Exhibition: A Field of Cloths

24 July 2013 |
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Ikat_5 for web thumbnail The London Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers is holding a textile exhibition: A Field of Cloths – An exhibition of handspun & handwoven textiles inspired by Africa, China and India at St Martin-in the Fields, London

Inspired by the commitment of the church to its outreach work in the wider community and its worldwide connections the Guild’s exhibition reflects the designs, techniques, colours and fabrics of China, Africa, India, and Asia. Each piece will be accompanied by an explanation of the original inspiration; such as yarns, i.e. silk, bamboo, camel, the vibrant colours of Africa and India and dyes from around the world.

The exhibition is being held in The Gallery in the Crypt of St. Martin-in-the-Fields
Dates: 20th August -15th September 2013
Free admission – open daily 11.am-6pm.
There will be handmade items for sale.

Guild information.
The London Guild was founded in 1950 and has around 150 active members. They share an interest in hand spinning, hand weaving, dyeing, design, and textiles in general, and membership is open to anyone interested in these crafts. The members are active in producing textiles, both for personal use and commercially, and they also provide training programmes and support others in the understanding and practice of their crafts. As part of the aim of the Guild to promote awareness of and education in these crafts, they hold a biennial exhibition of members work which this year is at St Martin-in-the-Fields. Guild members give demonstrations of weaving and spinning at events such as the recent Silk Day in Spitalfields celebrating the history of the Huguenots in London.
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Texprint Weavers 2013

18 July 2013 |
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The 2013 Texprint Weavers exhibited their work last week at Texprint London for a first view for press, sponsors, industry and supporters. The Designers will all be showing at Indigo/Premi̬r Vision, Paris from 17th Р19th Sept 2013.

The following five weave designers showed their work at the Texprint London.

Elizabeth Ashdown
Inspired by military and tudor embroidery and interlocking wires found in mechanical parts, Elizabeth Ashdowns’ woven and stitched textile collection incorporates a range of luxurious and unusual materials.

‘Stitched Connections’ is a collection of statement passmenterie trimmings that utilise  a fresh and contemporary colour palette to present a quirky and highly individual approach to an age-old craft.  She also designs a range of woven and switched textiles for both fashion and interiors

Website: http://www.elizabethashdown.co.uk/
Contact: Info@elizabethashdown.co.uk
Elizabeth graduated from Central Saint Martins, UAL. Ribbon images by the designer

 

Signe Rand Ebbesen
The inspiration for Signe’s graduate collection of woven fabrics is the colour shifts, the unpredictable structures, the glitter and the semi-translucent layering of minerals and crystals. She has sought to create textiles that change colour and pattern depending on the angle of light, movement and the draping.

The characteristics and aesthetics of treatments normally added to fabrics after production, like embroidery, foiling, embossing and waxing have been engineered into the weaving, to give a luxurious detailing.

Signe has used natural fibres like cashmere, silk and linen to give the fabrics good draping properties and woven synthetic materials like nylon and polyurethane on the top of the cloth to give a sculptural and unexpected surface. ”
Website: http://www.signerandebbesen.com/
Email: signe@signerandebbesen.com
Signe.ebbesen@network.rca.ac.uk
Signe graduated from The Royal College of Art.

 

 

Ffion Griffith
‘Unravelling the Welsh blanket’

With the aim of reviving and preserving Welsh weaving methods this collection reinterprets traditional techniques in an original way.

Studying historical textiles inspired the creative reinvigoration of Welsh double-cloth, honeycomb textures and classic striped designs. Correspondence with mill-owners set the challenge of adhering to the industry’s unchanged manufacturing capacities.

Championing the luxurious qualities of natural fibres influenced the choice of lambswool to create blankets of irresistible tactility. British woven Axeminster carpet is a celebration of a collaboration between traditional manufacturing and contemporary ideas. A range of digitally printed cotton furnishing velvet offers a combination of practicality and eye-catching design, which demonstrates the versatility of pattern application.

Focused on celebrating the wealth of Wales’ traditional manufacturing skills, the presentation of new captivating designs entrenched in historic poignancy will raise the profile of Wales’ woollen industry.

Blog: http://ffiongriffith.blogspot.co.uk/
Email: ffion_g@hotmail.co.uk
Ffion graduated from Cheslsea College of Arts and Design, UAL

Cherica Haye
Chericas collection is inspired by Savile Row opulence juxtaposed with crowd protest photography and group animal migration. She explores traditional/luxe yarns alongside less conventional materials such as horsehair and plastic.

Email: cherica.haye@network.rca.ac.uk
chericahaye.tumblr.com

Cherica graduated from the Royal College of Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taslima Sultana
Taslima Sultana designsTaslima’s work is inspired by the way insects and plants use their natural designs to attract and protect. From the use of colour, texture and pattern she has produced a vibrant textural collection designed for luxury interior accessories.

Email: tsultana@live.co.uk
Website: www.taslimasultana.co.uk
Taslima graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, UAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Job: Sales Trainee Manager. Humphries Weaving

18 July 2013 |
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Humphries Weaving 2005 production for Windsor CastleHumphries Weaving company has an international reputation for high quality in woven silk fabrics, and has been weaving exclusive furnishing fabrics since 1972. They are looking to recruit a Sales Trainee Manger.

The successful applicant will demonstrate an ability to work with existing clients whilst seeking out new sales possibilities. The successful candidate will liaise between clients, designers and production. A key requirement will be an understanding of the UK and international furnishing markets and Humphries Weaving’s place with-in it.

Textile design or a background in historic interiors would be an advantage. Enthusiasm and communication skills will enhance the company’s opportunities and reputation at the very top of the furnishing trade. They offer training for development, and a unique chance to work with a luxury brand in the textile industry.

Hours of work are 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday – (40 hours) Please send applications in  by July 31st 2013.
Job location Sudbury, Suffolk
Web: www.humphriesweaving.co.uk
Please send your CV to sales@humphriesweaving.co.uk  for the attention of: R. J. Humphries

LCF Textiles Symposium 2013: Connecting with Textiles

9 July 2013 |
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textiles-symposium-2013London College of Fashion symposium: Connecting with Textiles
Date: Thursday 11th July 2013
Time: 8.45am – 3,30pm
Location: 40 Lime Grove, London W12 8EA
In celebration of the diversity and significance of textiles in the contemporary fashion industry, London College of Fashion is pleased to announce its first Textiles Symposium: ‘Connecting with Textiles’ scheduled for Thursday 11th July 2013 at its Lime Grove building, 40 Lime Grove, London W12 8EA.

The day-long symposium will take the form of short pecha kucha style presentations by representatives from all areas of the industry, offering an insight into textile research, design and innovation in all its guises within fashion. There will be presentations from leading researchers, designers and recent graduates covering present developments and future aspirations, allowing for lively debate and exchange of ideas in the world of textiles for the fashion industry.

Please pay the nominal registration fee of £15 in advance of the event here.
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British Wool Weekend 2013

25 June 2013 |
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indexImgThe British Wool Weekend Show is to promote and raise the profile of British wool, the farmers who produce it and to show wool textile products.

Venue:
Hall 2, Yorkshire Event Centre, The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate HG2 8QZ

Opening times:
Saturday 7th September – Open: 10:00am – Close: 5:00pm
Sunday 8th September – Open: 10:00am – Close: 4:30pm

If you are a the craft worker or designer maker who use British wool to spin, weave, knit, crochet, cross stitch, embroider, hand dye, make felt or any other textile process, or you  interested in  the pure wool textile products produced by craft workers, you should visit this show.

Exhibitors include: Natural Fibre Company, Rare Breed Survival Trust, National Angora Club, Real Shetland Company, Rowan Yarns, Romney Marsh Wools amongst many others

There are talks, workshops and demonstrations including felt making, the Sheep Show Man and alpacas
www.britishwool.net

BITA: The Emerging Talent Award

19 June 2013 |
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bitanewThe British Interior Textiles  Association
You are invited to enter the Emerging Talent Award competition, set up to identify the most talented furnishing fabric designers of the year, who are still completing a degree in surface pattern or textile design or have completed their degree or have already commenced work in the industry within the last 3 years. The award will be presented at the BITA September Showcase, 5 – 22th September 2013. www.interiortextiles.co.uk

Prizes.
The first place winner will receive £1,000 and a week’s placement in the design studio at Prestigious Textiles – one of the UK’s top furnishing brands.
Second place winner will receive £500
Third place winner will receive £250

The prizes will be presented during the BITA SEPTEMBER SHOWCASE at one of the 7 venues by the judges and Vice Chairman of Bita – Diane Harding.

The winners will have their work exhibited at the show along with the work of up to 10 short-listed designers. Other benefits will include free publicity and exposure to the industry via the trade media. Deadline: Wednesday July 31st 2013. Continue reading →

Bonnie Kirkwood: woven texile designer / open studio

8 June 2013 |
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Bonnie Kirkwood 3Bonnie Kirkwood is a professional woven textile designer and consultant, based at Cockpit Arts studios in central London. She is showing at  Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios, Holborn – 7th – 9th June 2013  www.cockpitarts.com

An RCA 2007 graduate, Bonnie has an in-depth knowledge of hand weaving, industrial and production techniques, and an extensive and varied experience in the industry.

She provides a comprehensive professional design and fabric consultancy service for mills, architects, trend forecasters and individuals, providing technical advice for weaving and fabric qualities, inspirational concepts, trends and colour direction.
She currently works closely as a fabric design consultant for European and Far Eastern mills, designing, co-ordinating and developing seasonal collections for the furnishing fabrics and interior design industry.

As a freelance designer, she offers broad collections of hand woven and jacquard woven fabric designs, selling to highly recognised fashion and interior design companies. Her style combines luxurious yarns, intricate structures and an original colour palette into highly refined and sophisticated fabrics. She also works part time as a menswear textile designer for a prestigious London Fashion House, and previously worked for interior design company Designers Guild for several years. She also is a visiting lecturer on BA (Hons) Textile Design courses

Bonnie can be seen weaving on this film : https://bit.ly/bonniek

For more information, contact Bonnie Kirkwood on 07813666907, email: www.bonniekirkwood.com
Web:www.bonniekirkwood.com Address: Studio E2R Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, Northington Street, London. WC1N 2NP, or visit

Photographer : Yiannis Katsaris

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The Dovecot Show & exhibition: Heriot-Watt’s School of Textiles and Design (SoTD)

3 June 2013 |
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Hannah Camp1
Graduate Fashion Show and private view  Saturday 15 June 2013
At the Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT
Times:
1500-1600: Matinee of fashion show/press preview of fashion show
1800-2000: Private view of exhibition followed by Fashion Show.

Exhibition on 15th  – 20th June 2013

Mark Eley, of Eley Kishimoto, the global fashion and design company, is returning for a fourth consecutive year to curate and direct the Dovecot Show, the Heriot-Watt’s School of Textiles and Design graduate fashion show and exhibition.

The Dovecot Show and exhibition will celebrate the collaboration between innovation, technology and design showcased in the work of fashion, textile design and interior design students at the School of Textiles and Design, based in Galashiels. The School’s end-of -year show has previously featured designs from students who have gone on to make their names in the textiles and fashion industry including William Chambers, Judy R Clark, Obscure Couture and Samantha McEwen of Isolated Heroes.

For further information or to register your interest in attending please contact Pagoda PR Julie.watt@pagodapr.com or giselle.dye@pagodapr.com or phone us on Tel: 0131 556 0770 Continue reading →

Bute Fabrics Ltd: a company profile

20 May 2013 |
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031Bute Fabrics was established in 1947 by the 5th Marquess of Bute in a philanthropic move to provide employment for returning WW2 service personnel.

Originally weaving fabrics for haute couture apparel, in the 1970s the business moved to contract upholstery fabrics, championing the use of wool for both the domestic and export markets.

Today, Bute Fabrics is still owned by the Bute Family, with the 7th Marquess currently in charge. Bute’s reputation has been built upon producing high quality, durable, contemporary fabrics for the auditoria, hospitality, contract and aviation markets. Offering both a standard range of products and the in-house design of bespoke fabrics, Bute’s fabrics are installed in key projects around the world such as Hong Kong Airport, the Royal Festival Hall, the Sage Gateshead, the Queen’s Galleries in Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyrood, the London Excel Centre and Yale University.

Bute Fabrics offer a commission weaving service, weaving on Dobbys 16 shaft. Yarn types: worsted yarns, woollen spun, chunky, and boucles (max .45N). They have a large yarn bank including 2/27, 2/18 and 2/13.5nm. Stock dyed, hank dyed and piece dyed.

They offer bespoke design and weaving at no extra charge, 1.4 wide normally but up to almost 2m, normally 50m minimums depending on weights/compositions for apparel, upholstery and curtaining. Full contact details can be found here in The Weave Shed in the suppliers and services: commission weavers section.
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‘Weave’ symposium review: Stacey Harvey – Brown

14 May 2013 |
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Eleanor Pritchard‘Weave’ symposium Sat 11th May 2013
Stroud International Textile Festival

A weave symposium now seems to be an annual event at Select 2013 in Stroud, Glos and enthusiasm for it has not dipped if attendance was any judge. In fact, the event could have sold twice as many tickets if space had allowed, which is heartening for all connected with weave.

This year’s event was chaired by Philippa Brock, with speakers grouped in twos; Laura Thomas paired with Deidre Wood, Eleanor Pritchard with Tim Parry Williams, and Nadia-Ann Ricketts alongside Helga Matos with a final presentation from Philippa. Q&A sessions followed each pairing with a final session of questions to the entire speaker panel.

Laura Thomas, in common with the other speakers, is a portfolio weaver, mixing commission and personal work with industrial collaborations. A regular at the Select 2013 she talked about developments of her Loose Thread acrylic pieces from the original concept of capturing the beauty of unwoven warp effects in resin blocks to now including unwoven weave techniques, such as threads creating colour-and-weave effects, and clasped weft tapestry techniques turned 90o to create unwoven clasped warp ikat effects.

Laura has developed the work further to incorporate wall pieces mounted on barrel fixings to allow for the play of shadows on the wall behind her pieces. Through her public art commissions, the ideas behind the resin pieces have grown both larger and more complex, with both threads and fabric sandwiched between panes of glass, starting with a Museumaker project at The Beaney in Canterbury where Laura had a series of 3 internal windows to address which joined the old museum at The Beaney with its new development. This was the first time Laura had used glass for her work and has led to further collaborations with the glass company. Another public art commission was for the Cynon Valley Hospital where she created 9 panels of loose threads picking up the colours from the hospital’s way-finding scheme. A recent commission from Llanelli is for a glass canopy for the town centre, in which she has incorporated industrial fibres such as carbon thread, folded steel mesh, folded copper mesh (which give moiré effects) and light-reflective yarns. An older commission, to create a presentation gift for the Australian Cricket Board, incorporated narrow bands of double-sided fabric which were twisted within a curved resin shape informed by the spin of a cricket ball. This linked neatly with the following speaker, who also features narrow bands in her work. www.laurathomas.co.uk/
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