Textile Garden to launch in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
We're pleased to announce that we have partnered to launch a new textile garden which will begin planting this summer at Mobile Garden in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park!
The project has been developed by three local sustainable textile organisations - Yodomo, Indigo Works and Fantasy Fibre Mill - and Our Parklife CIC, based in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Together, we will create a demonstrator textile garden and a participatory workshop program that highlights the often-overlooked connection between textiles and plants.
Unveiling the Textile Garden
The Textile Garden will be a living showcase of plants used in textile production. It will feature flax (for linen) and various dye plants such as indigo, woad, coreopsis, weld, calendula, madder, goldenrod, and hollyhock. Through a series of hands-on workshops, we will demonstrate traditional textile techniques, including:
- Dyeing with indigo and other natural dye plants
- Printing with indigo pigment
- Fresh leaf dyeing
- Hand processing flax into linen
Why a Textile Garden?
Textile waste is a significant contributor to global pollution, largely due to the disconnection between consumers and the textile manufacturing processes. The Textile Garden aims to bridge this gap by fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between textiles and nature. By reintroducing people to the plants associated with textile production, we hope to promote sustainable and regenerative practices.
A Community-Centred Approach
The Textile Garden is designed to engage a diverse range of community members:
- Local community members and groups with an interest in textiles and gardening
- Artisans focusing on sustainability and natural fibres and dyes
- Members of the public interested in natural fibre production or sustainable fashion
- Researchers and students from local universities studying natural dyes or incorporating them into projects
Upcoming Events and Workshops
This summer, we will kick off our program with three free-to-attend participatory workshops, kindly supported and funded by the London Legacy Development Corporation. These workshops aim to engage the local community with the Textile Garden, offering a hands-on experience with the plants and processes involved in textile production.