Milly Wakelin

I use textiles in many ways, often incorporated in my sculptures creating a juxtaposition of materials. For more info about this work, please see my sculptures and natural building page.

My work consists of many aspects of textiles and fibre art including machine embroidery, weaving, spinning wool, natural dyeing and using thread. I explore the feminine stereotypes and connections with textiles as well as connotations of interweaving and connecting. My work always has a root of inspiration from nature and sole themes of reconnecting to her. I’m also interested in its historical context, as a traditional craft and role in the community. This includes the traditional dying methods that use natural dyes and plants, another process that connects us to nature.

I purchase the waste wool from local sheep farmers to spin and weave. This is to help preserve the wool trade and weaving craft which are important in our heritage and have been beneficial for local economies. It is also more sustainable than sourcing mass produced items from overseas. These trades are dying out but a return can help benefit people and planet.

RESIDENCY AT DET VILDE SPINDERI, DENMARK- OCT 2025

I have recently engaged in an artist residency at Det Vilde Spinderi in Denmark. It is a working mill with facilities for resident artists to use, including natural dyeing equipment, spinning wheels and looms. I developed my skills further in processing wool to spin my own yarn, which I dyed using foraged materials and wove into tapestries.

Wool used for my degree show sculptures and ‘Earth Womb’. I washed, spun and dyed it red with madder root. See my sculptures page for more info.