As we toured the Our Linen Stories exhibition, it became clear that there are lots of elements that make up the ecology of design. This section of the exhibition celebrates some of the ways in which we can support designers to generate interest and income for their local communities.
For example this can be done by introducing young children to a new technique for the first time, or supporting established designers who are forging a career for themselves. There are many ways that we can nurture design in the linen industry, and enhance local communities in the process.
On this page we have selected 3 exhibits of linen craft created by Scottish children through the ages. Linen is a versatile fabric which can easily be decorated. Embroidery has always been a popular method of creating designs in linen fabric. There are two examples of linen embroidery below. The Scottish Sampler lets you see the process of a daughter learning embroidery skills from her mother, and Selkirk Embroidery was created by a girl using a pattern published in People’s friend magazine.
The ‘Spin painted’ cushions show an example of how dyes can easily be used to stunning effect to produce eye catching linen designs. Artist Lara Greene recently ran an outdoor workshop during which local children from Selkirk learned how to use the spin painting technique to produce these colourful cushions.
Scottish Sampler
Pair of embroidered linen samplers (possibly mother and daughter) typical of those sewn by young girls
Spin Painting
Painting by young children attending outdoor workshop run by artist Lara Greene for Play Borders Selkirk
Selkirk Embroidery
Tablecloth embroidered by young girl from Selkirk, from a pattern published in ‘People’s Friend’
