Factory Friday: MAKlab Textiles

As part of our ongoing Factory Friday series, we are delving into the stories behind some of the Scottish Manufacturers on the Make Works Directory. This week, we've interviewed Iona Barker, the technician at MAKlab Textiles; an open access textiles workshop within MAKlab that we've just added to Make Works.

How did you get into textiles production?

I got into textiles production as I had a keen interest in dressmaking, fashion and costume as a child. I grew up in the Galloway hills, where my imagination ran as wild as the countryside. I would make big gowns and dresses out of old fabric, curtains, anything I could get my hands on. 

What was the first piece that you made?

The first piece I ever made was a "waistcoat" out of my mum's good bedding (that I rescued from a life of darkness in the airing cupboard) when I was around 4 or 5 years old for a Blue Peter clothing appeal. Needless to say, my mum was quite angry, the 'waistcoat' never made it to Bosnia and I didn't get a badge... that time.

Where can we see your work out in the world?

You can see my work all over the world! Since 2007 I have worked as a costume designer for film and TV, theatre, dance, from shows in India and the USA and touring shows which circulate the globe.

Who is the typical client that comes into MAKlab Textiles and what are they looking for?

At the moment, we get a lot of people just coming in to see what we are or what we do! MAKLab textiles has only been open a few months, so we are encouraging people to pop in and have a chat, come see all the amazing kit we have in the workshop. We would also love to find out what people want to learn. We don't just teach you how to sew that dress, we will also teach you how to design the textile to make it out of, laser cut patterns for the fabric, 3D print some accessories to go with it and embellish it with some digital embroidery or heat-press vinyl.

 

How do you see the textiles industry changing over the coming years?

I'm hoping that the textile industry focuses on manufacturing in this country and that the world recognises the wonder of Scottish fashion and textiles. We have so much skill and talent in Scotland and it breaks my heart to see all these graduates disappearing down south every year, or century-old businesses closing down because of lack of trade. 

You can check out MAKlabTextile's listing on Make Works here

Interested in textiles production? Read our piece: 10 weavers to get you weaving