New Weaver/Bespoke Designer in Scotland - Prickly Thistle

[bodhran4me]

This endeavour was brought to my attention on my facebook today. In a nutshell Clare Campbell, a tartan designer has started a new weaving mill with their temporary 'pop up' mill located north of Inverness with plans to locate in Black Isle with a goal of keeping highland traditions, knowledge and jobs in the highlands.

https://pricklythistlescotland.com/

No idea of their minimum length requirements, quality or price but it will be interesting to see how things continue to develop.

If any of the rabble has had dealings with The Prickly Thistle or Clare Campbell herself I would be interested in hearing your experience.

[CollinMacD]

I met her last year at the Tartan Event in Washington DC. She is trying to revive an old mill, she has a great story, and wants to bring many new ideas to Scottish fashion. Enjoyed talking to her very much. Last time I heard she was still trying to find investors. Her goal is to restart the mill, using local raw materials, and local labor. I applaud her efforts. She really has a very interesting story to tell.

[Tobus]

I like what I see! I don't understand the concept of a "pop up mill", though. Is it just a temporary operating space for their looms while they finish the renovation of the building that will house the equipment permanently?

Are they currently weaving and taking orders? The website is full of fluffy ideas and goals, but doesn't seem to offer any information on whether they can actually take orders for cloth.

[revdpatience]

I follow Prickly Thistle on Instagram @pricklythistle and Clare @tartandesigner -- they're funding the startup of the Black House Mill through a series of Kickstarter campaigns, the most recent of which has just launched.

Prickly Thistle Scotland

Finlay Wilson, the "Kilted Yogi," is one of her early tartan design customers and her project features in this video:

KILTED YOGA | PRICKLY THISTLE | VLOG

[bodhran4me]

I like what I see! I don't understand the concept of a "pop up mill", though. Is it just a temporary operating space for their looms while they finish the renovation of the building that will house the equipment permanently?

Are they currently weaving and taking orders? The website is full of fluffy ideas and goals, but doesn't seem to offer any information on whether they can actually take orders for cloth.

My impression is it is indeed a temporary location until their final site is renovated and that they are taking orders . I agree it is not set up in regards to information as to their capabilities but I did read on one of their pages that they had trouble with getting their first orders out on time after their kickstarter due to the looms requiring additional work to be operational but that now they have all the bugs worked out, so they must be operational to some extent.

From the 'What we do' page it states you can visit the mill to see your cloth being woven and has a contact f you wish to discuss a bespoke tartan
https://pricklythistlescotland.com/w...gartan-weaving