Curlew Fabric Design
Woven Fabric Design Consultancy
After working in the textile industry for over 20 years, I wanted to use the knowledge and contacts to develop products using British wool. With the rise in awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, using British wool not only can help farmers but the planet also.
What is so amazing about working with British wool? It’s the ultimate sustainable fibre.
If any/ what have been your challenges with working with British wool and a local way of working? Trying to get established textile companies to appreciate the different wool breeds and deal with smaller quantities.
Do you find a lot of push back in the industry in terms of working with British wool? Some manufacturers have negative opinions about British wool, too coarse, too weak, an inferior fibre compared to imported merino.
Do you find that customers are becoming more interested in British wool? Yes, especially the provenance of a product.
On a scale of 1- 10 (1 being the lowest and 10 excellent) how much do you think your business has improved in the below areas as a result of good working practices and environmental standards?
Waste Production - 9 (off-cuts, production)
Plastic Pollution - 9 (packaging)
Water Waste - 6 (dyeing and finishing)
Energy Consumption - 7 (shipping, machinery etc)
Do you have any hero farmers or people in your supply chain you would like to highlight? Europa Wool were very open to my Swaledale wool project.
*My original challenge was trying to find a spinner who would help create my yarn. My first discussions with British Wool were frustrating as their textile processing contacts were limited. Some of the companies I contacted weren’t interested as I was too small a business. It felt like I was on my own and this was despite having 20 years in the woven textile industry.
My business model is to offer a design and consultancy service to anyone wanting to develop fabric using British wool. Using my computer design system, ScotWeave, I can simulate fabric designs and work on colours before going into production. With contacts weaving and finishing, I can then oversee production.
Selling the product and justifying the price tag has been a challenge. Educating the public about the advantages of buying locally produced products and using a sustainable fibre to help the environment and the farming industry is vital.