CUTTING-EDGE

Borderlines of Textiles

The current state of what we know as “industry” transforms resources made available while having to face the constant flow of waste. This era of abundance is reaching its own limits and this is not a secret. In this context, a material-oriented approach re-frames our practice away from material-intensive behavior and towards a more holistic and rooted conception of what design catalyzes. The reclassification of waste byproducts requires us to reframe material status to avoid the direct destruction of valuable materials. This can be done through the reevaluation and adaptation of equipment and processes towards a more resourceful production.

Cutting-Edge

The weaving of fabric inherently creates tons of blended surplus called selvedges or loom tapes during the industrial weaving process. Used to secure both edges of the main fabric, the selvedges are trimmed on the loom directly. When recycling is not an option, Cutting-Edge offers an alternative for material re-generation to avoid incineration of valuable materials (merino wool, cashmere, silk). This body of work investigates opportunities to repurpose waste selvedges from the Scottish woven industry. The making process explores protocols designed to select and generate evolving combinations of colors and textures using the waste available. While moving away from the prevailing tendency toward uniformity associated with mass production.

(re)shaped

This research investigates scaling-up perspectives for sustainable selvedge management and recovery process. Considering every aspect of the production, she developed a bio-based rubber binder as an alternative to petroleum-based glue commonly used in the carpet industry. Her approach explores the design of tools and rethought processes for a resourceful local re-manufacturing. Using design strategies to produce regenerative textiles that seek to restore balance.