I was sourcing a fabric that I didn’t know existed but wanted. My remit was the antithesis of any current fabrics I was viewing to buy. I wanted a cloth that was “earthy”, timeless, durable, sustainable and versatile. And then Harris Tweed found me. A 100% pure wool woven tweed made only in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Trademarked with the Orb of Certification and protected by an Act of Parliam
ent. Harris Tweed is made using traditional methods of production, as it was 100’s of years before, using sustainable processes. It is not just low impact on the local environment, but borne of the environment. Harris Tweed is as relevant now as it ever was, favoured cloth of aristocracy to the farming community. Loved by high end fashion designers such as Vivienne Westwood and adorned Madonna. Harris Tweed is equally seemingly able to reinvent itself. From the traditional tartans and Herringbones of old, to the colourful modern tartans and houndstooths which blend perfectly with the latest and contemporary plain brights and pastel tweeds. Who could be blamed for wanting them all! Handmaiden UK retails to artisans and the crafting community, upholsters, tailors, car and camper van refurbishers, beat box makers, lampshade makers, soft furnishing producers and a whole myriad of niche and highly creative small businesses. Supplied with a range of authentication labels & swing tags for retailing of produced products. HANDMAIDEN UK is a Certified member of the GREEN MAKER INITIATIVE- supporting South West Creatives dedicated to reducing their environmental impact. Proud holder of the GREEN MAKER BUTTON. ABOUT ME - Alisha ��
Lover of all things vintage, if I had to choose between rifling through a 60 year old discarded sewing kit, once used to darn socks and hem trousers by an open fire and a jewellery box, i’d find the treasure in the sewing kit. Avid hoarder of buttons, jars, tins, picture frames, ribbon, string, thread. Think mix between Mr Miser & Little Miss Maker. Creator of handmade gifts, averse to the waste of anything reusable. Designer & maker of Handmaiden UK Harris Tweed and Liberty London Scarves range, Harris Tweed & Vintage country animal prints range of cushions, iPad covers, pet cushions, bags, picnic blankets. Pursuer of restoration projects with a seemingly cemented “make and make do” and “mend and restore” ethos. Unless it’s for fabric, craft accessories or stationery shopping doesn’t float my boat. Previously registered Psychiatric Nurse. ( I made that decision while I was recovering from a breakdown, weeks after achieving a 2:1 Honours Degree at Queens University. It was the kindness of one nurse that inspired me. She never failed to remind me how bright, brave and resilient I was when I felt like I was not worthy of the bed I was in). Experiencing the mental health system from both sides of the fence made me uncomfortable with any “us” and “them” practice and I felt stifled to provide the therapeutic care I desired to in that role. Because through my crafting, making, restoring, creating, life hacking, finding meaning in the slow, present, old school arts of sewing, embroidery and a good up-cycle. I began to realise the immense THERAPEUTIC benefit of all things imaginative and creative. The quiet place. Fairy Lights. Compulsive organiser, yet happy to get lost in a project for 2 days because well, the dishes….can wait. I believe anyone can make, its not an exclusive skill, you don’t need extensive training or even money for materials if you see the potential in the seemingly worthless items around you. We can choose what is valuable to us, and for me it’s not in a Pandora Box. Anxiety is the Handmaiden of Creativity. T.S.Elliot
