Ath-thilgeadh – Story Plaid, reflections in waning moons
This hand woven plaid is a story of the light on Lochs and the reflection of the moon phases moving across the night sky
Ath-thilgeadh – (Gaelic) means ‘reflections’. See more of the story below.
Product Information
Fibres – 100% Merino Lambswool Yarn from British mills, with hand spun inlayed yarns of mixed natural fibres such as Shetland and Merino wools & Nettle, Flax & Rose fibres
Dimensions – 91cm x 250cm (+/- 5%)
Design – a hand woven plaid pattern with hand felted and hand stitched embellishments, inlayed hand spun yarns.
Ath-thilgeadh – Story Plaid, reflections in waning moons
£399.00Out of stock
Ath-thilgeadh – Story Plaid, reflections in waning moons
You cannot wander far before confronting a body of water in Scotland. From powerful rivers to the glass like surface of a still loch: the experience is magical. This set of three story plaids combine colours of a deep and rich body of water. The design mixes a very dark blue with hints of charcoal grey and warm earthy browns.
As daylight fades and the wind drops the surface of a loch becomes calm and still. The high hills are outlines of deep charcoal and blue and the silvery light of a moon strikes out against the quiet waters. This is the time of a dozen moons and a million strands of light. Of power and fragility. It is stillness and movement. The three shawls share the phases of the moon and the power of light reflected many times without losing its beauty. The plaids work together, linked by the transitioning moons and reflecting light but equally work as stand alone pieces.
Introducing
Ath-thilgeadh – ‘(act of) reflection’
This final piece: Ath-thilgeadh – Story Plaid presents the waning of the moons, although a quieter time it is the perfect opportunity for reflection and healing. Coming full circle it is good to tie up loose ends and prepare for a new phase to begin. Ath-thilgeadh means (act of_) reflection in Scottish Gaelic. A double meaning of a time for your own reflection as the moon reflects upon the surface of a loch.
This final Story Plaid has the last waning moons hand felted across the the simple but strong lines of the plaid pattern. The fibres are a combination of Merino and Shetland wools with Flax and Rose plant fibres. Hand stitched light circles radiate out from the moon.
Further down the plaid there are inlayed hand spun yarns illustrating the way the moonlight reflects upon a glass like surface of a loch.
The Making
I love traditional patterns and believe their classic look will transcend seasons. The plaid is synonymous to Scotland and the designs are rooted in this pattern. I believe in creating one off textiles that reflect the wearer or owner of each piece. The stories are unique and will not be re-created.
Scotland radiates magic, it is why we often feel connected to it from afar. Each Story Plaid is a piece of textile art that illustrates this. The embellishments may be hand stitched, hand felted or threaded with hand spun art yarns that I spin myself. These are added directly to the fabric whilst it is being woven on the loom. The tensioned fabric is the perfect surface to work from.
The designs are made using gentle techniques that hark back to slower times. Using a loom in my Scottish studio, it is powered by hands and feet not electricity. I use natural fibres and yarns that come from British, Scottish & Irish mills, chosen for quality and sustainability. Each step is carefully considered so that the textile is made to the very highest of standards. A hand woven textile has life and personality and, if looked after, will look beautiful for many years ahead.
Use the Story Plaid as a blanket or throw, wrap around as wearable art or hang them as a piece of art in their own right.