In the first of a series of posts introducing the wonderful makers of our Bordersbags, meet Ros.
Although coming from a family of seamstresses, Ros is fairly new to sewing. She completed our Level 1 course in 2017, falling for ReTweed’s “can-do attitude and the creative, supportive and inspiring environment”. Our level 1 course delivers practical skills enabling women to build confidence and develop their creative skills in craft, design and technology with textiles. She went on to take part in our advanced training course to further develop her technical sewing skills and graduated from Level 2 in April this year, enabling her to take on some commission work brokered by ReTweed. Her favourite thing she has made so far are the purses commissioned by Design & Alter.
Thistle appliqué purses commissioned by Design & Alter in London.
In her textile work, Ros enjoys using natural yarns and tweeds and is currently mastering the vagaries of felting wool. Her favourite ReTweed product is the tartan Scottie dog.
Ros loves the work of dramatic, controversial British fashion designers – the strong silhouettes and post-rave aesthetic of Alexander McQueen, the theatrical and radical designs of Vivienne Westwood.
She is very inspired by Julian Roberts, an accomplished designer, teacher and inventor of a zero-waste pattern cutting technique known as ‘subtraction cutting‘, which is used to construct creative, experimental garments.
Ros with a clutch of Bordersbags “I couldn’t pick just one, they are all fabulous in their own, unique way.”
Best way to spend an hour in the Borders?
Fish and chips at Eyemouth Harbour, after shopping at ReTweed of course!
Favourite place in the Borders?
Visiting the old textile mills in Selkirk and Hawick, they are packed with atmosphere. And I always enjoy spending the day walking the Southern Upland Way.
Share a top tip
Pop your new 100% wool sweater in the freezer for 24 hours to make sure there are no moths.
This blog post was written by Melanie Thomson – ReTweed Marketing Volunteer