Today we were officially given the brief of the project for the rest of our placement. That was exciting but also a lot of pressure. Next week was meant to be research days, however, I will be with Margo Selby so am goignt o try and research in the evenings etc. We will then present our work on the 18th March. Today was tying up loose ends. We were able to wash our fabrics. Very exciting. This green fabric has been my favourite piece I have made so far. I LOVE it.
06/03/2025
Research Day. Today I visited West Dean to collect images. I spent a lot of time moodboarding and designing. I have slimmed down my ideas finally. I now need to see what it looks like on WeaveIt.
Prepping for gallery visit. I placed all experiments out on the table. It’s quite nice to see everything stacking up. There’s still so much to do though! I also tried getting the knitting machine to work however, it wasn’t happy! Really want more time to work on it.
Today was productive. I was working on taking the knitting completed before Christmas, and also worked through weave patterns. I was feeling a little overwhelmed with what Ann was asking of me. I wanted to act knowledgeable, but wasn’t completely sure. I think Ann was a little shocked I hadn’t ever worked out a pattern before. She’s determined for me to learn, and is throwing me in at the deep end. It’s probably a good thing, however, I feel pressured to work it out quickly and correctly.
05/02/2025
We continued sorting through art works at Westergate. She produces so many quick drawings it’s easy to build up. I think Ann is feeling satisfied with the jobs we are getting done. She gives me little notes from newspapers that might be of interest, around weaving etc.
10/02/2025
Today was a lot of discussion around instagram. We are going to sort it on Wednesday. I started drawing up different designs for a secret project. I found it quite difficult to design with the number constraints we had calculated. This will mean when something does work it will click and be very satisfying. I just need to bare with and keep experimenting.
12/02/2025
We set up the instagram! Yay! It was a faff trying to work out what email was linked and then trying to get in, however, it was worth it. Ann is now back on instagram. We are going to use the instagram that has nearly 1000 followers as it already looks quite established. I am very excited about the direction we can take this. She is equally as excited. I think it will be great to learn how to make a professional instagram. I will be able to work out what works and what doesn’t. This is extremely important for the future. I am very perfectionist so want the instagram to be a professional and cohesive space. We also continued organising. She has so many scarfs, I always find it so interesting hearing about all the stories attached to them!
17/02/2025
Tried working out some patterns for upcoming pieces, the issue is we only have 12×12. It’s hard to find a pattern that works for those exact numbers. I have learnt to simplify over complicating it. It can more often than not look better with a simpler idea. The only issue is its a lot easier to copy if you can work it out.
19/02/2025
Organising! Ann was very sweet, she said I was her favourite person she has ever worked with. I was shocked! Shes definately not the kind of person that randomly says these things! She has discuessed me working with her and Rebecca again next year. We need to work out the logistics however, I am quite excited by this idea as I think we will be both be beneficial towards each other. She could be extreamly useful with my projects, and visa versa. She has such amazing knowledge on the weaving world and also the carehome. Shes the perfect person to have to help me with any advice etc.
24/02/2025
Continued experimenting with materials. Some pieces clicked today! I love it when something clicks and then its continues to spiral into new ideas that all work together.
27/02/2025
Last day of organising. It’s so nice to think everything is done and Ann now has a space where she can be productive. She is so happy with the space now. Can definately be more productive in the space.
Today I finished prepping the loom. Completing the hemstitch etc. And then weaving! However, it wasn’t that simple. At first the treadles were lifting correctly, however, some weren’t opening a big enough shed. So we decided to re-tie all of the treadles. I asked Rebecca for the pattern and followed it. However, when I started weaving again it was completely wrong. Despite double double cheking everything Rebecca went through it with me again. I asked if it was the pattern she gave me. However, she was adamant it was correct. Eventually, she double checked and realised it was the wrong one. At this point we had spent so much time trying to work it out. This showed how important it is to document all weaving. Having a good system at the beginning allows it to be easier in the future and prevents things like this happening.
06/02/ 2025
Weaving!
We have also had a lovely lady called Melanie completeing an 8 week workshop. It’s been so nice getting to know her so well. She has inspired me to try lace making… when I have a spare minute!
11/02/ 2025
Weaving! So far no mistakes! Phew.
13/02/2025
I was so so so close to finishing the weave off. I was aiming for 2m, however, soon before I was meant to leave Rebecca asked if I could add an extra 40cm. Unfortunately, I had to wait until the 25th to finish everything off due to working at home this next week.
18th and 20th half term….
Designing for Rebeccas new collection. Slightly worried… will she take our designs as her own or will she credit us… I am unsure how she will make this fair. She is against other businesses taking students ideas, so will be interesting how she goes around this. Part of me doesn’t want to create something too amazing as it’s not my own work. But then, also want to show off my best work.
25/02/2025
Finished off the fabric…
Started preping for a colourful warp used to help choose colours for the upcoming pieces.
27/02/2025
Prep day. Setting up frame looms etc. It’s so better working with another intern. Less overwhelming and fun with another pair of hands.
My sister, Clara Prince is making a chair at West Dean College for her end of year project. I have been given the task to design a piece of fabric, to be upholstered to the chair. She wanted very feminine soft colours. We decided a cream and light pink would work well.
I have already been weaving away, however, the fabric isn’t exciting enough. I had originally let Clara decide what fabric she wanted, however, with her lack of knowledge in that area, the fabric didn’t look great. It was a good lesson and a useful practice. I learnt to input more. As now, I have do redo everything. It would have been better to discuss my concerns before, rather than continuing to weave and waste my time. Having also completed this we decided the boucle yarn was too distracting.
To consider when designing again.
EPCM need to be more compact 8/10 threads?
wider, full width of loom to account for shrinkage.
choose a pattern that is timeless.
choose yarn that allows you to view the pattern more easily.
Today was the first day at Margo Selby Studios. A nice lady called Abi greeted me. I was given a tour of the place and met all of the other members of the team. When I met Margo it seemed like she had no idea who I was and didn’t seem very interested. While I understand she probably wasn’t interested she could have acted a little more warm. Ann had warned me she is sometimes quite cold but reasurred me she was lovely. I also got the impression she knew nothing about me.
I started working with order and dispatch. Good to know. A lovely girl called Liv was showing me all the important things. She is an intern who has been there since September. She explained that she only gets £10 a day, so her university told Margo she couldn’t work 5 days a week. She needed one day to work to get money to pay for rent etc. Highlighted the issues around large companies taking advantage of students.
I watched the team cut off the fabric they had been working on for the last 3 months. That was exciting, as it was a really large length of fabric.
One of the pieces had many faults, there seemed to be an issue when weaving. Someone hadn’t noticed. I was surprised that they weren’t upset, but seemed not to phased. Just said Abigail would darn it back together.
The edges of the fabric wasn’t very neat and when cutting the yarns some wern’t woven in. It was suprising how little they cared… the places I have been working the attention to detail is much more precise. I suppose when it’s such a large piece you wouldn’t notice. Would bug me though! They also said that because they do 3 hourly shifts on the fabric the way its beaten down can change depending on the person, sometimes making it uneven.
I often felt as though I was just annoying, no one had any tasks for me. I just kept asking if there was anything to do. Very different to my current two placements. Also I have realised a lot of weavers are very quiet and to themselves. If I was in their position and someone was new I would be asking many questions. Thye just avoid eye contact and look away. It makes me less motivated to be enthusiastic when a few are very awkward. As a new person I will feel very awkward so it’s nice to be chatty etc. Just made me think if I had my own company I wouldn’t act like that. The ex-interns are mostly all lovely. I am assuming because they know how it feels. One seems very confident, making sure it’s known she is very popular etc.
Tuesday 11th
Today was a really boring day. I feel dissapointed I am not gaining very much at this placement. I was told to pack a couple of orders and then had to keep asking if there was anything for me to do. I felt as though I was in the way. Despite this I chatted to some people working there. That was interesting and good to keep networking. I decided to slow down with my tasks as once I was done I would wait around for ages for another task to be given to me. I was downstairs a lot on my own while I could hear eveyone else upstairs laughing and chatting. Was a bit sad I couldn’t be with everyone and make a good impression. These last few days have almost felt like I am not trusted to do anything with actual skills. Vey eye opening considering my other placements give me a lot of responsibilities.
Wednesday 12th
Today I felt really fed up. I started the day downstairs asking if there was anything that needed to be done. There wasn’t much, so I helped in dispatching again. As the day progressed I became more frustrated that I was downstairs for the third day. The other interns were inundated with tasks to complete. It felt as though I wasn’t trusted to complete these tasks. I have spoken to Margo once this week very briefly. She has then been working at home for the rest of the week. Just feel disapointed as I had spent so much money to book accomodation here etc, for me to have not learnt anything. The staff now don’t seem to ask if I have tasks as they don’t want to find me things to do.
After the last order in the afternoon (had done these tasks slowly as there wasn’t anything else to do) I asked if there was anything that needed to be done. I was directed to speak to another staff member about pinterest. When I asked them about this they asked if I could help with workshop prep. However, the other interns had completed this the last few days when I was packing orders. It just felt like no one wanted to deal with me. I was just copying and pasting text into pinterest. Then 20 minutes before 5pm I was asked to complete some ‘pearling’? tassels on the end of an art piece taken off the loom on Monday. I was excited they had given me a slightly bigger job. It was the most exciting task of the week which says a lot. Today I have felt really fed up and annoyed. I wanted to speak to Margo about Ann however, I doubt I will get the opportunity now.
I didn’t hear anything over Christmas, so emailed a month later on the 13/01/2025. Explaining I understood there was probably a backlog of emails over the Christmas period, I just wanted to ensure my email had been received.
They soon replied saying my email had been passed onto the MD and a couple of senior leaders. She said she couldn’t guarantee anything as she was unsure they were open to specific requests. But then the end of this week…..
I am thrilled! The fact Amanda McLaren has spent the time reading my email and like my ‘approach’ means the world!
I was feeling quite deflated this week with the amount of pressure I am putting on myself. It’s clearly paying off to some extent. Even if they decide they don’t want to work with me I am really proud that I have even gotten myself into a position where I can speak to the Operations Director, Rob Taylor.
Let’s not jinx anything, but was convinced I wasn’t going to be able do a placement at AW Hainsworth, or a mother mill because of how late I emailed.
11/03/2025
I had the interview today. It went very well. I HATE interviews, especially when they ask for you to talk a little bit about yourself. When I did, I tried to remain focused, using examples to back up my points and not ramble. However, I worry I rambled too much. They asked if I knew what area of the company I was interested in, I hadn’t thought too much about that, as I wanted to be flexible and open to things I hadn’t even thought about. However, after discussing my interests it seemed obvious I was interested in the manufacturing side of things. They said they would be more than happy to have me join them which was lovely. It won’t be counted as my time of my placement as they preferred the summer, and I was keen to continue with my current placements. Currently in the process of working out what dates work best. I felt very proud of myself. I am nervous but excited for this opportunity. I do believe this will be invaluable experience.
Action or process of a state withdrawing from a former colony leaving it independent.
In essay/reflection use 1st/3rd person.
Using ‘I’ is useful, helps explain your position.
24/01/2025
The Report and Presentation
Evidence:
Completion of 100 days/ 20 weeks of professional place,ent learning.
Online blog maintained throughout placements, recording thoughts, comments and activities
Individually written report of 5000 words describing and evaluating placments (+/- 10%)
20 minute audio/ visual presentation where you present analysis of your own personal development and learning during the placement
Assessed holistically (100% of the unit) No breakdown of grades for the different assessment evidence listed. Evidence is considered together. Tutors use their academic judgment to choose a grade for the unit as a whole. All components need to be submitted to pass the unit.
Marked by 2-4 people
When writing don’t assume your tutor knows everything.
REPORT
Reflection of placement year, providing industry context, describing and evaluating the placement experience within the context of the wider creative industries and speculative future. – AUTOERHNOGRAPHIC, will have specific examples of things you did demonstrating the development of your skills. – uses the researchers personal experiences to understand cultural, social, political phenomena. Qualitative research involving self reflection and analysis. You are the expert of your experience. – CRSJs principles
Story based.
Still academic, support with others academic essay. CRITICAL evaluation of the placement year, not a diary. – Record of Challenges and Successes. Not a Rant or unsupported reflection.
What is the report? – Reflections on your experience
An evaluation/ comparison of placements
An evaluation of your growth
Overview of your role(s) and how it aligns to your own goals and future ambitions
Overview of the industry
An insight into what you want to do next year
Speculative future (Final BA year and beyond)
Reference to your positionality
Reference to the creative attribute framework
Reference Intellectual Property
Reference to key arguments in your industry and its future. Eg. Paid enough, yarn, people understand the process behind cloth.
Opinions and theories from academics or people in industry eg… quite Ann Sutton and use the books on offer to me. Specific Examples:
Stories of specific tasks that highlight skills you have gained or developed.
Evidence of times your learnt something new. Eg, hard or soft skills
Achievements.
Comparisons of practice.
Images that support your written analysis.
Structure: Cohesive flow
Chronological order
Skills you have gains/ developed
Industry areas
Something else
Following a series of questions provided that prompt reflection (formative assessment Qs)
10 March- Skeleton map and discuss at your spring formative
21 March- 14th April- Easter Break
6 May- Submit a draft of report
May 2025- Presentation Workshop
2 June- Essay Submission 10am
9 June- presentation week
Chapters:
Title
Title page
Contents page
Introduction
Chapters and Headings
Conclusion
Bibliography HARVARD REFERENCING
PDF download of teams in file section
Presentation:
20 min audio and visual presentation where you present an analysis of your own personal development and learning during the placements.
Reflective of your personal experience
Own thoughts on the industry
Recorded and shown live at your assement
Live questions from the panel
Reflection of SIP
Recorded: On teams and press play, panel watches it live and still expected to answer questions.
Reflective responses to your placement experience and industry
What might you change about the industry
Ambitions and future plans
SIP
Putting your knowledge in action
NOT A READING OF YOUR REPORT
What you have discovered about the industry
Evaluation of your role/ ambitions ( in relation to UALs CRSJs)
Analysis of your professional development
Reference to key arguments happening in your industry (eg sustainability eg, wool too cheap. Not supporting local British) people expecting things to be a lot cheaper.
20 mins PowerPoint or PDF
Learning objectives:
Visit my CAF Teams on Files
Skeleton map of DPS experience so far. What do you want to talk about?
PEEL
My challenges: How have you grown from an experience? Deep reflections! How maturely and professionally do you deal with those situations. Can you understand why those challenges appeared.
Mill placements
Wallace Sewell
03/01/2025
Reflective Evaluations
DPS, Self initiated practice developing ideas
6 of my values task:
hard working
ambitions
empathetic
organised
personable
humour
How my family describes my values:
Hard working
Personable
Determined x3
Thoughtful x2
Enthusiastic
Proactive x2
Attentive
Responsible
Considerate
Respectful
Courageous
Fair
Creative
Loyal
Kind
Punctual
Organised
Creative
Intelligent
Inventive
Driven
Persistent
Prompt
Effective
Tenacious
Vigilant
I was really nice reading what people wrote about me. I think my values are very similar to what people view as my values which is nice and shows that not only am I seeing it, others are too. It made me feel quite emotional seeing all of the nice comments.
14/02/2025
Reflective evaluations
Looking back to get ahead. How do I differentiate myself then and now? Have I progressed personally, professionally, creatively? How do I understand that change? How will others perceive that change?
Understanding the difference…. Reflective practice asks ‘what’ and reflexive practice asks ‘why’
Over Christmas I have been preparing for the sessions starting in January at Westergate House. Using the Loom Lucy gave me I have be putting a warp on.
I have also been experimenting with the frame looms I purchased. Seeing what yarn works best etc.
Ann hasn’t been too well over Christmas, and didn’t feel well enough to go into the studio today. I still went with Rebecca, completing material research. I visited Hobby Craft also to potential source some materials for upcoming projects.
20/01/2025
Oh it’s so nice to be back at Ann’s studio. Today I learnt how to weave in a metal frame. I have nearly perfected everything, apart from the corners. I am going to continue practicing in my own time.
Rebecca also suggested making Ann an instagram. I have thought about this in the past, however, assumed Ann had dismissed this idea. It’s really exciting that Rebecca and I will be able to work together to create a space where people can keep more up to date with Ann.
On the way back, Ann said that she was forever grateful that she had Rebecca and me. It was so sweet of her. We discussed how we still couldn’t believe how we met and that we were so thankful that we had. I really really enjoy my time with Ann and Rebecca. We all get on so well and all bring something different to the table. Ann, obviously with her amazing ideas. Rebecca, being lovely and organised. They say I am very sensible and have a good head on me!
We will be working together on Wednesday mornings as well as Mondays from now on. We have decided there is so much to do that one morning isn’t enough.
22/01/2025
Today I continued working from home, with experiments for potential projects. I feel proud of myself that Ann trusts me to work on things away from her. I have a good understanding on what Ann wants to achieve so can now work independently.
27/01/2025
More discussion on instagram. Developing weaving using metal frame. I could tell Ann wasn’t feeling 100% today, Rebecca and I ensured Ann didn’t complete too much and took a step back. She appreciated that we had picked up she wasn’t her full self. I have always been a very empathetic person, however, feel as though working at the care home the past four years has enables me to pick up if someone isn’t quite right even quicker than before. I am going to continue working on projects this afternoon.
29/01/2025
Sorted her room at the care home, Ann was feeling overwhelmed with her desk. We sorted through everything, she felt so much better after and was excited to work again. She always says how grateful she is to have me, I suppose we are both very lucky to have met each other. I have not only learnt so much about the weaving world, but have also made a very close friend. I will be forever grateful to have met Ann.
