oB x Bristol Cloth Project
With more updates to come as the project develops, I thought I would introduce ‘The Bristol Cloth project’ and my involvement within the localised, collaborative initiative.
Gathering together a collective of individuals involved in local regenerative design projects such as the Bristol Textile Quarter, SW England Fibershed, Botanical Links, Dash + Miller Ltd and The Bristol Weaving Mill Ltd, the Bristol Cloth project is a community led initiative that aims to reignite British textile production.
The Bristol Cloth project is a community led initiative that aims to reignite British textile production.
As the director and independent maker behind oB and a member of the Bristol creative community, my part within the project is to make something beautiful from the final British made textiles, alongside fellow independent Bristol based makers Brown In Town and Jokoto Tailors.
Through my involvement I have had the pleasure to meet with and discuss ideas with different members of the collective team, which includes producer Babs Behan, a botanical and mineral artist wonder woman who is also the founding director of Botanical Inks natural dye studio. What makes the project so exciting is not only does it bring to life the possibilities of Bristol textile production and creative collaboration, it also uses valuable traditional techniques and the first industrial loom to open in Bristol in nearly 100 years!
As a unisex clothing designer who believes in slow, honest design and is conscious about sourcing the right fabrics from producers who are working with correct procedures, The Bristol Cloth project is as local as I could ever wish for and it has been a really inspirational project that has opened my eyes to the possibilities to come.
The Aim:
Bristol Cloth: a 100% wool fabric of classic heritage-inspired design, prioritising local, responsibly sourced biological materials and manufacturing processes from the South West of the UK.
To do this, every single step of the process in designing and bringing the cloth to life has been considered and really proves the level of skill, knowledge and craftsmanship behind textile production, which not only concerns creative sectors but also incorporates those who have a rich understanding of agriculture.
The Process: The Bristol Cloth is made from the wool of Bristol sheep that have been holistically farmed Fernhill Farm which is biologically washed, combed and spun into yarn. Some yarns were left natural and while a portion were naturally dyed using the native and organic British plant dye Madder Root by natural dyer Botanical Inks who prioritises using organic pigments and local natural fibres, without the use of toxic synthetic chemicals or heavy metals, as part of a non-toxic creative practice. This results in not just a beautiful and attractive finish but also products that are safe to work with, wear and dispose of at the end of their useful life cycle, as biological nutrients.
Following this, the yarns were threaded into the looms at the Bristol Weaving Mill (the first industrial loom to open in Bristol in nearly 100 years) and woven into the first 200 metres of cloth in a regionally-inspired woven design created by Wendy Kotenkothen, the winner of the community design competition.
The Result: Once complete, the cloth was then finished and pressed for blanket and tailoring quality. I stepped in at the last stage and cycled across Bristol to collect the fabric before returning to my workshop to cut and sew the cloth into garments for some of the project's initial backers, including a choice of a unisex jumpsuit and a zero-waste t-shirt both of which were bespoke and made-to-order.
Carefully cutting the pocket pieces so the Bristol Cloth stripes match perfectly!
The bespoke made to measure jumpsuit cut from the first batch of the Bristol Cloth, lined with a UK produced peace silk.
What’s Next?
As the project continues and progression continues to be made, you can now buy a second edition of the fabric by the metre with a slightly different colour and pattern design, as well as yarn for knitting, blanket scarves and throws.
With hopes of British manufacture being re-established during a new era of living, consuming and design that is slowly coming in action, The British Cloth project is an influential and pioneering project that shows just what is possible within local communities and the importance behind supporting those who are working hard to bring a positive future to life.
I’ll keep everyone updated on my involvement with the project and when the next batch of designs cut from the cloth will be on offer. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the videos below for more of an insight into the wonderful team I have been in communication with who were featured on Countryfile, BBC News and Sky!
Bristol Cloth - Countryfile
Bristol Cloth - Sky News
