Innovation Studio : Sling Studio

Sling Studio is a Dorset business that sells textile wraps, baby slings and scarves. All of their products are designed, spun, dyed and woven in the British Isles from vegan-friendly natural supplies. Slings and scarves are produced in strictly limited runs and sell throughout the world.

Alicia Jeffries, founder and director of Sling Studio, approached AUB to produce a new fabric range that drew upon the talents of our second-year BA (Hons) Textiles Design students. The project was taken on as a student ‘live brief’ which ran throughout the Autumn term. Fifteen students submitted designs for consideration, many of whom drew inspiration from the Dorset coastline and countryside, reflecting the natural ethos of the company.

The shortlisted designs were launched on Sling Studio’s high-profile social media channels and put to an audience vote, with the winner being taken into production. Over 1,000 people responded and the designs were so popular that three student designs have been selected for production.

The company also received an Access Voucher to use the dye room in our workshop.

AUB Staff: Anne-Marie Howat and Nicky Coyne

This project is supported through match-funding by the England European Regional Development Funds Growth Programme 2014–2020. This fund was established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. This investment will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.