Let's look at reflexive practice to begin with. Reflexive practice is a critical ongoing examination, or self examination of how my own beliefs, values, and assumptions influence the research process. It is done to ensure that I am rigorous in my research, to mitigate my own biases. This is important because my research is human-centred. Reflexivity questions how my own design making experiences, my own subjective experiences, influences the data I collect or the questions I ask. Reflexive practice, perhaps aligns itself to the interpretivist research paradigm which my research falls under. 

When attempting to learn the Swiss darning repair method, I realised that I had to learn the foundation of the stitch - the duplicate stitch. The Duplicate stitch is a decorative (embroidery) stitch that mimics the knit and purl (stockinette)  stitch of knitwear. It is a great way to jazz up a piece of knitwear that you find a bit boring or lacking in the original charm it once had. It’s versatility also means it can be used to reinforce threadbare areas of your knitwear such as you may find on the elbows of your favourite jumper. I have to say – I love its versatility and the possibility of creating playful and cute designs on your knitwear.

At Edie & Ophelia, we want to change how we experience textiles and fashion, bringing people closer to the art and craft of making and caring for the garments they already own. At our core is the entrenched philosophy for sustainable and ethical ways of keeping our garments for longer by encouraging a change in our perspective and mindset. By considering how a wearer develops a relationship with their clothing - because more often than not, how a garment is worn or used leaves an imprint of the wearer on the piece - I am seeking to reveal the stories related to the wearer and the garment. We understand that movement, tears, rips and creases of a well-worn and loved item tell our stories. And these stories have meaning. And it’s through these stories that attachment is formed.