Jackie Kilmartin is a Philadelphia based designer and heads the SHIMA SEIKI Fashion Knitting Lab at Drexel University. Her current research and creative work includes textile forming technologies, specifically weft knit fabrication and weft knitwear design. Ms. Kilmartin teaches coursework in materials exploration, knit textile and garment programming, and knitwear design.
Prior to joining Drexel, Jackie was a biomedical textile engineer for the medical industry, where she developed woven, braided, warp knit and weft knit textiles, using novelty and conventional raw materials. Since 2018 she has been focusing her research and creative work on fabric and program library development within the SHIMA SEIKI Fashion Knitting Lab at Drexel University. She has received three university grants focused on creating shared textile content for university-wide collaboration. While the library includes a wide range of stitch content, Professor Kilmartin's creative interests lie in jacquard fabrication. She is currently working on projects including textile development with novel materials and dimensional jacquard garment design.
Jackie also designs work under the textile-driven fashion brand, Lillian Jackson Textiles (LJT). Each LJT piece is designed & crafted in her Philadelphia studio, using hand-framed knitting looms & sustainable, low-impact materials. LJT has been sold internationally at fine craft shows, boutiques & online.
Keynote Speaker (2020, October) Textile Art and Design Themes during COVID-19. Korean Society of Fashion Business International Conference, Virtual
Speaker (2017, October) Being a Designer/Maker of your own Brand in 2017. Tandem Conference, Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA
Contributing Artisan for Textile Wearables - Salamony, S., & Brown, G. (2010) 1000 Artisan Textiles: Contemporary Fiber Arts, Quilts and Wearables, Quarry Books.
My current area of research is in textile development, specifically flat-bed ‘digital’ knitting how this technology plays a role in responsible fabric and garment design.
GRANTS
2022
USDA Higher Education Challenge Grants Program
'Farm to Fashion through STEAM' with Dr. Ali Howell Abolo, Drexel University
2020
Cotton Incorporated Cotton in the Cirriculum Grant
'Cotton Crossroads' with Beth Quinn and Danielle Claassen, Drexel University
2019
Drexel University Faculty Scholarly and Creative Activity Award
Knit Textile Fabric and Program Library
Drexel University Faculty Scholarly and Creative Activity Award
Knit Textile Fabric and Program Library
2017
Drexel University Westphal College Mini Grant Award
Travel award to Wakayama, Japan for Shima Seiki APEX software training
Drexel University International Travel Grant Award
Travel award to Wakayama, Japan for Shima Seiki APEX software training
SELECTED JURIED SHOWS
Philadelphia Museum of Art Fine Craft Show, Philadelphia PA, 2017, 2016, 2014
Exhibitor, Fibers-Wearable
CRAFT + DESIGN, Richmond VA, 2017
Exhibitor, Fibers-Wearable
Charlotte Contemporary, Charlotte NC, 2016
Exhibitor, Fibers-Wearable
NY Now, New York NY, 2016 (Wholesale), 2016
Exhibitor/Vendor, Hand-Made, Emerging Maker Award Winner
Palm Beach Fine Craft Show, Palm Beach FL, 2015-2016
Exhibitor, Fibers-Wearable
American Craft Exposition, Glencoe IL, 2015
Exhibitor, Fibers-Wearable
Capsule, New York NY, 2015 (Wholesale)
Vendor, Accessories
American Made Show, Washington DC, 2015 (Wholesale)
Exhibitor/Vendor, Fibers-Wearable, Merit Award Winner
Washington Fine Craft Show, Washington DC, 2014
Exhibitor, Fibers-Wearable
American Craft Council, Baltimore MD, 2013-present
Member & Exhibitor, Accessories
One of a Kind Show & Sale, Chicago IL, 2013-2014
Exhibitor, Accessories
PA Guild of Craftsmen, Lancaster PA, 2013-2018
Member & Retail Exhibitor, Fibers-Wearable
Twist Cable Tunic, organic un-dyed cotton and flax, hand-framed knit, 2017
Eyelet Capelet, organic cotton, bamboo rayon, lurex, hand-framed knit, 2017
Petal Wrap, conventional cotton and merino wool, hand-framed knit, 2017
Box Crop Tee, organic fair trade cotton double cloth, hand-dyed 2018
Silk Tunic, spun silk chamois, hand-dyed, 2018