Tell us a bit about Sprig Knitwear
Sprig Knitwear is an artisan knitwear label based in Hampshire and run by myself, textile designer Antonia (Toni) Sullivan, since opening in 2015. Inspired by childhood adventures, every design has a story told through geometric patterns and textures. Each piece is produced by hand in the studio with 2ply lambswool.
Tell us more about your studio and ways of working
I’m inspired mostly by places and locations from childhood memories – I take these landscapes and translate them into simple block patterns. These patterns are then created into jacquards which is then inserted into the machine and acts like a computer programme to direct the activity on the knitting machine.
For the actual products themselves I make pieces to shape on the machine then use a different specialist machine called a ‘linker’ to sew the pieces together. For the pencil and coin cases we produce, I knit the panels which are then sent to a micro factory in Scotland to be made into purses. When these are returned I finish each piece with a cork zip pull and a handmade swing tag.
It’s a process that takes time, with lots of different aspects, but I love each step of the process and feel so proud of what I make.
What inspired your Kettle’s Yard range?
The range was inspired initially by some of the different textiles found at Kettle’s Yard. When visiting the House I felt drawn to a lot of the textures and repetitive patterns and it was amazing how the space was filled with these qualities. Whether it be playful dashes painted on windows to imposing self portraits, textiles have seeped into all aspects of the House.
I was particularly drawn to three works of art;
- Christopher Wood’s Self Portrait, 1927
- Ben Nicholson’s princess (kings and queens), 1933
- Italo Valenti’s Nr 145; Laguna; Lagune, 1968
I found these pieces resonated with my own textile practice in some way. Wood’s jumper in his self portrait is a huge given – who wouldn’t want that jumper? How Nicholson uses just two colours and repeats pattern, which I also do in my own work. Then the composition of shapes in Valenti’s pieces too, links to the way in which I create patterns.
Why did you want to collaborate with Kettle’s Yard?
There are many reasons why I wanted to collaborate. I’ve followed the Kettle’s Yard Shop online for some time and have seen the makers collaboration emerging. To be included with such exciting and talented makers is just so exciting. I also love what the shop encompasses, being able to take home your own little bit of art from your visit to the gallery, or gifting someone with inspiration from the gallery. While also knowing you’re helping keep the gallery ticking over with your purchase. Talking to Laura, the Retail Manager, you can see how well considered and thought out each piece in the shop is, everything links back to the gallery and to Jim and Helen Ede. The shop is a unique experience alone.
If you had to buy yourself a gift from the Kettle’s Yard shop, what would you choose?
What wouldn’t I buy is probably an easier question – I love it all! I already have quite a few bits from the shop (I use my Kettle’s Yard tote bag daily!) but if I was to get something really special I think it would have to be a Henri Gaudier-Brzeska Toy Replica.
