overview the overall aim of this project was to encourage people to revert back to the ‘mend and make do’ attitude of previous decades.  

through research, handheld sewing machines were identified as an ideal product providing a small, portable and easy to use solution.   however, these machines lack the functionality of their full size counterparts and are limited in their use.  due to using just one thread, handheld machines create an unsatisfactory seam whilst full size sewing machines use two threads to create a much sturdier seam. my final product proposal, sew handy, incorporates a second thread into a handheld sewing machine, producing a product that is not just portable and quick to use but that also functions to a level comparable to a full size sewing machine.
gemma riley
design detail
mend and make do - sewing machines
honours project
i knit, you knit, we knit - knitting and crochet
contact
about me
i am a hardworking student, who is passionate about design.  after initially pursuing a career in maths, i decided to change my path and start a product design degree at uclan; i can honestly say it has been the best decision i ever made.  design allows me to be unique, to express my opinions, to try to change our lives for the better.  from initial research to final concept presentations, i enjoy every aspect of product design and hope that i will have a successful career in the industry.
honours project
overview knitting provides a whole range of benefits; it can improve health, enhance communities and encourage sustainability.  because of these benefits the aim of this project was to make the experience of knitting easier thus encouraging people to learn the activity and knit more often. through extensive research a variety of design opportunities were discovered but two stood out as significant problems to both learners and experienced knitters;  knitting and crochet patterns are hard to decipher, using a plethora of abbreviations. counting rows is essential but easy to forget and can disturb the natural rhythm of knitting. the solution, ‘purl’, is a wearable knitting product which combats both these problems, making knitting a much easier and more enjoyable experience.
design detail
career aspirations
i am currently looking for a job in the design industry.  my dream is to be able to point to a product and say “i designed that”
web
gemmariley@live.commailto:griley@uclan.ac.ukshapeimage_18_link_0
www.coroflot.com/gemrileyhttp://www.coroflot.com/gemrileyshapeimage_19_link_0