Shabd

Nancy introduced me to this beautiful collection after seeing some of my dyeing from the weekend, by designer Shabd Simon-Alexander. She makes limited edition collections, based on simple shapes with attention to fabric combinations and compositions.
Shabd’s line uses quality natural fibers including luxurious silks, organic cottons and textured wools. Both ecological and cultural sustainability are a consideration throughout the design process: “It’s very important for me to be socially- and historically-conscious as well: I want to know where and how my clothes are made, and I want to know that they have a history behind them".

I'm absolutely in love with these pieces; the colours, the patterns, the choice of fabric, the style of garment, the elegant and simple finish to them and their completely natural tones.

This has given me the urge to make some really simple and elegant dresses up for the Final Show, (absolutely love the maxi dresses above).  

Hmmm.... Is is too late to consider making one for the deadline in 2 days? .....

Dyeing Fabrics

 Some photos from my weekend at home which were spent natural dyeing and printing. Here's some sneak peaks at what went on, sorry for the crap quality photographs, I think I need a new camera!

Experimenting with natural Japanese Shibori dyeing

I found an excellent little blog post all about Shibori dyeing at home, such a straight forward process with really exciting results, would recommend it to anyone wanting to jazz up an old top or some bed sheets! Have a read here.

Points of Inspiration

Some key finds after a creative afternoon with Nancy searching blogs and shops... Oh I wish I had money to spend on these beautiful things!

Huset 
Your house for modern Scandinavian living
[Kahler Omaggio Bud Vase     &     MOR Nordica Body Oil]

 

Almedahls
"Almedahls was founded in 1846... All our experience and knowledge is used in everything we do... And the Scandinavian design tradition is our most important source of inspiration, as it has always been. At the same time we focus on creating new designs, finding new materials and always caring for the environment. A long tradition is worth most when it is used in the correct way. It is the combination of tradition and innovation, which makes Almedahls into what we stand for today."

The Scandinavian Design Centre
Contemporary Scandinavian designs for home decor, and garden.

Pompoon
Simply a beautiful blog, by photographer Carline Van Oel.

Skinny laMinx
Design label of illustrator and designer Heather Moore, from Cape Town, South Africa.

Papa Stour
Contemporary Craft & Design - Scotland
"Papa Stour is a treasure trove of fabulous contemporary craft and design. Find some of Scotland's newest and brightest talent here alongside long established designers."
[Ceramics from Tom]

MissPrint
"MissPrint aims to produce beautifully designed, contemporary wall-coverings, fabrics and interior accessories, all originating from hand drawn illustrations."

MUJI - NIYU Pair Mugs

Nancy also showed me Sarah Renwick, a student on VisCom, (can't believe I haven't noticed her work before!) She's got some incredible work designed and produced already, particularly impressive as she's only in her second year!

Lotta Jansdotter

I recently bought one of Lotta Jansdotter's books after Nancy recommended her work, and it's absolutely beautiful. Decided to indulge in a second book today, which is incredibly inspirational. Her love of handmade is evident throughout her lovely work. She manages the fine balance of tactile, creative, simple and elegant, whilst looking entirely professional. She has been and will continue to be a key inspiration of mine.

Marimekko

BAH Magazine

Open publication - Free publishing - More bookhou

Jenny Pennywood

Jenny Pennywood not only has the best name ever, but has some lovely patterns and products that I fell instantly in love with. I adore the handmade quality to the patterns, but the professional, clean and slick presentation of them and the products they have become.
Thanks to Nancy for linking me this! :)

Eley Kishimoto

http://www.eleykishimoto.com




"Eley Kishimoto ...the patron saints of print."

Living by the maxim "Print The World," Eley Kishimoto have always strived to create work that is executed simply, clear in intention, exhibiting a unique creative flair that rejects passing trends and fads.

From a partnership forged in the early 90's, Eley Kishimoto quickly gained a reputation for incisive and intelligent print design with their craftmanship gracing the world's catwalks... In the mid 90's the partnership moved into the fashion world with the launch of their first womenswear collection; this proved to be such a success that the company has continued to produce their own Eley Kishimoto line ever since.

Although initially earned as a result of these vibrant fashion collections, the company's renown has always been very much associated with their freedom to decorate anything and everything. It is this print design aesthetic that is key to their works' identity.

Thus following hot on the hemline of these collections came a steady stream of ever more varied design product. Wallpapers, furniture, furnishing fabrics, glassware and crockery led on to more industrial based design work in the automotive, architectural and electronics worlds, whilst also working with individual artists and galleries. The company sees each new design challenge as a platform from which to communicate with a wider, more varied audience."

 

Kalamkari

The process used by Les Indiennes:

Fabric Preparation

Les Indiennes must initially be softened and bleached so that the fabric will feel as luxurious as possible and the colors, as vibrant. Bales of organic cotton are repeatedly rinsed and beaten against large rocks, then laid out on the grass to bleach in the intense Indian sun. If it rains, this step must wait.

Block Printing

Once the fabric is sufficiently softened and lightened, printing begins. Craftsmen dip hand-carved teak blocks in dyes derived from plants, roots, earth, and rock. Great care must be taken in pressing the pattern to the cloth. Then, the printed fabric is air dried for at least two days.

Color Fixing

When the fabric is dry, it must be steamed over a fire of rice chaff to fix the color. Workers next haul the cloth to a stream and rinse the fabric to remove excess dye. Colors emerge from different streams in different tones¬--nature’s little tweak!

Final Touches

After the color is fully saturated, the fabric undergoes another round of softening and color-brightening. The fabrics are boiled, laid in the sun once more, and dipped in a natural, color-intensifying solution .

With all of these careful steps, it is not surprising that Les Indiennes arrive beautifully broken-in and soft, with sweet and pleasing hints that they are made entirely by hand."

Indienne/Perse

'A type of printed or painted textile, which was manufactured in Europe between 17th-19th century. Inspired by the Indian/Persian prints imported to Europe at the time, the original Indian techniques for textiles printing involved long and complicated processes, necessitating the use of mordants or metallic salts to fix the dyes. The beautiful, vibrant, colors, came from the garance plant for red, indigo for blue and gaude for yellow.'
                 - Info from Wiki -
...............
Les Indiennes
'Les Indiennes is an environmentally conscious and socially responsible company. We make printed cotton fabric in south India according to an age-old process that is altogether friendly to the environment. And because we bring fair trade employment to the communities where the work takes place, local culture is unaffected and continues to thrive.'

 

Even their catalogue is hand bound... beautiful! 

Online inspirational Flipbook is also worth a good look.

Audrey Louise Reynolds - Dyeing Textiles

Scarves, hand dyed by Audrey Louise Reynolds.
http://www.alrdyeing.com/