Most people would agree that you can usually trace the interests you have as an adult right back to childhood. For some people, this is also true of their professional choice. It may not always seem obvious but, if you think back, chances are there were some signs, whether you were a bookworm or into music or art, or passionate about sport or the environment.
For textile designer Joy Bates, the roots of her interest in textiles can be traced back to her early days when her mother taught her to hand knit. In 2010 Joy launched her own business, Seven Gauge Studios, specializing in home accessories including knitted cushions and throws, along with a range of scarves. She now sells to a wide range of shops in the UK and abroad. Here, Joy talks about her design inspiration, the career path that led her to launch the business, and her passion for manufacturing in the UK.
