Hey folks! This post is the first of many that I will be writing about my experience in Jackie Corlett’s amazing textile class which takes us through the fascinating process of designing our fabric using the PlaidMaker software, ultimately transformed into stunning handwoven textiles by fair trade artisans in Bangladesh.
My introduction to Jackie Corlett occurred at a textile trade show, where her innovative use of recycled fibers to create exquisite fabrics made an impression and left me contemplating ways to incorporate her unique fabrics into my own designs.
Between then and now, I’ve kept up with Jackie’s work through her Instagram @motif.jackie, learning more about the origins of her business, and the stories behind the artisans who bring these fabrics to life.
It all starts in Bangladesh, a significant hub for the production of clothing for fashion companies, including fast fashion. As we are well aware, the fashion industry often involves harsh working conditions and human rights abuses in large-scale factories contracted by fashion conglomerates. These factories, typically situated far from villages, contribute to the fragmentation of families and expose women to the dangers of trafficking, especially in areas along major rivers and near the Indian border.
In response, around 20 years ago, CEO of Hand Touch Mohammad Ali Khan introduced hand-weaving into certain villages of Bangladesh, which catalyzed positive change in both the social landscape and the local economies. Families grew stronger as individuals no longer had to migrate to cities for employment. Most importantly, instances of trafficking significantly decreased, empowering women who were no longer left vulnerable to exploitative promises of income. Additionally, women in these villages gained autonomy and respect as active decision-makers in the weaving process, a stark contrast to the factory environment (76% of artisanal business owners are women!).
A few other ripple effects of the revitalization of handloom weaving:
- The stimulation of local economies provides better educational opportunities for children. By empowering communities through fair wages and ethical working conditions, these artisans play a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for the next generation.
- The practice supports the preservation of time-honored traditions in danger of disappearing, for example the use of recycled fibers in Bangladesh to create kantha fabrics.
- Embracing the ethos of slow fashion, the handloom weaving technique allows for artisans to express their own mastery and creativity, much more personalized and fulfilling than the monotony of underpaid factory labor.
Picture provided by Motif Handmade
Jackie’s plaid-making class has so far not only offered a lesson in design but has also illuminated the transformative power of ethical craftsmanship. Stay tuned for more chapters in this journey from digital design to finished product!