Winter Fair: Chalk Wovens
On the 7th of December, our team brings a curated collection of 55 merchants and makers to Mary Ward House in central London. Our exhibitors sell a range of rare vintage fabrics, covetable haberdashery and skilfully handmade textile treasures. The fair offers the perfect opportunity to meet makers, catch up with old friends, and pick up that special something in preparation for the festive season.
In the lead up to our annual Winter Fair Selvedge talks to some of the companies that will be joining us. Here we talk to Kerry Stokes woven textiles designer and co-founder at Chalk Wovens. Chalk Wovens creates merino woollen throws and cushions in contemporary designs. The designs are created in their studio, in Brighton and then woven at a traditional mill at Llandysul, in the Welsh valleys.
What are you bringing to the Christmas fair?
Woven throws, cushions, hot water bottles and lampshades, all featuring colourful modern designs and the luxurious feel of merino lambswool. Our hot water bottles are affordable as well as warm and soft—in a variety of designs and colourways. The throws are ideal for the wintry months.
Do any textiles have a special meaning for you at Christmas?
When I was twelve years old my grandmother came to my rescue. I didn't have much money for Christmas presents and it was the thing at school to give presents to all your friends. I didn't want to be left out, so my grandmother got out her "materials box" and found some cream cotton lawn and some pale green muslin. We set about hand sewing handkerchiefs with rolled edges and embroidered initials, and, also, lavender bags with lilac ribbons. We had the lavender already, as my Mum and I had harvested it from our garden earlier in the year. The muslin lavender bags were sewn using a treadle sewing machine which I still have, with its original owner's manual from the 1920s.
For tickets to see Chalk Wovens and more than 50 other makers, visit the Winter Fair. Use code WINTERFAIR19 to buy two tickets for the price of one.
