Selvedge – Issue 124

Issue 124: Rural  May/June

From the 17th to mid-18th century, inventions like the spinning jenny and Jacquard loom transformed textiles, spurring the Industrial Revolution and shifting people from rural areas to cities. Urban life dominated for over a century, and the countryside was seen as backward.

Now, modern innovations—computers, the internet, AI—are reversing that trend. People are returning to rural living, drawn by the freedom to work creatively and sustainably outside the city.

In this issue, we spotlight makers and entrepreneurs who’ve found inspiration in the countryside, helping revive heritage crafts and bringing fresh energy to rural areas. Alongside the Heritage Crafts Association, we’re showcasing talents like ribbon weavers, felt makers, and sail makers at our Heritage Village Fête, hosted with the Museum of the Home and London Craft Week on May 16.

For those dreaming of a country escape, we share creative retreats and useful advice—like dressing smart for any weather. Don’t miss Sarah E Bradock Clarke’s feature on cozy knits, and take time to enjoy the outdoors this season.

BY PRODUCT – Plant waste

FARMING FASHION – Farm to Fashion

TALKING SHOP –Tinsmiths

CRAFTY BEGGAR – Rachel Frost 

WILD DYEING – Céline Philippe

AWAY DAY – Rural retreats

DOUBLE TAKE – Welsh blankets & American coverlets

PULL UP A CHAIR – Chair canning

BLACK SHEEP – Nicola Turner

THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW – Ribbon weaving

TWO SHEETS TO THE WIND – Sarah Lisco 

RUN-OF-THE-MILL – AW Hainsworth

WRITING ON THE WALL – Decorative wall-treatments

Plus: Textile Town Ironbridge, Tadek Beutlich, Tudor Cloth, Amy Balfour