infinity') and wraps. In addition, Teresa's blog often displays the latest designs.
Teresa opened an Etsy shop in October 2014 and has a number of small items as well as scarves, and wraps listed. Teresa's Etsy shop trades under the banner of TCSHandWovenDesigns. All Teresa's items are her products, are unique and original. Teresa used her other textile proficiency for the smaller items as she likes to quilt woven and fabric panels to add depth and the extra layers are used as a protective element for the item.
