weaving
Millie Morgan
Where did you grow up and what first led you to weaving and interior textile design?
I grew up in Mid Wales in a small town situated in a very rural location. I love where I grew up. It is a beautiful area with a rugged wild landscape and I think that influence comes across in my work now, such as the earthy colours that I use. I became a mother at a young age and I had two kids quite close together. While they were babies I started weaving, just as a way to have a bit of a creative outlet and to do something for myself. And then, I got more interest in it and eventually, when my daughter went to school, I decided to do a degree in textile design.
So I went to our local university, in Hereford. I loved every minute of it. So that's kind of how I ended up where I am now.
On your website, you mention that 'the use of textiles can bring a sense of peace and calm.' Could you tell us more about how your practice contributes to your well-being?
Weaving it's a very meditative process that has a lot of repetition and is quite grounding when you're just there at the loom. It's like anything that you do that implies using your hands in a repetitive way. I think it allows your brain to think more freely, especially if you are a bit like me, an overthinker. Sometimes I get kind of stuck in this sort of inaction, like not doing anything because I'm thinking about it too much. Whereas if I'm just at the loom, I'm doing something anyway and then it kind of frees up my brain to be able to think about things properly without getting stuck.
Being creative in general is quite essential for our well-being. Really can make you a lot happier.
What does it mean to you, to be emotionally connected to your textiles?
I have always been quite a sentimental person, and I tend to attach a lot of meaning to objects and clothes. I treasure clothes that I've had for years and years because it's either something that my mom gave to me or my aunt gave me that blanket. I think we should aim to revere the textiles in our life with that value. I also believe it boils down to the time that's being put into it. If I’ve made something, I know how much time has gone into that, and I hope that the person that buys or receives it, feels that value as well. And the same applies to objects that I buy from people. I always try to support small craftspeople and pay attention to those details and seek a deeper connecttion.
We know you are a great champion of wool. Why is wool so important to your work?
I became interested in wool when I was in university and I wrote my dissertation on sustainable British wool and the future of sustainable textiles. I just think it's a great material. I think that at the same time it is complex, and we need to consider the animal welfare aspect and look for local yarn sourcing rather than mass-produced and global-scale options.
British wool has so many different breeds and I think what interests me is the properties of each breed. I think it is really exciting that you can have one material for such various needs.
Who is the person you have in mind when designing your pieces?
I think people who also reflect about the meaning behind objects in their lives, and put value into objects they own. I'm not sure if I'm thinking about one particular person, but I'd imagine people that have a similar ethos, similar values, and similar ideas about products.
It can be as well other crafters, and I think about all the people who've used these techniques before. But I guess it´s easier to identify values rather than specific things about a person.
How do you envision a better future in the textile world?
I think this is a tricky one because I don't believe there is one rule, but many little things to change. It will be nice to see more local and regenerative textile systems. There is something beautiful about having localised processes and materials.
Knowledge is a key part of making things better in the future. A lot of us just literally have no idea as to what processes go into making things. Everything gets handed to us these days. So understanding how things are made and going through the processes ourselves, can make a change.
We know that you are offering weaving workshops and 1-2-1 weaving tuition. Can you tell us more about it?
I just moved into a new studio about a month ago, I am hoping to be able to run workshops anytime soon. I’m just working, at the moment, on how I want to structure it. I'm excited to have that kind of intimate experience of sharing knowledge.
Millie´s website and social media
All pictures belong to Millie
