Lace, Embroidery, and Imperfection: Why Details Matter.

Last week I was in Italy on a short break and took the chance to source some more fabrics. When I decided to work solely with vintage and antique textiles it was decision based more on showcasing the craftmanship of the past than anything else. But Vicki, people make beautiful lace and embroidered fabrics now, I hear you cry. Ofcourse they do, and don't get me wrong there are beautiful examples out there but the pieces that I come across are unique in the way that they have a story to tell. Whether it be as a tablecloth given as a wedding gift or a curtain that hung in a palazzo

Whilst in Rome, I went to Federica, who has a stand selling beautiful textiles ( and the most gorgeous silk nightgowns, sadly not my size this time). As I searched through her selection, I came across a wonderful embroidered piece. She stopped me and said ' this is extra special' and as she opened it out she continued, 'not only is it beautiful on this side, but it is perfect on the reverse' and with that she turned it over to reveal an almost copy of the face of the design. All done by hand, no random threads. Everything neat, considered. Perfectly stitched. Someone took time and care to make it the best work of art possible. It is these little details that spark something in me, to create something that will allow this work to continue to be seen and develop a new life, to be passed

Not all fabrics I come across are as perfect as this one, and to me this doesn't always matter. A little mending here or there for me creates character - especially if it has been treated with the same level of care as a nurse to a patient. As a society now we don't tend to have such a desire to mend and repair as generations before us. Which is a real shame, a favourite jacket or blouse can be saved with a little stitching or patch.  Sashiko, the Japanese traditional decorative mending technique can elevate a garment. It creates a passport of sorts, a mark to remind us of the life it has had, allowing it to continue. 

By choosing to use these fabrics, I can keep my designs simple allowing the textures, patterns and motifs to be the focus.  I want them to elevate the everyday, make the wearer feel special without compromising on comfort.