Inspired Harris Tweed & Textile Design
Discover My Unique Creations at Dizzy Bluebell Designs
At Dizzy Bluebell, nestled in the heart of Melrose, Scotland, I take pride in offering fashion pieces that are not only beautiful and bespoke, but also stylish and completely unique. Each item is meticulously handmade and designed by myself, ensuring that no two pieces are the same. Featuring the fabulous Harris Tweed and along with the stories they hold of my heritage, they also reflect my engagement with the world around. As heirloom pieces they will last a lifetime whilst creating new moments of expression for you. Utilizing the rich textures and vibrant colours of the cloth, stunning silk threads and gorgeous satins, my collections showcase the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern flair, with a loving nod to my home, Scotland.
Embrace individuality and a strong connection to Scotland with my exclusive designs that reflect your personal unique style.
inspiration
the catalyst for every design is sparked from the simple things around me. Scotland especially, as my home and its incredible beauty. The diverse range of flora and fauna on this little island and a huge love of the arts. All feed into my navigation of life and provide a rich source of from which to draw.
artwork
visually the illustrations will start to form in my imagination almost immediately. As i start to put the curves and lines down, they almost grow into their own creation. At this stage i will also add any specific elements requested for commission.
harris tweed
i have such a love for this stunning product. Its heritage, its sustainability, the craft in its making and the islands it comes from. With so many gorgeous colours and patterns, it is a fundamental part of my designs and goes hand in hand with all other elements.
silk threads
i collect threads and silks, antique beads, buttons and gems constantly. The depth of colour and luxurious finish gives my textile art its own special life and adds another totally unique and rare quality. Vintage supplies to recycle and add rare individuality are also a lovely point of difference
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”― Pablo Picasso
“The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.” – Auguste Rodin
First we chose the Harris Tweeds, our canvas. For the artwork, I really wanted to reflect the wild nature of the island, the flowers of the machair and of course the archway itself had to be the focal point. The wild grass was added on the opposite shoulder as a reference to the many wild grasses that cover Scotland, Joan particularly admired it on another design. Antique buttons with a Scottish theme were chosen by Mary to finish her piece, along with a beautiful Deluxe 100% Cupro Satin, luxurious in feel, Opalite in colour. Not only compliment the gorgeous colours of her tweed but also reflect the warm hues and lilac tones of some of the stunning sunsets on the island. It was a wonderful commission to take on, and seems entirely fitting that these designs are worn by two incredible Scottish ladies from the heart of the island community where Harris Tweed is made.
The sisters grew up in Lakefield, Bragar where their father, Murdo Morrison put up the whalebone arch. There were 4 siblings altogether- Mary, the late Cathie, Murdo and Joan. Interestingly, Mary's husband Donald Macaulay, was a prominent QC and politician in Scotland. He was the youngest of 7 children. His family originated from the Isle of Lewis but they moved to Clydebank in the late 1920s. Their house was bombed there during the Second World War blitz. He was made a life peer in 1989 and took the title of Lord Macaulay of Bragar in the County of Ross and Cromarty, in recognition of his family’s Hebridean origins.
Donald's Father worked in the Singer Sewing factory in Clydebank.
The Sisters and the Whalebone Arch
Anyone who has visited the Western Isles, will immediately experience a deep appreciation and respect for the Island's breath-taking beauty. A stunning landscape, simultaneously capable of exceptional peace and harsh realities. It holds a very special place in my life, as do the friends and connections, who have over the years, become part of my extended family. The island almost part of my own fabric.
None more so than sisters, Mary Macaulay and Joan Mitchell. Both born and brought up in Bragar, educated at the Nicholson Institute in Stornoway until leaving for their respective adventures, off the island. Mary in Edinburgh and Joan in Australia. But their family home, kith and kin have always remained strong and true in Lewis, where they regularly return and are still an important and very much loved, part of their community.
I was commissioned by the sisters to make these made to measure waistcoats and design a piece of artwork for Joan's garment. The everpresent Whalebone Arch is a striking, very well known landmark on the island. It holds a huge significance to the thought of home for the sisters. My own boys marvelled at the enormity of it when they were little.
Camusdarach Beach, Silver Sands of Morar
Heart is always in the highlands - a stunning spot with so much inspiration, peace and beauty. This pic was taken whilst walking with my sister, Patricia Hunter Mcgrath (link to her work on the family page)and Lexi my wee Dog.
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