Category: Uncategorized

In the 18th and 19th Centuries, arsenic was used as a way to colour fabrics with inevitable consequences. The use of arsenic for green pigments was commonplace, before safer alternatives were found, and the colours were used in wallpapers and fabrics, carpets and book-bindings. Some clothing was painted with the colour, and sweat and movement…

Founder of RAREBLAQ, Khuthadzo Nemutanzhela has been creating unique and distinctive fashion through his South African Venda identity. Have a look at the brand’s Instagram page for beautifully realised design and exciting fashion work. Thank you to a reader for sending this link in to share. See more: Tatler Africa Read more:

Dear readers of the blog, This is the final blog to come from GlobalYell. After two decades of posting regularly about music and textiles the time has come to complete the move that began four and a half years ago, from Shetland to Greymouth. Change is complicated and it takes time. We moved to Aotearoa…

As many of you will know, next year the Costume and Textiles symposium will be held on the West Coast. Here are some more details of what to expect. Although plans are still at an early stage and things might change we are planning to not only have talks and presentations but also a mini…

After the successful symposium in Whanganui we took a road trip that brought us close to volcanoes, isolated hamlets, incredible scenery, amazing food, and lots of art and craft. From Whanganui the road to New Plymouth – at least, the route we took – goes along the coast. Along the way are historic settlements, some…

Dear readers-of-the-blog, Thank you so much for your thoughts on the weekly newsletter. It is good to have had so many respond with suggestions and ideas so I shall ponder those for a little while as things migrate over to a new system. One idea that will help generate more stories and connections is to…

Over the next few weeks there will be some changes for the blog. The blog takes a long time to write each week so I am considering the options in producing it. Does it go out every two weeks, or does it remain a weekly occurrence? Should it be shorter, or come out once a…

It is ANZAC Day today; a time to remember the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps and those who perished in the landings at Gallipoli in World War One, and by extension all those who have served and returned home or died in conflicts. The shop window of Ballantynes in Christchurch commemorates the day with…

This weekend is Open Studios across Māwhera Greymouth, organised by the Left Bank Art Gallery. Each year artists open their studios and galleries for the public to visit. It is an interesting way to spend time, for both the visitors and the artists, and there are lots of great conversations to be had during the…