Textiles At The Ballet
This week, I'm swept up in all things ballet and costume. I've been indulging in videos about costume design, saving all the photos of the ABT's production of Whipped Cream to my Pinterest board, and am toying with the idea of trying to sew a professional-style tutu.
When I'm not dreaming of tutus and pointe shoes, I'm finalizing details for our September Grand British Textile Tour - keep an eye out for the official tour announcement in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I've gathered some fun links for you - explore below for a look at textile conservation, costume design, and artist inspiration.
Fun Links for The New Year
I've been celebrating the new year by making plans for 2023 – garden plans, house project plans, and of course, travel plans! I've been busy working on an itinerary for a late-September Grand British Textile Tour. On this trip, we will be exploring some fabulous new experiences, stay tuned for the full details.
In the meantime, I've rounded up a few videos I thought you might like to watch, as well as a fascinating fiber artist to check out.
2023 Textile Tours Update
I've been getting questions about our 2023 tours, so I thought I better post an update. While I have some great ideas for new tours, I'm currently waiting to set dates until I see how some events are going to pan out for next year.
The Grand British Textile Tour 2022 – Recap!
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I think that is as true about places as it is about people. After a two-year hiatus, we were finally able to take our Grand British Textile Tour to London and the Lake District. The two years of waiting to get back to London felt particularly long, given the circumstances that kept all of us home. I spent a lot of time watching British TV, reading British authors, and generally doing whatever it took to ease my Anglophile longings for travel. On the day that I finally arrived in London, any anxiety about traveling went away when I stepped out of the tube into the city center and felt like I was finally home.
Harris Tweed from the Outer Hebrides
This week, the Outer Hebrides of Scotland are looming large in my imagination. It's all due to Freya North's new book, Little Wing, which I devoured over the weekend. She is a favorite author of mine, and one of her special gifts is her setting descriptions. This book was partially set on the rugged island along the coast of Scotland, and now I'm dreaming of craggy, windswept beaches.
Johnston’s of Elgin
When we think of fashion history, we, naturally, think of designers, trends, and the looks of an era. What we don't think of as readily is the history of the fabric itself.
The Abba Museum – The Grand Swedish Textile Tour
There are many things that I'm looking forward to on the Grand Swedish Textile Tour – after all, Sweden has a rich textile history. But, I'm particularly looking forward to visiting the ABBA Museum. I'm especially thrilled to see the costumes – you can even play virtual dress-up in their grooviest sequined finery. There is also the option to get on stage for some karaoke. I'm not much of a singer, but if you'll do it, I'll do it.
Spencer
Everybody is talking about the new movie Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana. Specifically, I keep hearing about the costumes, which are supposed to be phenomenal. In this article, designer Jacqueline Durran discusses the task of reinterpreting Princess Diana's iconic wardrobe for this fictionalized world, creating a balance of recognizably "Diana" outfits that weren't actual recreations.
Discover Scottish Crafts on the Grand Scottish Textile Tour
I've been thinking about Scotland this week. Romantic, vast green landscapes, cozy Shetland sweaters, heavy tartan blankets, and even vegan haggis (it looks awful, but is surprisingly tasty!). I'm thrilled to announce that we have a date for The Grand Scottish Textile Tour! We are heading over May 26 - June 4, 2022, and I hope you will join us.
New Dates for the Grand British Textile Tour + A London Podcast!
I am so happy to announce the dates for the 2022 Grand British Textile Tour - September 8 - 16, 2022. Imagine it – enjoying a luxurious high tea before heading to Buckingham Palace, getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the goings-on at Savile Row, and exploring beautiful vintage costumes. It's going to be magnificent.