Creativity in isolation: DIY projects from UAL alumni

Alumni from across University of the Arts London (UAL) are finding creative ways to break up the isolation-boredom; they're creating and sharing patterns for you to make at home. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourites for you here.

Daniel W. Fletcher

Central Saint Martins (CSM) alumnus, and star of Netflix’s Next in Fashion, Daniel W. Fletcher shared how to make a patchwork quilt, inspired by one of his collections on the show. It’s a great way to beat the boredom of isolation, and use up any scraps of material you have lying around.

Head to his Instagram to see how to make it

Daniel holding up his finished blanket — **Daniel W Fletcher with his finished patchwork quilt. Photograph: Abbi Fletcher/ via the Guardian**

Christopher Raeburn

Although Christopher is best known as a fashion designer, he actually studied for his BA in Sculpture at Chelsea back in the 90s. Christopher and his team have released the exclusive patterns to make 2 of their most iconic mascots; the shark and the panda. They have also shared tips and a mini-masterclass on their Instagram.

The patterns and tutorials can be found on Instagram

Handmade shark, red, blue — **Raeburn Shark Mascot. Photo from Raeburn Design**

Katie Jones

CSM alumna and knitwear designer Katie has created a free blanket pattern for you to crochet at home. She is releasing it weekly in parts, with the aim of helping keep makers connected during the lockdown, and she’s also providing weekly Instagram lives to answer any questions you may have (although, understandably, the day can vary depending on how sunny it has been!).

Head to her website to start yours

**Katie Jones's website. Image from: katiejonesknit.co.uk**

Edward Crutchley

CSM alumnus Edward has set himself the task of creating a new thing each day during the lockdown. His first project: create a pattern for and sew a Japanese Kimono.

He told the Guardian, that whilst a traditional kimono looks simple, it actually takes a lot of skill, so he has created a pattern for a one-piece robe, that is much easier to make; “there are only three seams and three hems. I tried to make it as simple as possible.”

Since then he has also added the pattern for a one-piece top too. Head over to his Instagram to download the patterns and follow how he got along on his Instagram stories.

Follow him on Instagram

Grey kimono, with belt — **One-piece kimono with belt Photograph: Edward Crutchley**

Beth Fraser

London College of Fashion (LCF) alumna Beth is a fashion illustrator who has launched Colour Blocks, downloadable and printable versions of her artwork which you can print and colour at home. Each design is available for a £1 donation which goes straight to NHS Charities Together, a scheme providing help and support to NHS workers throughout their 250 UK-wide collectives.

Find out more on Beth’s website

3 illustrations — **Beth Fraser Colour Blocks/ Image credit: @befraser via Instagram**

If you know of any other amazing projects that UAL alumni are organising or creating at the moment, let us know: alumni@arts.ac.uk