Arts Thread

‘Trails’ is a collection of knitwear garments, accessories and samples using medieval visuals to communicate stories about movement, queerness, and environmental sustainability. Conceptually, this collection is inspired by medieval pilgrimages and the idea of a purposeful journey, both as the physical act of walking, and as a symbolic journey of coming into one’s identity. The visual inspiration for this project derives largely from queer and erotic interpretations of medieval art. Snail shells are a recurring motif in this collection referencing the depictions of knights fighting and surrendering to snails, often thought to be a commentary on the knight’s strength or sexuality. Shells can perform as protection from elements and a portable home, acting as a continuous sense of safety on a long pilgrimage. The materials in this collection have been influenced by the Middle Ages in both the raw material and sourcing of fibres. Fibres in this collection are 100% wool, either naturally dyed or left as their original brown, grey and whites. The circular economy and use of ‘waste’ materials in the Middle Ages was also significant in my choices. I sourced carded waste from The Natural Fibre Company to spin and use as wadding, processed locks of Dartmoor sheep fleece and used deadstock wool yarn when I was unable to find fully traceable and locally spun yarn in the needed yarn counts. Wherever possible I used yarn sourced from Fibreshed certified mills and farms, ensuring traceability. The colours in this collection are entirely derived from the land, coming from the natural colours of the sheep and the dyes madder, indigo and chamomile grown in my garden, alongside naturally dyed deadstock fabric from wood bark and weld. The knit structures in this collection are designed to be both practical and beautiful, drawing inspiration from contemporary outdoor wear alongside medieval imagery.