Springtime
Tutu
Pairing a hand-knit jumper with a screen printed silk skirt. The jumper was hand-knit using indigo dyed alpaca wool blend yarn and features an oak-dyed oak leaf motif. The pink tutu skirt features a silk viscose underskirt, and a hand-printed silk overskirt which recycled stencil cuttings from a previous screen-print. The elastic waistband is the only synthetic material used throughout, so it was important to make sure that it was sourced and recycled from old clothing.
Hand-Knit
Socks
Made as part of a collaboration with local knitter Jennifer Barrett, these socks are completely natural and completely chemical-free. The Portuguese Mondim yarn from Retrosaria was sourced for its specific chemical-free nature: it is 100% wool and no chemicals are used in the processing of this yarn. Before being handed to Jennifer, the yarn was dyed a range of colours using completely plant-based dyes. The stripy pair were designed by Hannah and the patterned pair were designed by Jennifer.
Hand-Spun
Yarn
Hand-spinning is extremely rewarding. Not only does it provide a range of bespoke yarns that are full of character, but it also provides an alternative to commercial yarns. This reduces each products carbon footprint and their involvement in industrial or chemical processing. The aim will be to source local fleece and fibres in the near future. Not only will this help support local farmers and small businesses, but it will also prevent unnecessary exposure to harmful chemicals.
Natural Textiles
A collection of natural textiles, featuring only natural fibres and 100% plant-based dyes. Chemical and synthetic-free, these products are much better for you, your body, and the environment.
Natural dyes, unlike synthetic dyes, are made from completely natural and biodegradable substances. Natural dyes posses non-allergenic, anti-bacterial, and eco-friendly properties, while synthetic dyes produce carcinogenic by-products and toxic waste waters.
All of the natural dyes used are fixed with biomordants, instead of heavy metal salt mordants, to create a plant-based dye that is safe for both people and the environment.
Woodland
Pinafore
Pairing a hand-knit jumper with a screen printed pinafore dress. This pinafore dress was hand-printed using five separate stencils and constructed in a way that allows for growing room. A buttoned waist allows the dress to be taken in or out while buttoned straps accommodate a range of heights. The hand-knit jumper features an orange neckband and an orange leafed stem design growing up both sleeves. This design was completed using the intarsia knit technique.
Natural
Cushions
These cushions have been printed using natural dyes and embroidered with hand-spun and recycled yarns. Each design begins with silk-linen fabric and a hand-cut paper stencil. Stencils allow each design to be completely unique while eliminating the need for toxic screen-coating chemicals. The cushions are designed in an envelope style so that no fastenings are required. This allows the cushions to be completely natural, from the fabric used, to the plant-based printing dyes, and the yarns used for sewing and embroidery.
Hand-Woven
Blanket
Made from 100% British wool, this blanket helps to support British farmers and spinners. Only two dyes were used to reduce the need for excess dyeing: the orange yarn was dyed with Indian Madder, while the blue yarn was dyed in a fermented indigo vat. By combining these two colours with the natural white in a traditional gingham design, multiple colours are created. Not only is this blanket incredibly warm, but it also retains a lot of therapeutic benefits from the dyes used: Indian Madder is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory; Indigo soothes skin conditions and eases arthritic and rheumatic pain.