STUDENT and mother Louise Haley is out to prove that the textile industry is still alive and knitting.

The Lindley textile crafts student has had her designs picked up by Holmfirth company Rowan Yarns, which sells in 29 countries worldwide.

And Louise, 37, is only in her second year of university.

Her designs were selected as part of a sponsored project with Rowan, who commissioned students from Huddersfield and Nottingham Trent universities to design or make jewellery accessories using the yarns Rowan produce.

Louise’s design was selected as a winner and she said: “I was pleased with the pieces I created and surprised how much I enjoyed hand knitting as I usually prefer to use a knitting machine.”

Holmfirth-based Rowan wanted to support emerging talent and has previously been involved with students at the Royal College of Art in London.

But they have joined forces with Huddersfield University and extended the Rowan Design Award to students in the town.

Ruth Fones, university senior design lecturer, said: “In the current climate of throw-away fast fashion it’s great to work with a company that really appreciates the value of traditional crafts and slower working practices. It’s great our students are being given the opportunity to work with such an internationally-renowned brand .”