materials that matter

There’s so many questions to ask about the materials to use when making a bag. I’ve tried to weigh up the most sustainable options, for people and the planet, with materials that are hardwearing. It’s been a very steep learning curve, with lots of issues to take in to consideration. I try to make my bags as responsibly as possible but I’m always learning and re-evaluating. I also feel it’s important to find uses for the materials we put in our recycling bin each week, to close the recycling loop, so I’ve used some products that are made from recycled plastic bottles (rPET) for example where that material will be the most durable for the job.

Here’s some stories of the main materials I use:

Waxed Cotton

The gorgeous quality waxed canvas I use is produced by Halley Stevensons in Dundee. I love that waxed cotton looks better with age as the wax naturally picks up marks and creases through use and takes on a unique character. I use organic waxed cotton and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton where available and the finish is suitable for Vegans. Waxed cotton bags can easily  be reproofed to keep them weatherproof for years to come. The waxes used are fully biodegradable and free from Flourocarbons (PFCs) which are horribly persistent chemicals in the environment. 

Straps

I use Hemp webbing, another superstar fabric like linen, and an incredibly strong fibre, and 100% Cotton webbing that is made in the UK. All main cross-body straps on the bags are removable so can easily be replaced or cleaned.

Wool

The wools I weave with all have an interesting story and caring people behind the flocks that produce the fleeces. All from Scotland, and mostly sourced from Iona Wool, Ardalanish on The Isle of Mull, Uradale Organic Yarns in Shetland, Black Isle Yarns and Birlinn Yarn from Bernaray in The Outer Hebrides. All these producers know exactly where their fleeces have come from and some can even tell you the particular sheep’s name! Wool is a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre that makes for great protection against the elements and can be wonderfully resilient as well as soft to handle. 

Hardware

I use YKK metal zips that are well known for their quality and are made in the North of England for me. All other hardware contains no plastic and is all manufactured from metal. 

Linen

I use linen to give the bags shape, instead of man made interfacings and also for some of the bag linings. Linen is a true superstar of a natural fabric, the flax plant can grow in very poor soil and doesn’t require a lot of water. It is completely biodegradable, recyclable, robust and hardwearing. The Linen I use is from Peter Greig & Co Ltd in Kirkcaldy, which was the last linen Mill in Scotland and very sadly closed its doors in 2021 which makes the fabric even more precious to use now. 

Thread

I use a hardwearing Polyester thread from Germany as cotton is not strong enough for the everyday use of a bag. I use the rPET thread made from recycled plastic bottles when I can get the colour matches. 

decorative meet durable

Traditional Tapestry Weaving combined with the technical; weatherproof waxed cotton, to keep out even the dreichest of weather.

Repair and recycle scheme for all stages of your bags life.

Bags to carry you through the day, everyday.