Beca Lipscombe: We must not let our unique textile industry die
‘Caerlee Mills was the last mill in Europe predominately to employ the specialist knitwear process of hand intarsia. Some of the staff had worked there for more than 40 years; we cannot buy, replace or pass on their knowledge once it has gone.
As a Scot, I realise we do not always appreciate and value our strengths until they have gone.
As world commerce and consumer patterns change, one thing is for sure: unless government invests in and supports our struggling textile industries, very few will survive. I see a deleterious lack of government support. China may have might, but we have history, skill and legacy.’
• Beca Lipscombe is director of fashion label Atelier EB.
Scotland’s oldest continually operating knitwear mill is to close, with the loss of more than 30 jobs.
Caerlee Mills in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders region dates back to 1788. Previously the mill was in the ownership of the world renowned Ballantyne Cashmere company, which is famous for its luxury cashmere knitwear. Caerlee, produced hand intarsia and other cashmere knitwear.
‘The upper appears to use a combination of flechage (short row knitting), intarsia, jacquard, tuck stitches and stitch transfer techniques to impart shape and function, and employs a binding-off technique to close the selvedges. What appear to be braids are inserted to provide loops for lacing as well support at the sides of the shoe. The Flyknit is one of the best examples of commercial exploitation of the potential of flat knitting to date.’
Nanna van Blaaderen’s affinity with and respect for nature and animal life together with a strong awareness for sustainability, inspired her to design the collection ‘Species. A Tribute.’ The collection is a tribute to animals. In naturel soft materials, in structures and in textures Nanna van Baaderen expresses the beauty of various species. The designs consist of autonomous textile forms, fashion designs and fabrics for interior. Also, she introduces this collection as an alternative to fur.
Textile designer Nanna van Blaaderen’s amazing knitted collection ‘Species’
