Sally McDonald / Silk Velvet Patchwork Skirt

Tartan director, Sally McDonald reimagined a silk velvet proto sample using colour approval swatches to create a multicolour patchwork. The silk velvet sample was a part of a new mini collection that Tartan was excitedly developing, until the lockdowns put it on hold.

Tartan Mind Mend: Tell us about your re-imagined Tartan piece and what inspired you.

Sally McDonald: I wanted to make a happy bohemian skirt that could be at home in a magical lounge at the end of the rainbow. I love colour and colour combinations and wanted to give the beautiful velvet swatches a new life. I am a terrible sewer, so I enlisted the help of my step mum, Anne McDonald, to sew the patches on. She did the hard work, I just did the planning and pinning. It makes me happy to know that despite lockdown, the work and energy that went into constructing this garment wasn’t wasted, and in fact now the skirt has a greater purpose.

TMM: What creative pursuits, little rituals, or things to look forward to, helped you to keep going during lockdown?

SM: Dog walks, Odd Socks, Tokyo Lamingtons and Onigiri (until the 5km rule), Shakti Mats, Baguettes, Cups of Tea, Family, Friends, Icy Cold Winter Swims.

TMM: How has the lockdown affected your creative process?

SM: My sleep was affected dramatically in lockdown. I would wake at 4 or 5am with my brain buzzing. Until I started working on Mind Mend I was wasting that energy and time by focussing on news and negativity. Once I had formed an outlet and purpose the early morning time became my most productive and creative time. I am very aware that it was a privileged to have been able to devote my lockdown to a creative and rewarding pursuit. It gave me a new perspective and helped me re set my brain patterns. Collaborating with so many creative minds for a greater purpose filled me with positive energy and inspiration.

TMM: When the world opens back up, what is the first thing you would love to do?

SM: The first thing I did was go to the Thai Kee supermarket in Chinatown with my son. Before lockdown that had become our special weekend outing. On a Saturday we would go to Kinokuniya, Dopa and Thai Kee. It was a pretty great feeling to be able to take him there again and let him choose his favourite things. We stocked up on seaweeds, Japanese sodas, Pocky Sticks and Korean breakfast cereals. We both appreciated more than ever how lucky we are to be able to enjoy these simple pleasures.

100% Silk Velvet 
Gentle Hand Wash 
Do Not Soak 
Do Not Tumble Dry 

Due to the handmade/second hand nature of this item any imperfections are considered intentional and are unique characteristics of this one of a kind piece. Over time changes may occur. Handle with care. No exchanges or refunds are available for Tartan Mind Mend charity auction items. 

Sample Size 2/M 

https://poepke.com/collections/tartan