Schmidt created her award-winning design "Closer Distance" at the state-of-the-art laboratory for stitching technology in the Textiles faculty. In order to transform her vision into reality, Schmidt used an ADF 530-32 ki BcW multi-gauge flat knitting knitting machine from STOLL, which is available to students at Reutlingen Universityl along with other STOLL machine models. The high-quality merino wool and silk yarn that feature in the design were provided by Filatura Tollegno 1900 S.r.l.
The Design "Closer Distance" won over the international jury and visitors to the Pitti Filati trade fair. The outfit is inspired by the changing perception of proximity and distance spurred by technology.