I'm delighted to introduce you to Rachael Gilbert-Burns, our first UK Migration stop. Rachael loves to mend and experiment with all manner of fibre arts pursuits, which you can follow along via social media at @minimalistmachinist (IG and TikTok).
Rachael tackled a whole host of sock repairs and patched up a knit sweater, but was most inspired by the Swift Darner's weaving function. Her creative spirit dreamed up a couple of new-to-me ideas like this one:
It's a tooth fairy pouch for her daughter, made from scrap wool! Rachael wove the new textile like a big darn with wool backed on cotton, and then turned all the ends and edges under to stitch the finished shape.
Rachael is in Cumbria, but the timing worked out for our Swift Darning Loom to tag along for their family holiday to Norfolk: "I used [the loom] there to 'weave my walk'. I collected pieces of nature and made a mini memory of our evening walks through the forest."
The nature weaving in particular has already inspired a handful of other nature tapestries that you shared with me in Stories and via #SwiftDarner on Instagram – it truly makes my day to see and share what you're making and mending, so thank you! And thanks Rachael for participating in our Mending Migration. Stay tuned for our next Friday update to see where else in the world our Swift Darner is travelling.
à bientôt!
-elysha