Kate Jaeger
BA (Hons)
Senior Lecturer and Charity and Communities Manager
Areas of specialism:
Community engagement, focus on collaborative textile projects, skill sharing and participation
Biography
Kate Jaeger is a Sewing Lecturer on the Norland Diploma. She is responsible for designing, delivering and assessing projects, buying materials and budgeting for the department. Her passion is to teach people how to sew and the course embraces this by building practical, technical skills and confidence in hand and machine sewing.
After graduating with a degree in Fashion design Kate had a successful career in costume for the film industry. In tandem, Kate maintained her commitment to community and intergenerational learning, devising and implementing sewing projects for children and adults in London. Her passionate interest in social responsibility has guided her department’s involvement in charitable sewing initiatives, which aim to bridge social divides and enhance lives through creative collaboration.
Publications and scholarly activities
2024
Jaeger, K. (September 2024) Sustainability at the Core of the Curriculum as Norland Prepares to Host Sustainable Fashion Week. SFW Blog. Retrieved from https://www.norland.ac.uk/sewing-lecturer-kate-jaeger-shares-This blog post explores Kate Jaeger’s journey into fashion and sustainability, her role at Norland, and the significance of incorporating sustainability into the curriculum at Norland.
2024
Blankets for First Steps Nursery
Collaborated with Jo Price and first-year Norland students to create four patchworked blankets for use in First Steps Nursery. These blankets were designed to be versatile for play, den making, and snuggling, providing comfort and warmth for the children.
2023
Jaeger, K., Price, J., Norland Staff, Students, & Community Members (2023). 12ft x 12ft Grenfell Memorial Quilt Panel [Quilt panel]. Norland College, Bath, UK.
This commemorative piece was created using cotton fabrics with appliqué and embroidery techniques. It was facilitated through the coordination of a community group of volunteers. The group shared stories and skills while collaboratively honouring the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, fostering a strong friendship that has continued beyond the project. The central panel, crafted in Norland's signature brown, features the motto "Love Never Faileth." This panel will join others in 2027 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire in London.
2023
Incubator Covers
Jointly coordinated a group of Norland students with Jo Price to create four incubator covers for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal United Hospitals, Bath. The covers were designed collaboratively with Jo Price, developed with input from medical staff to ensure they met specific requirements, including the use of blackout fabric and accessibility at designated ends of the incubator.
2022
30-Year Commemorative Quilt
Collaborated with Jo Price and first-year Norland students to create a 30-year Commemorative Quilt for Children’s Hospice South West. The quilt was made from cotton and designed to feature patchwork, printing, and appliqué techniques, incorporating colours and elements of the hospice's branding.
2021
Jaeger, K., (2021). 125-Year Norland Commemorative Quilt [Quilt]. Norland College, Bath, UK.
Created using cotton fabrics and techniques such as appliqué and embroidery, this quilt was produced by a community of volunteers, including Norland staff and students, to celebrate Norland’s 125th anniversary. It serves as a tribute to children and the importance of creativity, marking a significant milestone in Norland’s history through a collaborative, multi-generational effort. Children were invited to create drawings for the quilt, which were then embroidered by staff. The quilt incorporates Norland’s two mottos, “Love Never Faileth” and “Strength in Adversity,” along with appliquéd speedwell flowers, enhancing its meaningful design.
2019
Jaeger, K. (October 2019). Halloween Bunting: A seasonal craft idea using Halloween-Inspired Potato Prints. Hello! Magazine.
This online piece provided a guide to creating Halloween-themed bunting with potato prints, offering a fun and accessible seasonal craft for children. Other activity ideas were contributed separately by Norland.
Events and public engagement
28/09/2024
Sustainable Fashion Forum
Public Sustainable Fashion Forum, organised in collaboration with Sustainable Fashion Week. The event featured interactive upcycling and darning workshops, a clothes swap with a presentation by sustainable stylist Becky Barnes, and a panel discussion on creating a sustainable wardrobe with industry experts. Attended by both adults and children.
