ODDMENTS 22 | DECEMBER LAUNCH
The Oddments Collection is our ongoing experiment with workshop offcuts, ends of roll and salvaged fabric and trims. Embracing our unused materials as design inspiration and a craftwork challenge.
This year we have been focused on our leather processes and the pieces collected from our monthly batches and small production runs for Toast. Introducing us to new techniques and texture, and leading to a limited run of Ditty Bags, Daypacks and tote bags on the theme of weaving.
We exclusively use equestrian hides from our neighbours in Devon, J&FJ Baker. Britain’s only remaining oak bark tannery who have been perfecting their craft for over 150 years.
Each hide takes 14 months to produce. A long and gentle process to protect the natural fibres of the hide. Each hide is soaked in tan pits for 12 months in Oak Bark liquor & moved constantly by a mechanism powered by water wheel. Finally it is hand finished by expert curriers with a special blend of natural oils to feed and compliment the grain of the leather.
With this rich craft heritage and unique character, each hide is precious. And as they move through our workshop, taking the form of phone cases and utility pockets, every edge and off cut keeps its value.
And so we gather them into bundles, organised in size and colour, and store them for future use.
These are typically narrow shapes, no longer than 30cm, and that makes them too fiddly for the panelling and patchwork used for Oddments 21 . Instead this time we took a more foundation textile approach. Trimming the strips and rebuilding them into new material with classic weaving techniques.
From sustainable farming by-product, through 14 months tanning and a year of Francli Essentials production. There’s been a lot of time and energy in and around these bundles of ‘scrap’.
The results are sections of woven leather and woven leather/canvas blended panels. Following plain and twill patterns and applied to Francli bag designs depending on their movement and texture.
Simple and strong carry goods, built to honour the hide and last a lifetime.
‘I’ve become enamoured with this tactile handwork of weaving oddments. With minimal tools, just feeling out the balance of the leathers natural solidity and flex. The process is naive and has allowed me to be more playful in the workshop.This me more curious about material as sculpture… I’m excited how this direction could evolve over time.
I give thanks to Dixza Rugs Native Farm, who I spent time with in the weaving village of Teotitlan Del Valle. For introducing me to the art of their craft, and how that captures their art of living. The seeds of this collection was sown by them.’
- Ali
Oddments Collection 22 will be ready this December
Each design is entirely unique and will not be repeated
They will be launched in the online store
Earliest announcements will be in the newsletter
