Isabella regularly writes for conservation and crafting publications. Her research interests are the conservation of costume, hidden modern materials, and accessibility of conservation information for small heritage organisations. She often writes about textile conservation, history, and crafting for the public and is a regular contributor to magazines such as PieceWork, Spin Off, and PLY. Below are a selection of her publications. If you would like to learn more about her other publications or are interested in commissioning an article, please contact Rossi Conservation here.
Crafting
“Mechanical Properties: Choosing the Perfect Fiber,” Farm & Fiber Knits (30 December 2024).
A look into the mechanical properties of fibres and how they affect knitting.
“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.
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 woollen 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 introduces the audience to a variety of industrial methods used to prevent wool from felting. The poster includes an introduction to the mechanisms behind felting, a history of shrinkproof wool production, and a selection of the most common types of shrinkproofing treatments.
“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 fibre and object degradation, and how it could influence conservation treatments. It can be obtained by contacting myself or the Centre for Textile Conservation.