Michelle's designs on textiles

A GRADUATE from Huddersfield University is helping to bring West Yorkshire's wool industry into the 21st century.

"I take influence from a wide range of sources including films, news, weather and museums. I translate trends into moods and colour boards which I then apply to carpet design."I am as passionate now, if not more so, as when I first graduated in surface pattern design - and what better way to fulfil this passion by visualising ideas and translating them for clients using such a fabulous natural fabric to produce quality products in such a well-established industry?""I had to learn the whole manufacturing process from start to finish - from processing the raw wool to fitting the final product. I'd never worked with a material such as wool, which dictates and restricts the design process due to the processes and complexity of production. It was an exciting new challenge for me."* KEEPING BUSY: Graduate Michelle Clitherow, of Dewsbury-based Calderdale Carpets, is constantly researching new ideas for designsEntering her final year at university, she continued to work freelance for a prestigious London clothing company where she applied her pattern design knowledge. Despite being offered a job in fashion upon graduation, Michelle realised her goal was to work in interior design.CAPTION(S):Michelle said: "When I first got the job, I was slightly nervous about working with a natural, raw material that was completely new to me.And Richmond-born Michelle has made a name for herself in the industry in a short space of time with her bright ideas and creative thinking.Said Michelle: "I am constantly researching my next design, whether at work, on the train or out and about. I never stop, inspiration is all around me."Our clients, who are predominantly in the hotel and leisure industry as well as interior designers and architects, love the fact that we are unique in providing bespoke innovative design and production of quality carpets here in the UK, but we never forget the importance of using traditional methods and locally-sourced materials."In her role at Calderdale Carpets, she is helping the industry shake off its old-fashioned image and combine creativity and cutting edge design with traditional manufacturing methods.Greg Bedford, managing director of Calderdale Carpets, said he was thrilled with the experience Michelle had brought to the company - complementing its excellent in-house creative design team.Calderdale Carpets is part of the Heavy Woollen District - so-called due to the area's history of manufacturing of wool for carpets, clothing and blankets.During her year-long work placement, Michelle gained experience in adult fashion, children's clothing design, interiors, wallpaper, glass and graphic design projects. She even taught design to students at Queen Elizabeth College in Richmond.The firm manufactures quality wool carpets and flooring entirely from local materials - mainly for the hotel, leisure and hospitality industry."Our focus is on cutting edge design and quality so we've expanded nationally and taken on the London market," she said."I quickly realised that I could apply my creativity and knowledge to carpet manufacturing and be part of a fast growing industry where design and vision were becoming equally as important as quality and traditional manufacturing."Michelle and the team produce top-quality, fantastically creative designs, quickly and consistently," he said. "All of them are big on ideas, which they express so well and are great at translating clients' visions easily into paper, on screen and into wool and yarn."In early 2009 Michelle began working in the design studio at Calderdale Carpets.Two years on and Michelle now manages Calderdale Carpets' clients in London."My placement experiences gave me exposure to the world of interiors and I loved it. Whereas other students on my course were keen to break into fashion, I had a keen interest and pull towards interiors," she said.Michelle Clitherow, 25, who gained a first class honours degree in fashion and interiors at Huddersfield in 2009, manages the London sales and design operations for Dewsbury-based Calderdale Carpets.

* KEEPING BUSY: Graduate Michelle Clitherow, of Dewsbury-based Calderdale Carpets, is constantly researching new ideas for designs

Caesarstone® Launches its New Interactive iPhone Application

The new application, featuring Caesarstone’s quartz surfaces collections, is built to inspire and assist in designing any interior space. It is intended for the use of both Consumers, looking for creative ideas and information while renovating their homes, and Architects and Designers using it as part of their professional tool kit.

“Caesarstone” is free and can be downloaded for iPhone users at the Apple store. More information is available on the Caesarstone website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.The power of ‘’Caesarstone’’ comes from its ability to inspire with its design modules and vast gallery, while providing the most up to date "where to buy" information – all in a simple, on the go solution.D. Gallery – showcasing preferred images of kitchens, bathrooms, and worldwide commercial projects display application.“We are pleased to be launching this kind of technologically innovative solution,” Said Eli Feiglin, Caesarstone marketing VP. “These days, everyone wants to bring out their individuality and dreams while remodeling, building or expanding a home. Our company’s goal is to do just that, help people express themselves. This original application is another touch point to enhance our brand promise and communicate with our audiences. We look forward to developing further tools for iPad, and Android users as well.”TEL AVIV, Israel -- Caesarstone Ltd., the pioneer and leading manufacturer of Caesarstone quartz surfaces, today announced it has launched its first iPhone application called “Caesarstone”. The application is available in four languages, English, French, Spanish, and Hebrew, and will be used in over 30 worldwide countries. Available today on the apple iPhone App store, the application includes interactive features that will be valuable for a wide group of audience in the home décor industry.Founded in 1987 near the ancient Roman city of Caesarea, Caesarstone manufactures high-quality, quartz surface slabs for a variety of uses and applications, such as bathroom vanities, flooring, quartz countertops for kitchens and more. A quartz surface pioneer and global leader, Caesarstone creates surface slabs that are easy to transport, fabricate, install and maintain. They are scratch resistant, heat resistant, non porous, and maintain their lush for years. With an international distribution network, Caesarstone’s quartz surfaces are readily available worldwide at strategic global locations, and accompanied by a comprehensive warranty and service. Today Caesarstone is constantly focused on maintaining innovation and high quality product while enhancing its commitment to the environment.About CaesarstoneE. My Notebook - Save favorite colors and designs to the notebook to compare, review and share on facebook.www.caesarstone.comWhen connected to the iPhone, users will be able to take full advantage of the various “Caesarstone” features, some of which include:C. Camera - providing users the ability to photograph any image and find its closes match with the available Caesarstone color collection.A. An Interactive Design Module - a ‘drag and drop’ feature, allowing users to match Caesarstone vast range of colors with a selection of cabinet shades, creating different kitchen and bathrooms designs.

Founded in 1987 near the ancient Roman city of Caesarea, Caesarstone manufactures high-quality, quartz surface slabs for a variety of uses and applications, such as bathroom vanities, flooring, quartz countertops for kitchens and more. A quartz surface pioneer and global leader, Caesarstone creates surface slabs that are easy to transport, fabricate, install and maintain. They are scratch resistant, heat resistant, non porous, and maintain their lush for years. With an international distribution network, Caesarstone’s quartz surfaces are readily available worldwide at strategic global locations, and accompanied by a comprehensive warranty and service. Today Caesarstone is constantly focused on maintaining innovation and high quality product while enhancing its commitment to the environment.