Andrea CHAPPELL

I studied design in the early 90s that developed a passion for printmaking which grew into a love affair with traditional crafts. I now combine the heritage craft skills of kiltmaking and printmaking with those of contemporary design, aiming to promote the traditional handstitched method, whilst exploring more possibilities for construction techniques and bespoke textile creation. Through creative collaborations with other craft practitioners I hope to broaden the appeal of this historic garment beyond its formal associations to support cultural and economic regeneration of this endangered craft.

My sustainable ethos is fundamental to my practise, specifically using end-of-roll and deadstock cloth alongside vintage fabrics to create unique, contemporary kilts constructed using the traditional method.
In 2021 I launched the IV36 Initiative, a local circular economy specifically to remake vintage wool skirts into contemporary kilts, re-design woollen knitwear and re-purpose fabric remnants. Thge sale of each piece returns 20% of profits back to my local community, funding the training of a young school-leaver from my town of Forres, IV36.