Category: Textiles

fabric treatments through time: historical approaches to fabric softening & medicinal textiles

From ancient civilizations to early industrial societies, textiles have served not just to clothe the body but to comfort, heal, and soothe. Long before synthetic softeners and antimicrobial coatings, communities around the world developed natural methods for treating fabrics to enhance their texture and even their medicinal properties. This article explores the fascinating historical approaches… Read More fabric treatments through time: historical approaches to fabric softening & medicinal textiles

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lorina bulwer: the embroidered outcry of a forgotten voice

Fig 1 Lorina Bulwer Textile Sampler Fig 2 Shoddy Exhibition Lorina Bulwer was an English woman who lived during the Victorian era and is remembered today not through conventional records or fame, but through a series of extraordinary, emotionally charged embroidered samplers. Created during her confinement in a workhouse in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, her needlework… Read More lorina bulwer: the embroidered outcry of a forgotten voice

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how sensory textiles can be inspired by historical techniques

Textiles have always been more than just practical items—they are vessels of memory, emotion, and sensory experience. Throughout history, fabrics have been crafted not only to serve functional purposes but also to provide comfort, stimulate the senses, and express cultural identity. Today, with a growing interest in wellness, sensory design, and sustainable living, designers and… Read More how sensory textiles can be inspired by historical techniques

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threads of memory: the connection between storytelling textiles & heritage-driven design

There’s something so evocative about the phrase “threads of memory.” I love how it captures the way fabric can hold stories, a narrative—whether it’s a scrap of cloth from a loved one’s garment or a hand-stitched detail that has been passed down through generations. It reminds me that textiles are not just materials; they’re keepers… Read More threads of memory: the connection between storytelling textiles & heritage-driven design

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SLOP CLOTHING: THE ORIGINS OF BRITAIN’S FIRST READY-MADE WARDROBE

In the bustling markets and narrow streets of 18th and 19th-century Britain, a quiet revolution in clothing was taking place, one not of fashion, but of function. Known as slop clothing, this early form of ready-made apparel clothed sailors, soldiers, and the swelling ranks of industrial workers. Though rarely celebrated, slop clothing played a critical… Read More SLOP CLOTHING: THE ORIGINS OF BRITAIN’S FIRST READY-MADE WARDROBE

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understanding viscose: a fabric at the crossroads of nature and industry

Viscose is one of the most widely used semi-synthetic fabrics in the world, known for its silk-like texture, softness, and versatility. Often labelled as “rayon” in the United States, viscose has been a staple in fashion and textiles since the early 20th century. But what exactly is viscose, and how sustainable is it really? What… Read More understanding viscose: a fabric at the crossroads of nature and industry

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chartism & art: imagining justice through visual culture

The Chartist movement, which swept across Britain between 1838 and 1857, is often remembered for its petitions, protests, and political demands and chief among them, universal male suffrage and parliamentary reform. But beyond speeches and signatures, Chartism was also a cultural force, giving rise to a rich body of artistic expression that reflected, reinforced, and… Read More chartism & art: imagining justice through visual culture

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Sylvie Facon: The Dream Weaver of Couture Fantasy

When we think of haute couture, we often picture glamorous runways and lavish gowns — but few designers capture true storytelling through fabric quite like Sylvie Facon. A visionary French creator and fashion designer, Sylvie Facon doesn’t just sew dresses — she builds entire worlds out of textiles she often crafts herself. Every gown she… Read More Sylvie Facon: The Dream Weaver of Couture Fantasy

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Is the UK Cotton Textile Industry Dead-And Can We Bring It Back?

Once the heart of the global textile trade, the UK’s cotton industry has long been in decline. But in a world craving sustainability, transparency, and local solutions, a new opportunity is emerging. Can the UK revive its textile roots—and reimagine cotton manufacturing for the future? The short answer? Not dead. Just dormant—and very ready for… Read More Is the UK Cotton Textile Industry Dead-And Can We Bring It Back?

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