Image credit: Claire Gaffney via Unsplash In Japanese, the word boro (ぼろ) literally means “tattered” or “ragged.” Yet in the world of textiles, boro has become a symbol of endurance, resourcefulness, and beauty born from necessity. What is Boro? Boro refers to cloth that has been patched and re-patched over generations. Traditionally, families in rural… Read More the beauty of boro: japan’s tradition of visible mending
Handsome embroidered, scented gloves were fashionable in the late-1500s and early-1600s Fashion and Status During his period, gloves were more than just a protective garment for the hands; they were symbols of wealth, power, and refinement. The nobility and upper classes often wore gloves adorned with intricate embroidery, made from fine leather, silk, or velvet,… Read More Why Were Embroidered and Scented Gloves Made?
When I first learned that the earliest sewing machines were made left-handed, I was genuinely struck by this fascinating detail. For a tool that is so widely used and would go on to revolutionise the clothing and textile industry worldwide, the idea that its initial design might have unintentionally favoured left-handed users caught my imagination.… Read More The Left-Handed Origins of the Sewing Machine: A Surprising Tale
Rachel Bakewell 