The Isle Mill fabrics feature in Scottish project at The Chelsea Flower Show
17/06/2022
The Isle Mill, a creative furnishing fabrics brand which is part of UKFT member Macnaughton Group, has recently been involved in a project to create upcycled textiles to feature at The Chelsea Flower Show.
‘The Still Garden’ was designed by accomplished garden designer Jane Porter and was inspired by her background in Scotland, bringing a glimpse of Scotland to The Chelsea Flower Show.
This RHS gold medal-winning garden also won the trophy for Best Show Garden in its category.
The garden was the first Scottish garden to feature at the show in 17 years and sent a clear message, encouraging reuse, repurposing and creativity. This tranquil space focused on plants that thrive in the Scottish climate. The dry stone walling and the clever use of upcycled whisky casks and copper distillery vessels displayed traditional crafts, bringing to life the character of this award-winning garden.
The garden also featured upcycled textiles by talented Scottish textile designer Andrea Chappell.
Andrea is passionate about sustainability, hand-making and locally sourced materials. Combining these elements, along with her heritage skills of kiltmaking and printmaking, Andrea promotes a more sustainable means of making, using deadstock, repurposed and vintage textiles.
The Isle Mill collaborated with Andrea on fabric for a stunning hand-made kilt outfit for the garden designer Jane to wear at the show, which features end-of-line fabric from its archives. The fabric was then hand-printed and embroidered to reflect the plants of the garden.
It was wonderful to hear Scottish soprano Lee Bisset performing Robert Burns songs on press day, bringing a sense of authenticity and Scottish charm.
Lee Bisset performing Robert Burns.
Lee is also pictured wearing her ‘Chelsea Collar’, created using upcycled fabrics by Andrea Chappell.
Main Featured Image –Andrea Chappell (left) & Jane Porter (right).
Photo Credit: Emma Wilkinson & Andrea Chappell
Macnaughton Group is a UKFT member. Interested in UKFT membership? Find out more here.