Our love for the unique creativity of independent crafters and makers is well-known. In the first chapter of our Spotlight on series, we delved into the world of handmade childrenswear with the fantastic
KJF-From Scratch._x000D_
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This month the spotlight is on
Arra Textiles – a homeware and accessories brand based in rural Scotland. Working to a ‘slow fashion’ ethos, designer Lucy MacDonald produces bespoke handwoven textiles and intricate patterns, inspired by the environment around her._x000D_
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We chatted with Lucy about her inspiration, creative process and the best bit about keeping it local._x000D_
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Hi Lucy! Where did the initial inspiration behind Arra Textiles come from?_x000D_
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I studied textile design at university in Finland and Scotland and decided to set up on my own once I graduated. The business is named after my great grandmother, Arabella. She was a spinner and weaver in Orkney where a lot of my design inspiration comes from._x000D_
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Seascapes and landscapes are a huge part of your aesthetic. Tell us about the influence of nature in your designs._x000D_
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The sea plays an important role in my design process, specifically when it comes to colour choices. I tend to use a lot of blues and greens. I aim to create designs that have an organic feel to them but when looked at closely, are more complex than they first appear – just like the natural world._x000D_
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You personally design, sketch and hand-weave each of Arra’s pieces – what’s your favourite part of the process?_x000D_
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It has to be choosing the colours and yarns to use – it’s hard to pick only a few from the shade cards! It's exciting to see a pattern emerge and change once on the loom._x000D_
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All of Arra’s yarns are spun and sourced in Britain, and you work alongside another independent brand Kalopsia Collective. What are the best things about being a locally-focused brand?_x000D_
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I enjoy having control over each stage of production. Kalopsia Collective especially, are very good at working with me to create exactly what I'm looking for._x000D_
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Many independent clothing businesses are now putting huge emphasis on sustainable, slow fashion. How do you keep your work environmentally friendly? _x000D_
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Sustainability is an important factor for me when designing. I like to plan a collection out to the last cm, making sure that there is minimum waste fabric at the end. Any yarn that is left is either resold or donated to a local school to use in their art projects._x000D_
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Thanks for chatting with us Lucy, we can’t wait to see what’s next for Arra Textiles. For an extra dose of nature-inspired textiles, head to the Arra Textiles site (you might even be able to spot a sneaky glimpse of our labels in some of the snaps). _x000D_
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