tweed
September 11, 2009
So, you didn’t think I could travel to Harris and Lewis without mentioning tweed?
Tweed is woven through the landscape of these islands and its important traditions are still very much alive. I spent several days in tweed heaven. Just imagine the sensory overload of this fabric-filled warehouse in Tarbet. Tweed as far as the eye could see! It was such a delight to spend some time here, amidst an incredible range of hues and designs — individual skill and creativity is apparent in every very different bolt of this glorious handwoven fabric.
It was a privilege to see Katie Campbell weaving at Plocrapol.
In Stornoway, I was very interested to find the work of many young artisans at the New Harris Tweed co-operative, and also enjoyed the exhibition of this beautiful quilt, made by residents of a local care home, at An Lanntair.
I am currently thinking and reading a lot about Harris tweed. And I don’t know if you saw the first part of the BBC4 documentary which aired the other evening? If not, it is available to watch on the iplayer. It is quite gripping stuff.
I acquired some tweed, of course, and I am looking forward to some tweedy sewing and thinking this weekend. More soon.
thanks for reading!
Phew, I’m glad to hear the new cooperative seems to be going well. I’ve never really been a tweedy person but randomly watching the tweed programme the other night did make me sad that it could die out.
That quilt is stunning.
Ooh lovely tweed. I’ve been thinking about getting a bit of tweed in myself for autumn skirts after seeing some lovely stuff over at *U*-Handblog (who also recommended the BBC4 documentary).
Katie Campbell – yay! Indeed, yay for Harris and all your great tales of the Outer Hebrides, have really enjoyed them.
Ooh yes – tweedy sewing is definitely in the air! I am looking forward to seeing what you make! I have plans for a skirt with baggy gathered pockets…
By coincidence the baby was painting on the newspaper sheet that the documentary was announced but I realise I had miss it, so thanks for reminding me about the iplayer.
Also I don’t know if you are interested but the Burrel collection are having special events linked with the Burrell’s tapestries: http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/showEvent.cfm?venueid=1&itemid=1171
However did you manage to choose?? Have just come back from a short holiday and have so enjoyed seeing yours in all its tweedy, licheny, rocky glory.
Love the tweedy quilt!
I love tweed on fabric or yarn! I guess you got some for yourself, so I can’t wait to see what you sew with it!
What a lovely vacation you’ve had!
Oh, I’m jealous of all that tweedy goodness!!
Must remember not to drool on the keyboard! Wonderful stuff, I have been wanting to make a tweed skirt for a while, now I really must!
lovely stuff.
man. now i want some too….mmmm. that red stuff is gorgeous!
What a beautiful touching quilt ! Thanks so much for sharing your visit.
oooh – I love the tweedy quilt and it sounds like a marvelous trip. I will watch the BBC 4 doc with relish. So nice to see you the other day and am delighted that your little head in the amazing hat is featuring below!
Oh how lucky you are! I have had a tweed obssession for sooo long. I am dreaming of curtains in a library for winter (switching to linen in summer – I did say this was a dream). Can’t wait to see what you create with your new treasures!
That red one looks just perfect. There will be some red in my autumn/winter wardrobe this year, too!
oo those are delicious. I must be amazing to be surrounded by that much woolly fabric. My OE plans keep expanding :)
I am a tweedy fanatic! I have dreams of visiting these parts to see for myself how it’s all done. I also just saw that Selvedge is featuring scottish tweeds in the next issue (which hasn’t made it to my bookstore yet) and it’s very exciting.
When it was mandatory school wear, I formally detested my Harris tweed overcoat (it had to be ordered from Harrods, don’t cha know? – mine was a hand-me-down). However much I disliked the garment, it did keep me toasty warm and, if I still had it, ‘twould likely still be serviceable. Wonderful fabric!
Next time you go – get out to Luskentyre Tweed co. and say Hello to Donald John MacKay who just happens to be my cousin. Even though I am 3,000 miles away in Canada, I stlll remember my grandma’s loom and the many wonderful summers in Harris.
Fascinating to watch the programme about Harris tweed last night. It is truly special stuff and made me instantly love tweed!
Hi and thanks for posting a photo of the Harris House Quilt on your site. I worked on this quilt with an amazing community of women with a huge variety of skills and backgrounds — ages ranging from 18 to 84 years, The one thing we had in common was Harris Tweed. Many of the women have weaving histories that span several generations. The quilt pattern is traditional Amish and the quilting was done in typical Amish fashion that is to say lots of “news” and traditions were shared at the weekly quilting sessions. I highly encourage community quilting projects especially when they include people that have a life time to share. Again, thank to all for the lovely comments on the Harris House Quilt