When Lucy MacDonald, founder of Arra Textiles, looks out from her Royal Deeside studio, she can’t help but seize inspiration from the Scottish landscape. Her luxurious blankets are celebrations of what can be achieved through the harmonious marriage of complex woven design and uplifting, nature-inspired colours.Traceability, sustainability and reverent respect for the heritage of weaving are the bedrock upon which Arra Textiles is built. The business was established in 2016 by designer Lucy MacDonald, who conjures up complex and engaging woven patterns that are brought vividly to life by her sympathetic colour choices.
Natural fibres, including the finest Merino wool, make blankets from the Artisan Collection irresistibly soft and hardwearing. These practical pieces lend themselves to everyday use, but you can be sure they’ll be around long enough to be passed down through the generations. Every stage in the production process – from design in Deeside to weaving in a Bristolian micro-mill and finishing in the Scottish Borders – is carried out with a nod to traditional techniques.
For a rich source of inspiration, Lucy turns to the seas that wash the shores of the Highlands. Looking at her blankets, you feel an immediate connection to place. Expect textures and patterns that instantly bring to mind ripples on the beach, dancing light striking off water and waves rushing towards land. Colours are almost preternaturally accurate in their reflection of the ever-changing ocean and sky, with the inkiest blues blending into azures and powdery greys.
