One of the latest conservation projects in the studio was the treatment of two jackets owned by Harry Lauder. Read on to learn about the history of the objects, their condition issues and how the costumes were preserved for future display. Who was Harry Lauder? Harry Lauder was an early 20th century music hall performer. […]
textile
Book Review: A New Guide For Costume Mounting
I’ve been preparing to teach an upcoming workshop on costume mounting, and looking for approachable resources to recommend to people with limited experience. Conveniently, Janet Wood’s book Creating the Perfect Form: How to Interpret and Display Historic Dress was just published on 27 June 2024 by Bloomsbury. Summary This new book starts at the very […]
Dyeing with Elderberry: A Light Fastness Test
Anyone who has ever picked elderberries before will know that they stain your hands a beautiful purple colour. But could this common berry be used for dyeing yarn, and would that colour stand the test of time? After a foraging foray in October 2023, I decided to reserve some elderberries for a dyeing experiment. Traditional […]
Tartan Reflections and Repetitions (PieceWork, Summer 2024)
I’ve just published a new magazine article in the Summer 2024 edition of PieceWork magazine. “Tartan Reflections and Repetitions” covers the history of one of Scotland’s most iconic textiles. I delve into how the fabric is defined, its history as a symbol with many meanings, and how it’s worn from the traditional fhéilidh-mór to the […]
Moth Myths: Protecting Your Textile Treasures (PieceWork, Summer 2023)
Have you ever opened your yarn stash to see a moth fly out or noticed that your favorite sweater has small bites taken out of it? Read my latest article in PieceWork Summer 2023 to learn more about preventing moths. The internet and old wives’ tales are rife with advice on how to prevent a […]
Dyeing with Lady’s Bedstraw (Spin Off, Spring 2023)
Learn about dyeing with Lady’s Bedstraw in the Spring 2023 issue of Spin Off! My article explains the history of the plant in Scotland, how to ethically forage for it, and how to produce lovely shades of coral and yellow. If you would like to find out more you can purchase a copy of Spin […]
How To Transform A Raw Fleece Into Clean Wool
I recently attended the Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Fest. I went thinking I would only buy washed and prepped wool, but walked away with a six pounds (2.7 kg) Corriedale/Cormo/Romney cross raw fleece. A raw fleece is any fleece that has not been washed or otherwise prepared for crafting. Raw fleeces have only been […]
Margaret Macdonald: The Other Mackintosh of Glasgow Style (PieceWork, Summer 2022)
When you walk the streets of Glasgow, Scotland you’ll be struck how much the city loves the local architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. However, Mackintosh’s wife Margaret Macdonald was also a wonderful artist. I believe that she should be recognized for her contributions to the distinctive Glasgow Style. My latest article in PieceWork examines her influence […]
Conservation of Color (Spin Off, Spring 2022)
The new issue of Spin Off is available now which includes my latest article, Conservation of Color. My article clarifies the science behind color in textiles and how dyes attach to fibers. Have you noticed your lovingly handmade textiles fading? I also explain why dyes lose their vibrancy over time and how you can reduce […]
A Textile Conservator’s Guide to Dyeing Notes
This post is an extension of my recent article in PLY magazine, “Dyeing Tips from a Textile Conservator.” In this article I discuss how important it is to take notes on your dyeing to improve your consistency and accuracy. Today I’ll show you how I take notes on dyeing and show how you can do […]