Category: Textiles

how to source fabrics sustainably from around the world-is it possible?

Sustainability in textiles promotes ethical sourcing and conscious consumerism. It involves choosing materials based on environmental impact, fair labour practices, and transparency. By collaborating with certified suppliers, supporting artisan communities, and staying informed about certifications like Oeko-Tex, individuals can make informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable future in the textile industry.… Read More how to source fabrics sustainably from around the world-is it possible?

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artists who weave messages into their work

In every thread, a whisper. In every pattern, a pause. Across cultures and centuries, artists have turned to textiles not just for warmth or beauty, but as vessels of meaning—woven languages that speak through texture, rhythm, and repetition. This post explores the quiet radicalism of those who stitch, knot, and loop their messages into cloth.… Read More artists who weave messages into their work

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Recipes For Natural Dyeing & Fabric Printing

Natural dyeing with plants and kitchen scraps offers a sustainable method to colour textiles, producing unique earthy hues. Combining dyeing with stencils or block printing enhances creativity and personalisation while embracing sustainable practices. This approach discourages harsh chemicals, making it ideal for customisable textile art and mindful creative expression.… Read More Recipes For Natural Dyeing & Fabric Printing

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threaded with meaning: how textiles have been used for memory and healing through history

Textiles are more than just practical objects—they are sensory, symbolic, and deeply personal. Across cultures and centuries, cloth has served not only to clothe the body but also to comfort the soul. From the stitched stories of traditional quilts to medicinal fabric treatments used in ancient practices, textiles have long been tools of healing and… Read More threaded with meaning: how textiles have been used for memory and healing through history

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hidden protest: suffragette embroidery in holloway prison

This post is inspired by the research and reflections of Denise Jones, as featured in “A Suffragette Detective Story” on Selvedge Magazine’s website. Her work continues to illuminate the legacy of textile protest with clarity and compassion. A Mended Resistance Fig 1: Cissie Wilcox, an embroidered panel (December, 1911). All images © Museum of London.… Read More hidden protest: suffragette embroidery in holloway prison

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prison embroidery: hidden resistance in stitch

Throughout history, embroidery has been a quiet yet powerful form of protest — especially behind bars. In prisons, stitching became an act of defiance, a way to reclaim identity, express resistance, and document injustice when voices were silenced. From suffragettes to political prisoners, embroidery offered a rare moment of agency within confinement. Where to Find… Read More prison embroidery: hidden resistance in stitch

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the craftivist movement: gentle protest, powerful change

In a world of loud protests and fast-paced activism, the Craftivist Movement offers a quieter, more reflective approach to campaigning for change. Combining craft and activism, craftivism uses hand-making — embroidery, knitting, quilting — as a peaceful tool to challenge injustice and encourage thoughtful conversations. What is Craftivism?Coined by writer Betsy Greer in 2003, craftivism… Read More the craftivist movement: gentle protest, powerful change

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Stitching Sorrow: Thomas Hood’s poem The Song of the Shirt and the Victorian Needle trade

Although this topic may not be local in the strictest sense, I thought it might resonate with readers in Hyde, given the town’s deep-rooted connection to the textile industry. Themes of craftsmanship, material expression, and cultural storytelling have long been woven into Hyde’s identity — and this subject echoes many of those threads. At first… Read More Stitching Sorrow: Thomas Hood’s poem The Song of the Shirt and the Victorian Needle trade

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ayurvastra: the healing fabric of ancient wisdom

Ayurvastra, is an ancient Indian textile tradition meaning “life cloth,” and is experiencing a revival as a natural remedy for wellness. Made from organic fibres and dyed with medicinal herbs, it promotes health and sustainability. Through traditional methods, Ayurvastra supports healing, complements conventional medicine, and underscores slow fashion values while benefiting artisan communities.… Read More ayurvastra: the healing fabric of ancient wisdom

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weaving the past into the future: the significance of preserving & reinventing heritage textile techniques

In a world increasingly shaped by automation and fast fashion, the traditional arts of textile-making—spinning, dyeing, weaving, and embroidery—are often overshadowed. Yet, heritage textile techniques remain vital not only for their aesthetic and cultural value but also for what they can teach us about sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Preserving and reinventing these practices is more… Read More weaving the past into the future: the significance of preserving & reinventing heritage textile techniques

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