We have a long tradition of textiles in our little corner of the world here in the Scottish Borders. Over 1000 years ago, and just a few miles from the headquarters of the Borders Modern Quilt Guild, Melrose Abbey was at the heart of a thriving wool industry. People skilled in weaving and textile production migrated to the area and so began the region’s long association with textiles. The Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott, who made his home in the Borders in the 19th century, became the fashion influencer of his time when he sported the local grey and white checked woollen fabric known as ‘Shepherd’s Plaid.’ Add into the mix members of the royal family swathed in tartan and the fashion for Tweed suits—the local weavers soon saw their order books burgeoning. Fast forward to the industrial revolution and the Borders region was booming as a mass producer of Tweed and knitwear.
