"Rooting through my mother's material collection."
Was a treasure trove of beautiful fabrics the ultimate aspiration for mothers in generations gone by?
Famed and adored UK designer Kit Kemp says ‘rooting through her mother’s fabric collection’ sparked a lifelong love of textiles. I think it’s done the same for me. We recently moved Dad out of our childhood home and it included digging through reams and reams of stunning materials left behind by my Mum, many years ago. The stash(es) were tidy, folded and just beautiful; how could you ever give them away? But what should I do with them? Things have changed. A beautiful collection of materials was perhaps akin to an indulgent online shopping spree on a Friday night for generations gone by. I was reminded this week, while recording an interview with 91-year-old Pauline Abbey (and mother to 12 children) for Graziher’s Life on the Land, that a good portion of her lifetime has been spent behind the sewing machine making clothes for her family, and herself. My Mum did the same. It’s a lost art. But it does make me wonder how many ‘mothers fabric collections’ lie dormant in an old suitcase, waiting for an explorer who can appreciate the rich design, textile and social history of its existence. Please tell me you have come across your own ‘pile’? And what did you do with it? My only idea has been the above directors chair cover - which I do love - but in need of more direction from clever people like yourselves please!
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Podcast Playlist
We’re re-introducing the Company on Sunday Podcast Playlist in Spotify this week - to make it easier for you to keep track of all the poddies we recommend here.
Straight to the Source talking with Fiona Aveyard of Outback Lamb
Black Magic Woman will become a regular instalment in my listening
Testing out this Girl Flower podcast - insights into individuals gardens as we refine, refine, refine our own gardening podcast (Spring, I promise)
Bringing back the good old Pearl. Pretty Good Business profiles innovative sustainability businesses.
But again, save yourself the worry by following this Spotify playlist and account and you’ll be treated to a new swag of surprises each week!
Lay your eyes on these new instagram accounts
|| @yiayianextdoor || @fieldnotes__ || @nature.squared || @wildflorawellbeing ||
This pile of things to read;
‘All the Mothers I have been’ by Cup of Jo. LOVED THIS.
Retro theatre revival in remote NSW by The Guardian.
This is long - but if you want to re-boot your morning routine (like me) - it’s a worthwhile investment.
This weeks wanderlust is to a beautifully renovated home in Wales.
Cotton headpieces and an on-farm fashion parade.
This Week has been all about:
Releasing #1 episode for Women Behind Wool 2022 - it’s a friendly chat between Penny Ashby and myself about our connection to the Australian wool industry and our thoughts on how women can champion wool, like we do!
Interviewing and editing for Season 9 of Life on the Land - landing tomorrow, with Wendy McCarthy AO as first cab off the rank.
Collating, collecting and curating our Routines Podcast ……… which I know you are going to love but you have to wait just a bit longer.
A really great use of fabrics is to create pillow slips for children to cherish & let the fabrics live on with daily use. If you don’t have large pieces, patchwork them into cushions too.
Fantastic. I love that Skye, turn them into practical pieces you can enjoy every day. Oh & don’t forget really small, special pieces will make beeswax wraps that are a talking point with guests!!