I have always been inspired by craftsmanship and the skill of hand-weaving is acknowledged as one of the oldest surviving crafts of the world.

Weaving is one of the primary methods of textile production and it involves interlinking a set of vertical threads known as the warp, with a set of horizontal threads, the weft. Technological innovations in cloth production made during the industrial revolution dramatically changed weaving and the role of the weaver into a manufacturing industry.

Whilst there are many exciting, environmentally conscious and innovative technological advances in fabric production, the value of hand weaving and the qualities of hand-woven cloth should not be underestimated or forgotten. Thankfully there has been a recent increase in the demand for Artisan-produced clothing for a variety of reasons.

The flexibility that hand weaving can offer has a massive advantage. Since production tends to be demand-driven, pieces are made according to need and not for just for mass consumerism. This results in fashion that is much more meaningful and generates an opportunity to provide more people with a sustainable income in developing countries. It also creates a sense of purpose and community and ensures valuable, traditional livelihoods do not disappear.

Thread Tales also champion hand weaving and hand-woven fabric for its unique beauty. The cloth carries the personality and the energy of the weaver and this imperfect beauty is incomparable to anything that is machine-produced.

Through the design process we have been able to develop our own unique blends of Lotus mixed with other natural and sustainable fibres and have been able to capture the raw imperfect beauty of the lotus yarn.

Lotus and Cashmere - Made to Order

Our recent Photoshoot for the Earth Matters Collection lead us to discover the Forgotten Textile Mills in Talybont, Wales. It was heart-breaking to see these beautiful places of art crumbling into complete and irrevocable disrepair, but also a reminder that we have an opportunity to resurrect some of these lost skills and celebrate the Artisans that make our precious yarn and cloth.

Lerry Mills - Talybont, Wales