Third-year BA (Hons) Textile Design student Hannah Dolden says without Bucks’ excellent facilities she would not have been able to produce the work which has won her a prestigious bursary.

The 22-year-old has been awarded a £1,500 The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters Company Award, which will help her in her final year.

Hannah, from Bicester, said: “I was shocked, overwhelmed, and ecstatic when I found out. I couldn’t quite believe that all my hard work and 12-hour days spent in the studio had paid off.

“The award money will be used towards materials for the rest of my final project and also to pay for exhibiting my work at New Designers event.”

The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters, one of the City of London's Livery Companies, invites students in their final year of study to apply for bursaries.

Hopefuls write a proposal for their final projects and state what they would potentially spend funds on and how they think their work could benefit the British knitting industry.

Students are then selected for interview to discuss their work, proposal, technical knowledge and aptitude.

Poppy McKinnon-Evans, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Textile Design, said: “Hannah is an extremely hard working and determined student, she has pushed herself to develop her technical and creative skills resulting in a vibrant, colourful collection of knitted textiles. Winning the bursary from the Framework Knitters is an excellent achievement, and one that Hannah should be very proud of.”

Hannah’s final project is called ‘Kitsch Deco’ and aims to “push the boundaries of knitted textiles”, integrating knitwear into home accessories and furnishings.

The inspiration comes from encompassing and exploring the pattern and colour of architecture from Art Deco period and the colour from the Memphis Design movement.

“I initially picked Bucks as it was close to home, but at the open day, I was blown away at the numerous workshops and endless facilities,” explained Hannah.

“Without all the cool kit we have at Bucks I would not be able to produce the work I currently am and I also wouldn’t have been introduced into knitting in the first place. My dream after uni is to purchase a Dubied knitting machine, set up my own business and knit, knit, and between that, knit some more!”

Hannah praised Bucks’ teaching and added: “Bucks is preparing me for the world of work already. My lecturers push me to reach out to industry professionals and seek internships within the design world, which has helped me to develop vital presentation skills and undertake live industry briefs.”

Course leader Poppy added: “Textile Design at Bucks endeavours to develop our students’ creative and technical abilities, through live industry talks, industry standard facilities and dedicated academic support, our students graduate with the necessary requirements to enter the creative, professional industry.

“It is wonderful to see that Hannah has engaged with these elements and presented herself well to industry professionals. This is a fantastic achievement for Hannah and excellent recognition for our course. We hope to continue to develop our relationship with Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters for future years.”