THE next generation of potential textile designers were asked to put their skills to the test at Huddersfield University.
Year 12 pupils from Ossett High School were invited to show their talents on a one-day visit to the university's School of Art and Design that took in the art of felt-making.
University tutor David Hand said: "The university is the only institution in the country that still has a sample needle felt line.
"This enables students from other universities, colleges and schools to explore the diversity of fabric design that the plant offers.
"The university's Textile Design Department welcomes many local schools who come to use the machinery. It also gives us the added advantage of being able to work with the world's top felt designers."
As well as touring the university's facilities and studios, the Ossett students were set up an actual project, in which the pupils had to come up with their own designs for a felt fabric.
Mr Hand added: "Needle felting is used in a variety of products, like underlay, horticulture, acoustics, filters, blankets, upholstery, apparel, and many others items.
"At their school they put together lots of designs through paintings and drawings. They then came to the university to be able to put these ideas on to an actual fabric."
