'Threads & Bonds’ is a collection of handcrafted and reimagined textile vessels - mythical containers for the storage of memories, dreams, adventures and life stories. It is a personal celebration of friendship and family, to every thread of connection and bond formed throughout life.
Underpinning the project is an encouragement of waste reduction through meaningful and long-term connection to objects and an appreciation for carefully considered design which builds a closer relationship to the wider world around us. Treasured possessions are central inspiration - domestic textiles made by my grandmother, family clothing saved by my mother and cherished old letters from friends.
Sentimentality is reflected by incorporating donated materials from these friends - treasured, yet fading textiles re-used in combination with new high quality materials. Final designs have been realised through detailed hand embroidery, direct to fabric painting, disperse ink painting, digital and sublimation printing.
Underpinning the project is an encouragement of waste reduction through meaningful and long-term connection to objects and an appreciation for carefully considered design which builds a closer relationship to the wider world around us. Treasured possessions are central inspiration - domestic textiles made by my grandmother, family clothing saved by my mother and cherished old letters from friends.
Sentimentality is reflected by incorporating donated materials from these friends - treasured, yet fading textiles re-used in combination with new high quality materials. Final designs have been realised through detailed hand embroidery, direct to fabric painting, disperse ink painting, digital and sublimation printing.
I have this huge box of letters, fliers and zines I’ve been holding onto forever. In essence it’s just fading old paper, but to me it’s a physical and tangible reminder of endless formative memories and people.
For this project, I asked three dear friends from this box of letters to send an object for deconstruction and re-use. Something sentimental yet time to let go.
For this project, I asked three dear friends from this box of letters to send an object for deconstruction and re-use. Something sentimental yet time to let go.
I’ve also always been surrounded by treasured objects connecting to generations past. A trace of loved-ones’ marks left behind and reminders of the value in re-use, repair and considered design.
These objects are central inspiration throughout this project - informing the final outcomes, floral motifs, colour palette and handcraft techniques.
These objects are central inspiration throughout this project - informing the final outcomes, floral motifs, colour palette and handcraft techniques.
© 2023 Emillie Reader