Our recent demonstration and talk by The Border Tart (Lindsay Roberts) was really interesting. Here are some short reviews of the session which included a spinning demonstration and the opportunity to see examples of some gorgeous embroidered, printed and block printed fabrics…
I originally came across Lindsay, The Border Tart, at an Edinburgh Yarn Festival and follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/bordertart. As a fellow maker focusing on print and textiles, and someone who loves indigo, I find her images and online shop a delight. So, I was keen to meet her and waited in anticipation for her demonstration and talk.
I loved hearing about her travels to India and seeing photos of the amazing craftspeople she worked with, alongside some beautiful prints, dyed fabrics and hand stitched textiles. She mentioned she was inspired by her time there. The intricacy of the designs and the quality of hand stitching are fantastic. As is the skill of the printmakers in creating and registering multilayer wood block with practiced ease. Passing around textile pieces during the talk, we were able to see and feel the craft involved in making the decorative surfaces.
Time was short, so we had just a glimpse of her skills as a spinner and dyer of yarn. Lindsay shared lots of information about how the yarns are made, showing us her Canadian spinning wheel in action. A thing of beauty! It was an enjoyable and relaxed talk, perhaps she could revisit the Friends of the Hatton at some point to do a creative class to share her skills?
Michelle Wood, Sea Tern Print
Lindsay’s talk was well-worth waiting for. It was extremely interesting and informative, and obviously full to the brim with colour!
The artefacts we were able to handle and admire were delightful, and made us even more mindful of the imagination, traditions and skills of the craftspeople who had produced them, including herself. It was a privilege to see and hear about all of this and to be able to see Lindsey at work on her spinning wheel, too.
A lovely occasion.
Trish Wojciechowski
Lindsay’s talk was very interesting. She talked about her textile residency in India. She returned inspired by the artisans, embroidery, block printing and indigo dyeing. She showed us examples of embroidery, printing and mirror-work. She also brought a collection of dyed yarns and threads. She finished off her talk by spinning on her Canadian spinning wheel – she made it look very easy! Everyone enjoyed the talk and hopefully at some time in the future she will come back and complete a workshop for Friends.
Jo Cousin Workshops/Talks Co-ordinator.
Friends of the Hatton 