Who?
Hannah Maughan is a textile designer and has worked for a number of leading design houses as a freelance embroidery designer in the Fashion and Interiors industry. Hannah moved to Cornwall in 2003 to take up a lecturing post at University College Falmouth.

Why?
“The digital technologies and expertise in the 3D Digital Research Cluster at University College Falmouth presented a challenge to my traditional specialist embroidery practice. I became interested in using new processes and materials to develop my embroidery. I wanted to create a new aesthetic for a traditional craft technique using digital processes, I hadn’t considered in my previous professional practice.

Repeat and Variation provided me with an opportunity to explore ways of re-inventing the execution and application of cross stitch needlepoint - a current passion in my textile practice. Through the demo day I instantly saw the potential for designing a series of unconventional needlepoint canvases using the digital laser cutter and a range of new materials. Having spent most of my career using a needle and thread, the real challenge was to learn how to use CAD software and computer aided machinery. Working closely with the Autonomatic research team I developed specific skills in Adobe Illustrator to create digital canvases, laser cut in thin plywood that I could then stitch into in a traditional way. This series of experimental pieces begins to challenge the traditional notion of cross stitch needlepoint by combining a traditional embroidery motif and material with unconventional canvas material and design - marrying the hand craft with the digital.”

Next?
“This project is work in progress and I am keen to take what I’ve learnt further. I’m interested in continuing to repeat and vary the process, investigate other ‘non conventional’ materials to cut into and ways of stitching into them. I intend to explore ways of manipulating the imagery of the traditional needlepoint canvas and the size of the grid and motifs used, in order to develop a contemporary aesthetic. In order to do this I need to keep practicing the new technical skills I have learnt and apply them in my textile design and teaching work.

List of samples
-8 samples, exploring laser cutting and engraving on marine ply, combining cross stitch embroidery in wool.
-Window screen prototype, laser cut and hand stitched on ply