Arts Thread

This expressive textile collection is made for neurodivergent women and femme-aligned people who want to celebrate their authentic identities and start to make their spaces work for them. Supporting a growing willingness to embrace individuality and finding strength in our sensitivities. With 80% of autistic women receiving their diagnosis post age 18, a lost generation is now emerging. This makes it important now more than ever to raise awareness about the societal biases that have prevented autistic women from receiving the support and understanding they require. To add to this, sensory products are often designed for children, but autistic children grow up into autistic adults that still need sensory products and support. This collection aims to achieve a refined adult take on the typical sensory product, encouraging the normalisation of these designs and integrating them into society to achieve more accessible and inclusive interior spaces. These designs are composed of an abstract amalgamation of shapes, textures and colours based on the quotes gathered about the experience of autism as a woman. Specialist surface finishes are used to add an elevated sensory aspect to the designs, welcoming the need for sensory regulation and making it a focal point within the home. The versatile colour palette is bold and engaging with a nostalgic feel to create a comforting and grounding atmosphere within the space. This portfolio also includes quotes from autistic women involved with the research and development process of this collection, sharing their experiences of being autistic. This is a textile collection developed by, with and for autistic women.

Sophie Amelia is a surface pattern designer for home interior products and accessories. She is a process-led designer-maker, specialising in screen printing. Applying an innovative human-centred approach, Sophie explores how design can improve well-being through sensory regulation, particularly for neurodivergent people. Her process is influenced by time spent in community workshops and aims to provoke societal change through empowerment and embracing authenticity to create inclusive sensory design pieces with an adult-focused approach. Often employing experimental drawing and mark-making techniques, Sophie communicates ideas through an abstract approach to image-making, using both hand and digital methods to construct compositions. Her work often includes the considered use of specialist surface finishes such as flocks, foils and other non-traditional printing techniques to elevate the tactile sensory approach. Sophie meticulously documents her inspiration, process and creative journey throughout the development of each project. Her keen eye for creating colour palettes, alongside material and finish exploration and extensive contextual research all play a crucial role in communicating the intended tone and mood of her work. Sophie aspires for her work to have purpose, with characteristics of personal value and longevity. Sustainable material choices and a focus on long-term and social trends alongside her handcrafted approach allow the creation of forward-thinking designs and inventive collections.