Catherine Tough

Catherine Tough is a British knitwear designer producing cashmere and lambswool accessories from her Kentish Town studio. The collections, hot water bottles, socks, cushions and throws, are designed in London and knitted in small UK and Nepalese mills, with a focus on tactile, lasting pieces rather than seasonal drop.
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    Women's Organic Cotton Ankle Sock Sausage Dog Jade Women's Organic Cotton Ankle Sock Sausage Dog Jade
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    Womens Lambswool Fingerless Gloves Bordeaux Stripe
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    Men's Lambswool Socks Lobster Grey
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    Unisex Lambswool Fingerless Gloves Navy Stripe
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    Women's Organic Cotton Ankle Socks Sea Horse Blue Women's Organic Cotton Ankle Socks Sea Horse Blue
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    Women's Lambswool Socks Fairisle Mustard
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    Women's Lambswool Silk Socks Green/Lilac
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    Unisex Lambswool Fingerless Gloves Rust
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    Lambswool Hottie Cover Green & Grey Mountain Lambswool Hottie Cover Green & Grey Mountain
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    Men's Lambswool Socks Mountain Green Men's Lambswool Socks Mountain Green

    The studio is best known for hand-knitted cashmere and lambswool hot water bottle covers, now alongside a full range of accessories including cushions, throws, bedsocks and travel sets. The sensibility is tactile, subdued and rooted in craft knitwear.

    Design happens at the Kentish Town studio, with knitting split between small UK mills and a long-standing cashmere workshop in Nepal. Catherine travels regularly to audit production, and the supply chain is transparent on the brand's site.

    Yes, the cashmere is traceable to Mongolian and Inner Mongolian herders, and the Nepalese workshop operates to WFTO fair trade principles. Catherine lists supplier information openly, which is uncommon in the accessories sector.

    Hand-wash or cool machine-wash on a wool cycle, using a dedicated cashmere or wool detergent. Lay flat to dry and store folded rather than hung, which keeps the knit from distorting over time.

    • In The Studio: Catherine Macgruer
      Designers
      In The Studio: Catherine Macgruer
      We're heading up to the Highlands of Scotland this week to watch textile designer Catherine MacGruer knit her latest line of abstract cushions and throws for Heal's. Balancing craft and new technologies, each design starts out as a series of deconstructed collages before it is reworked into a beautiful knitted accessory from super fine merino wool. To find out more we paid a visit to her small studio in the countryside to talk textiles and what the future holds. Tell us about the first piece you ever designed? After graduating I started designing patterned Merino wool blankets before expanding my range to include other textile products for both body and home. Where did you study? I studied Textile Design at The Glasgow School of Art, and specialised in knitted textiles. I was and still am fascinated with the endless possibilities knit has to offer when combining bold patterns and quality wool yarns. What is the inspiration behind your work? My inspiration is constantly evolving, I am always inspired by travel whether it be within the UK or further afield, recording patterns and shapes along the way, through photography and collaging. Other constant sources of inspiration include, Scandinavian design, masquerade and folk costume and traditional Scottish Knit. The collection of cushions available at Heals was inspired by the fragmented patterns within mosaics seen in Barcelona. The eclectic mix of styles and colours made an exciting starting point. Do you have a design hero that influences your work? I admire the work of many, from photographers like Charles Freger to brands such as Marimekko and artists and designers including Sonia Delaunay and Alexander Girard . The list could go on and on. Where is your studio? My studio is a small wooden cabin in the Highlands of Scotland, It was a building project for my partner Mike and I. With a lot of help from family and friends we sourced the materials, using reclaimed windows, flooring, doors and timber. It is naturally bright and I feel very lucky to be able to work in such a lovely space. Tell us about your design process, how do you get started? My design process always starts with collecting inspiration and collating it on the studio wall. I use collage to experiment with shapes, colours and compositions reworking them until something clicks. I then have to consider how these designs will work technically when developed in to a knitted fabric. Do you have a preferred material or process? I currently only work with high quality super fine Merino Wool. It has so many amazing properties, it is great to knit with on the machine and it is a non fibrous yarn which keeps the geometric shapes in my designs sharp. It is soft to touch and a natural sustainable material. The pieces are machine knitted using advanced jacquard techniques creating double thickness quality fabric. How did you get involved with Heal’s? Last year I won the New Design Britain Award for my Textiles at the May Design Series, A member of the judging panel arranged for me to meet with Heals buying team. It has been a dream of mine to have my designs stocked by Heals so it has been a very exciting and surreal experience. How would you describe the collection? The designs are a bold and vibrant mix of geometric patterns and shapes creating statement accessories for any interior. Knitted in the UK using the highest quality Merino wool, they are made to last and be treasured. Shop Now Back to top
    • Iconic Designer Brands At Heal’s
      Brands
      Iconic Designer Brands At Heal’s
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British Brands at Heal’s ercol Iconic British furniture brand ercol is known for its blend of quality craftsmanship and stylish design. Since 1920, this family business has produced luxuriously hand-crafted chairs and tables. ercol furniture is renowned across the globe thanks to its long-lasting quality. Case Working with world-renowned designers, Case is a vanguard of creativity and creates luxury wood furniture that is modern, with integrity and character. Innovative brands at Heal’s Tom Dixon Tom Dixon is one of Britain’s most acclaimed industrial designers, bringing wit, imagination and charm to everyday objects. Relentlessly innovative, incomparably creative and a true pioneer of design, where Tom Dixon innovates, others follow. Gazzda Bosnian design house Gazzda embraces its homeland’s fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, and the longstanding tradition of craftsmanship that accompanies them. The brand was created for a simple purpose; to make the world a bit more handsome and cosier than they found it, while creating furniture that will make you smile. ferm LIVING Founded in 2005 by designer Trine Andersen, ferm LIVING’s designs enhance the small and candid moments of everyday life. Based on a passion for authentic design and clear functionality, the Copenhagen-based design house is rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition and are constantly challenging themselves to shape the future. Amura Amura is a young brand rich in culture and passion, and eager to bring into your home the best of Italian craftmanship. Muuto With their name coming from the Finnish for 'new perspectives', Muuto handpicks leading contemporary designers who are strong interpreters of their philosophy. By expanding on their heritage with forward-looking materials, techniques and bold creative thinking, their ambition is to deliver new perspectives on Scandinavian design. Sustainable brands at Heal’s Kartell Continuing to break the mould in furniture and lighting, each Kartell piece is made in collaboration with prestigious international designers such as Philippe Starck and Ferruccio Laviani. Ongoing research and innovation in industrial processes have enabled the Bio Componibili cabinet to be produced with a biopolymer made from renewable raw materials, derived from non-GMO agricultural waste. Linie Design Committed to sustainable design, Linie Design rugs are produced using slow craftsmanship, without machinery, and transcend trends and the transience of time and so are passed on as a treasured heirlooms. SCP Furniture Founded in 1985, SCP is firmly established as one of the UK’s most innovative and internationally respected manufacturers and suppliers of contemporary furniture. True to its founding idea, SCP makes design products that are beautiful, functional, and made to last. Mater Named after the Latin word for mother, Copenhagen-based design studio Mater serves as a daily reminder of our connection with mother earth. Mater limits its impact on the planet by using techniques that support local crafting traditions and the environment. Riva 1920 Based on the scenic coast of Lombardy, Italy, Riva 1920 creates contemporary crafted furniture using only the finest solid wood timbers. Each element is subjected to detailed qualitative and functional compliance checks, guaranteeing an authentic and completely natural product. Gandia Blasco Gandia Blasco, based in Valencia, produces its rugs in India by artisan rug makers. Sustainability has always been a priority for GAN. From the beginning, it has been the principle that has permeated all the processes of the brand: from the manufacture of its products and the renewal of artisan techniques to the preference for natural materials. Artisan brands at Heal’s Artisan Bosnian manufacturer Artisan is steeped in heritage. Having emerged from the traditional woodworking shop Ćostović, over 50 years of experience is poured into each creation. A genuine passion and appreciation of wood is fused into the entire manufacturing process.
    • Top 5 British Furniture Brands
      BrandsDesigners
      Top 5 British Furniture Brands
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