Like lots of lucky people, I visited the Boro exhibition early in the year at Somerset House. It was stunning and I am so glad I saw it.
Finally, it has kick started me into using my stash of blue cloth that has been waiting for a piece of boro type work. Plenty of inspiration but no action til now. Here is my Something Boro’d Something Blue:
Now I need to find some more hand stitching for those tedious car journeys!!
I am supposed to be doing all sorts of admin jobs at the moment but needed a break so I am playing with Thioux or as my packet says Spectralite. I have some as it is an ingredient of Indigo vats. But I had never used it to discharge. I have now and I am surprised that I have any black cloth left. I love the effect!!
Have a go – very easy – 1 part Spectralite to 4 parts soda ash and heat up til almost boiling and throw in the scrunched up and bound fabric. Take it out before you think is discharged as it looks only part discharged when it is actually ready.
Chrisse
Last month, whilst on the boat, we visited the only working steam mill in the England which is in Burnley. It was an amazing museum. We saw the old steam engine which used to run 1000 looms in three different rooms. It is in beautiful condition, lovingly look after.
First, the wonderful clocking in machine.
Now the steam machine which is called Peace and the oil cans which keep it gleaming.
In one of the rooms are 300 looms. The steam engine runs the cams above them all, but only about 10 looms are engaged – what a noise!! These looms make calico which the museum sells.
In another room are some smaller specialised looms which make Terry Towelling and tea cloths, again sold in the museum.
And then Jacquards solution and some of the mill’s original cards – very early computers.
If you are in the area, take time to visit the museum – it is a privilege to see one of the many mills which in the early 20th century produced over 90% of the world’s cotton fabric.
chrisse textile stitcher 