LILAC PEARL TEXTILES
With the Selvedge Fair in Pendle fast approaching, we have a quick catch-up with the maker behind Lilac Pearl Textiles, who will be exhibiting on the day...
How have you come to textiles?
This is my third career. As a botany graduate, I found myself training to be a chartered accountant. Using this qualification, I moved into university teaching, where I specialised in corporate responsibility. Leaving the academic world five years ago, I indulged my love of textiles and opened a textile designer-maker business. From science to humanities to arts, anything is possible!
Where are you based?
I have a studio in Makers Yard in Leicester, UK. The building is a refurbished hosiery factory and full of wonderful creative people - a very inspiring place to work.
What inspires you?
Colour, texture, repurposing, nature, flowers, and bringing life back to old garments and fabrics.
Who influences you?
I really admire the socio-cultural work of Grayson Perry, the colours of Monet, the environmental ethics of Wagari Maathai, and the lyrics of Paul Weller.
What you will be showing at the fair?
I have taken a range of garments and refashioned or repurposed them, adding embellishments and decorating them to add colour and texture. I’ve taken a selection of men's shirts and dyed and stitched into them; I’ve used my collection of fine cotton vintage petticoats and done the same; and I have taken some vintage French linen chemises which, by dyeing, cutting and stitching, can now be worn once more.
To find about more about the Selvedge Fair in Pendle and to book your tickets, click here.