Portfolio from the spring class.
Barbara Robertson, our Knitwear Product Development + Design Instructor, is an experienced and well-rounded apparel professional. She has senior level experience in product development, technical design and merchandising in all aspects of the apparel industry from manufacturing, wholesale, retail, catalog and internet sales. Her expertise and focus is knitwear development + design and she brings passion and enthusiasm to the classroom. I caught up with Barbara recently to talk about her knitwear, trends and her class.
Tell us about yourself—you’re an expert in knitwear, how did you get there?
I’ve worked in the fashion industry throughout my entire career. In College I majored in Clothing/Textiles and Minored in Art – it’s always been my passion and love! From there I worked with several large firms in fashion merchandising and product development – developing both wovens and knitwear. When most companies made the move to developing and designing product from the ground up – it was my job to know everything about knitwear from yarn development through design and final product development – and communicate that to overseas knitting factories. The most exciting thing is to start with a design concept, select a yarn and produce a garment – and then see it sell in the marketplace.
How do you bring your professional life, your work as Senior Product developer, into the classroom?
I do my best to communicate and teach students about the real world of knitwear and fashion. We start with the basics and go straight through the complete cycle of taking your initial designs and developing them. Some students want to be independent designers – some want to work in the industry at large. Most new designers know they want to design – they just don’t know how to get there or the steps involved.
Knitwear can on the surface seem narrow, but in your last class there were a wide assortment of product designs, from traditional sweaters to athletic wear. Can you talk about what constitutes knitwear and the directions in which students can take it?
Portfolio from the spring class.
Knitwear is anything that is made of knit construction. Each designer or product developer has his or her own unique love of style and design. Some want to design, cut and sew athletic garments, some want to design beautiful iconic sweaters or handbags. The key is to find where your passions and ability lie and find that niche market you can excel and be passionate in. I help students identify their niche and goals and then how to move forward.
What aspects of Product Development + Design do you cover in your class?
The complete knitwear cycle from initial concept to production, completing concept and inspiration boards – and everything I do on a daily basis – from selecting yarns through the final finished garment. I also touch on the history and art of knitwear.
Do you knit yourself?
Yes – I have been knitting and sewing since I was 10. It’s very important that designers understand both hand and machine knitting in order to really design, develop and produce it in the fashion world.
What do you think people can be expecting to see in the world of knitwear fashion in the coming years?
More and more of it! Knitwear has grown tremendously as a category, especially in our more casual work place. Knits have replaced the suit, are comfortable, fashionable and express our individually. More professional designers are realizing they must design both wovens and knits to do well in the fashion industry. It can only get bigger!
What do you enjoy about working with adult learners at PNCA?
They are passionate about their art and want to be there and learn. Learning is exciting and a huge opportunity for self-growth, expression and career enhancement. Everyone should be a life long learner!
Thanks Barbara! You can find information on Knitwear Product Design + Development, Fiber Arts Classes and our entire class schedule on the CE registration website.
~Josh
