Conservation
“An Overview of Shrinkproof Wool Treatments,” NATCC Preprints, (2023).
Shrinkproofing treatments have been in use since the 1930s but have become increasingly common in the production of woolen garments, particularly since the 1970s. Despite their widespread use, there is currently no mention of these treatments in the literature of the museum field. This poster will introduce the audience to a variety of industrial methods used to prevent wool from felting. It is based on the dissertation research “Review of Shrinkproof Wool Treatments and their Effects on Textile Conservation” which was conducted for the MPhil degree at the University of Glasgow. The poster will include an introduction to the mechanisms behind felting, a history of shrinkproof wool production, and a selection of the mostcommon types of shrinkproofing treatments. It will also spread awareness of these modern textile treatments and encourage future research in this area.
University of Glasgow Textile Conservation Class of 2020, “Pandemic Challenges,” ICON News, Issue 91 (December 2020).
The dissertation abstracts of the University of Glasgow’s Textile Conservation students and a brief explanation of how the pandemic affected training.
“Review of Shrinkproof Wool Treatments and their Effects on Textile Conservation”.
My dissertation for my degree in Textile Conservation from the University of Glasgow. A review of shrinkproof wool production, its impact on fiber and object degradation, and how it could influence conservation treatments. It can be obtained by contacting myself or the Centre for Textile Conservation.
Crafting
“Tartan Reflections and Repetitions,” PieceWork: Repetition (Summer 2024).
A new article in PieceWork on the history, creation, and symbolism of tartan.
“Moth Myths: Protecting Your Textile Treasures,” PieceWork: Myth & Mystery (Summer 2023).
My article discusses often repeated methods of moth deterrence. Learn which ones are true and which ones are simply myths.
“Dyeing with Lady’s Bedstraw,” Spin Off: Color Scheme (Spring 2023).
This article details my experience with dyeing with Lady’s Bedstraw. Read about the history of the plant, how it can be foraging responsibly, and the shades of coral and yellow it creates.
“Felting: Wool’s Superpower,” Piecework: Wool (Winter 2022)
Learn about the scientific mechanisms behind felting and the history of felting traditions from around the world.
“When and Where to Find a Textile Conservator,” PieceWork Website (17 August 2022)
A short guide to when hiring a professional textile conservator is necessary and where to find one.
“Margaret Macdonald: The Other Mackintosh of Glasgow Style,” PieceWork: Embellish (Summer 2022)
Read about the life and work of the artist Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh with a focus on her textile creations.
“Conservation of Color,” Spin Off: Color Quest (Spring 2022)
Learn about the science behind textile dyeing and how to reduce the fading of your textiles in this issue of Spin Off.
“The Salt-Box Shoe and Deliberately Concealed Textiles” PieceWork: Lost and Found (Spring 2022)
This article uses the Salt-Box shoe as an example to explain the history of deliberately concealed textiles.
“Cloister Arches Tam,” Glasgow University Knits, 2022.
A knitted hat pattern based on the Cloister Arches found at the University of Glasgow.
“Dyeing Tips from a Textile Conservator,” PLY: Consistency (Fall 2021)
Tips on how to improve the consistency of your dyeing get the exact results you want in the dye pot every time.
“New Lanark: Robert Owen’s Great Experiment,” and “Corra Linn Shawl Pattern,” PieceWork: Threads of Change (Fall 2021)
A brief history of the New Lanark Mills and the philosophy of one of the owners, Robert Owen. Accompanied by a shawl pattern inspired by the Falls of Clyde.
“5 Electric Long Draw Tips for Beginners,” PLY: The Magazine for Handspinners, Issue 33: Electric (Summer 2021)
This article provides spinners new to long draw drafting tips for spinning on electric wheels.
“Conservation at Work: William Gray’s Purse,” PieceWork: Safekeeping (Summer 2021)
A case study explaining the textile conservation decision making process in relation to the treatment of a WWI artifact.
“A 10,000-Year-Old Tradition”, PLY: The Magazine for Handspinners, Issue 29: Supported Spindle, (Summer 2020)
A brief history of ancient supported spindling that looks at three archaeological case studies around the world and throughout time.