The Fabric of Memory: Warped by a Lust for Life

This Thesis Collection explores the ways in which fabric, like our bodies, can hold memory. With knitwear as a foundation it focuses on creating structures that expand and warp to accommodate the form of the wearer. Centering around highly hand manipulated techniques that highlight the hand of the maker, it aims to highlight ethically sourced natural yarns that feel luxurious and sensual. Inspired by the ability of cells to retain experience, this thesis explores epigenetics and the body’s ability to hold memory on a conceptual level. 

We often use textile terms to visualize reality, from the “thread of life” to the “fabric of existence." The omnipresence of this vocabulary illustrates the importance of cloth and textiles to the human experience. These metaphors stretch from describing human relationships to noting the passage of time and explaining the structure of DNA. The study of epigenetics suggests that a person’s life experiences alters the way their cells read their DNA. Research suggests that these small chemical changes may be passed down through generations. It is debated amongst scientists how often Epigenetics can be passed down, but the concept raises interesting questions. Would you make the same choices knowing your experiences can alter who you are on a cellular level? Do our bodies hold memories and experiences that are not our own? This thesis is an exploration of roots grounded life experience, and a desire to grow. It explores themes of memory, adaptability and desire for change driven by a lust for life.