Hello Voyager

Textile Tours at Home: London Needlepoint, The Future of Savile Row and Zandra Rhodes

A pillow pillow with a needlepoint image of a map of London in different shades of pink, along with a photo showing the printed canvas and wool kit.

Hello, Voyagers! 

Recently, while rearranging my sewing library I realized that I have quite a collection of needlepoint books – despite the fact I’ve never actually stitched a needlepoint project. I decided that it was time to indulge in my stitching fantasies and bought the London map needlepoint kit from Hannah Bass. This is how you take a London textile tour from the comfort of your own home! I’m so excited to finally venture into the world of needlepoint. I’ll be posting updates from the project on Instagram. Why don’t you join me? I would love to see what you are working on – be it needlepoint, sewing, quilting, whittling, whatever! Be sure to tag me @HelloVoyager.

While I’m stitching away, I’ll also be enjoying this month’s roundup of online textile and design happenings. Check out the links below and enjoy your textile tour from home!

Discover: Artist Alia Ali

A small portion of a photography image from artist Alia Ali. A human head is wrapped in a bright blue and yellow fabric and pops out from a blue and white fabric background.

I discovered artist Alia Ali on Instagram and was blown away by her work, which combines photography and textiles. I am especially intrigued by the work from her Flux series, which explores the naming and interpretation of textiles, particularly wax prints. See the Flux series (and more of her fabulous work) ➔

Virtual Visit: Zandra Rhodes in Conversation

Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes with her signature hot pink hair is in an online conversation at the London Fashion and Textile Museum

London’s Fashion and Textile Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in fashion or costume design. For those of us far from London, they are offering some really interesting online events, including a conversation with design icon (and museum founder) Zandra Rhodes. Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 3. Get your tickets ➔

Watch: Yellow is Forbidden

An image of Chinese haute couture designer Guo Pei working at her desk while a model in one of her garments looms above her.

The George Washington University Museum is holding monthly online discussions on fashion documentaries and films. This month they are featuring Yellow is Forbidden, a documentary on Chinese haute couture designer Guo Pei. Sign up to watch the movie, and join the discussion on Thursday, December 10. Watch Yellow is Forbidden ➔

Read: To Survive the Pandemic, Savile Row Cuts a Bespoke Strategy

A London Savile Row Tailor stands in the middle of his workroom with tailoring tools and suits surrounding him. n

I think the shining jewel of our Grand British Textile Tour is the behind-the-scenes tour of Savile Row. The history, the craftsmanship – it’s indescribable. Unfortunately, the pandemic has hit Savile Row hard, forcing centuries-old institutions to re-think the way they do business. This article from the New York Times is a great piece on the history and future of the Row. Read the article ➔

Experience: The Glass House

A mid-century modern glass house sits in a forested lawn.

I am a fool for mid-century modern architecture and was excited to spend some time on the website of the famous Glass House. You can take an online tour, experience the views, learn about the architect, watch videos on mid-century design, and so much more. Visit The Glass House ➔

Make: Crosstitch with Jordan Nassar

A cross stitch design in blue, black and white with an depiction of the Palestinian desert in shades of orange and taupe. A pattern designed by Jordan Nassar.

If you want to try needlework but are too intimidated by the myriad of embroidery stitches, I suggest giving cross stitch a try. This beautiful pattern designed by Jordan Nassar was inspired by classic Palestinian embroidery motifs. The pattern is available for free, and Nassar has filmed a how-to video, including instructions on materials and stitching. Get the pattern ➔