AMC Newton for QHQ
Fig. 1 Textile Traders stall
On 5th October 2024 in a pastoral village near picturesque Bath in the UK, textiles; fabrics, yarns, notions and more gathered in an unassuming community hall. Picture the scene: a café with people sat drinking cups of coffee and tea, enjoying a bacon butty with a dog running around hoping to be fed. Across the way a hall filled with a plethora of textiles from all around the world; khayamiya from Cairo, kantha from India, boro from Japan, batik from Java and more. In addition to the Aladdin’s cave of textile treasures, inspiring talks from textile explorers and enthusiasts exhilarated visitors. This is one of the five World Textile Days that took place in the UK in 2024.
Starting back in 2009 World Textile Days have been appearing annually in the UK. It all started at a Knitting and Stitching show when Magie Relph and Bob Irwin from The African Fabric Shop, were chatting with Diane and Jim Gaffney of Textile Traders. They came up with the idea of holding shows for textile lovers to come along to, which would showcase goods from several vendors, all connected with a shared passion for the wonder of textiles.
Fig. 2 Indian fabrics from The Running Stitches.
The Stalls:
The Running Stitches, shown in Figs. 2-5 showcased vintage Kantha and other handmade textiles from across Asia. Jackets, bags, panels and fabric bundles in beautiful colours and patterns.
Fig. 3 The Running Stitches Jackets.
Fig. 4 The Running Stitches Purses and fabric panels.
Fig. 5 The Running Stitches fabric panels.
Fig. 6 Janice Gunner
Fig. 7 Art Textiles stall.
Fig. 8 Art Textiles Fabric Panels on display.
Japanese vintage fabrics, think vintage kimono fabrics, sashiko, boro kits and panels. Lots of beautiful indigo fabrics, see Figs. 6-8. It was fascinating chatting with Janice about Japanese fabrics, a wealth of knowledge and appreciation.
Since 1984 Diane & Jim Gaffney have been trading, they started while working in Singapore, It’s a true family business as Diane & Jim are handing the baton to son Sean who will be taking over for them at future World Textile Days. Jim can be seen at the stall in Fig. 9 & their fabrics in Figs.1 & 10-12.
Fig. 9 Jim Gaffney surrounded by handmade textiles from across Asia.
Fig. 10 Textile Traders stall.
Fig. 11 Textile Traders fabric.
Fig. 12 Textile Traders fabric.
Joan & John Fisher shared applique wall hangings, throws and cushion covers handmade in Cairo. Also known as the Tentmakers of Cairo the colourful textiles made a stunning display, and are sourced from a particular part of Cairo in Egypt called Khan El-Khayamiya.
Fig. 13 Joan with the stunning Egyptian creations
Fig. 14 Khayamiya Applique.
Fig. 15 Khayamiya stall.
The African Fabric Shop/The African Vintage Shop
In the process of transition, Magie Relph & Bob Irwin are handing over the reins of The African Fabric Shop to Jenny Hall, so were at the show as The African Vintage Shop. So many textile treasures from across the African continent were on display, as you can see in Figs 16-18.
Fig. 16 The African Vintage shop.
Fig. 17 A box of printed letters on batik fabric.
Fig. 18 African fabrics.
By the time I got to Susan Briscoe’s stall it was time to pack up! The stall included lots of Japanese fabrics; sashiko and patchwork alongside notions & equipment. Luckily, we can now see a lot of it in an online store. See Figs 19-20.
Fig. 19 Susan Briscoe kimono.
Fig. 20 Susan Briscoe fabric kits.
Fig. 21 Applying batik wax by hand. Java, Indonesia 2011.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Kerlogue.
Fig.22 Consulting with Sangeeta at IGNCA, Delhi, India 2015.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Kerlogue.
Fig. 23 Woven Blossoms exhibition at the Horniman 2004.
Featuring weavers from Savu, Indonesia.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Kerlogue.
The Talks
Dr. Fiona Kerlogue gave the first speech “Textiles Travels: journeys of a textile curator”. Formerly of the Horniman Museum Dr. Kerlogue shared a fascinating account of her career and adventures curating exhibitions about textiles from various Asian locations. In addition, some of her exciting adventures visiting and immersing herself in communities rich in textile heritage.
Fig. 24 Diane Gaffney talk.
Fig. 25 Batik fabric.
Diane Gaffney spoke next: “Brining Bali Batiks to Bristol”. Diane shared her stories of researching, exploring and trading in Indonesian batiks since 1983. Scenes of applying batik wax by various methods including freehand and with blocks were shared. We also learnt that there are different waxes which can be used. Figs 24-25 show Diane & some of the fabrics she showcased.
The third talk was from Magie Relph, an African fabric hunter. Shown in Fig.26 are some fabric postcards that Magie made while on her travels. The talk was called “Something happened on the way to the market” which was very apt as Magie shared tales of her travels seeking textiles in various parts of Africa, which featured a variety of transport methods to get around including donkey & cart. The thing that came across in all the rich tales of travel highs & lows was the genuine relationships Magie & Bob have developed over the years with individuals and their families.
Fig. 26 Magie Relph Fabric postcards of Africa.
In conclusion, the whole day went by so quickly as it was a delight to be amongst fellow textile enthusiasts, and to hear first-hand so many wonderful stories from true textile explorers. If you enjoy making, wearing, and chatting about textiles then consider going along to a World Textile Day next year in 2025. Of course, if you do, you’ll have to leave space in your luggage to take home all the treasures you will find.
Being amongst so many different textiles, means there is always something to surprise and delight you. In addition, there is always more to learn, which is refreshing. Being at the show made me want to go home and get my sewing machine out to play with scraps of fabric to see what I might create. When was the last time you were inspired to make something, we’d love to hear!