Velvet 'Edibles'

Velvet is woven on a special loom that weaves two thicknesses of the material at the same time. The two pieces are then cut apart to create the pile effect. This complicated process meant that velvet was expensive to make before industrial power looms became available, and well-made velvet remains a fairly costly fabric. Velvet can be made from either synthetic or natural fibers or a mix of these, the most expensive of which is silk. More recently, synthetic velvets have been developed, for example viscose mixed with silk produces a very soft, reflective fabric. With its shiny luxurious feel and look it has also inspired numerous textile artists to create with it.

One such maker is Monya Kampa, founder and creator of  Plush Pumpkin.  Every pumpkin is handmade in Minnesota, USA and has a real pumpkin or gourd stem and is made of the highest quality velvet. Just like real pumpkins, these beautiful velvet pumpkins are unique by virtue of their stems.

The company was created in 2002 when Monya hand stitched her first velvet pumpkin. The original velvet pumpkin collection was created as a fall centerpiece, but as the response of family and friends was overwhelming she has continued making them since. Over the years, new fabrics and other creative products inspired by nature have been added to the collections such as little acorns and mushrooms.

In Leeds, UK Mister Finch creates his original textile pieces from recycled materials. Velvet curtains from an old hotel, a threadbare wedding dress and a vintage apron become birds and beasts, looking for new owners and adventures to have. Mister Finch has created a craft project for us, where a piece of green velvet will come handy. The project was originally featured in issue 52 Botanical.