Colourful inspiration

Flora Collingwood-Norris is the director, designer and mender at Collingwood-Norris, specialising in visible creative mending and ethical Scottish knitwear. Flora is also the author and publisher of
‘Visible creative mending for knitwear’. As part of our ongoing series of local ambassadors for the South of Scotland we talk to her.

For as long as she can remember Flora Collingwood-Norris has had ties to the Borders, with her grandparents living in Peebles. Weekends as a child were spent visiting the town and the Beltane during Civic week, and taking part in fancy dress parades are highlights in her memories.

“And then my family moved down to the Scottish Borders when I was 11 so I went to high school in Kelso. I planned to move away, but then I discovered that the course I really wanted to study was textiles, specializing in knitwear, based at Heriot Watt University in Galashiels.”

After her studies Flora spent some time away but could feel the pull of the region and returned to start her own business.

“Being here gives me the space to build up my business that I wouldn’t have had anywhere else,” she says. Flora attributes the connection to her family and the fond associations she has with the area as being important to her and her work. As is the landscape she inhabits.

The landscape’s colour inspiration

“My work is based on colour – I am really inspired by colours. When I initially started my business, I was looking to the west coast of Scotland, where I spent a lot of childhood holidays. But the more time I spent in the Borders, the more I got my inspiration from this landscape.”

The constant change of the colours with the season are very impactful. Now, in the summer months, she looks to the heather on the moors.  

“I think of this as magenta season with willow herb, and the heather and there will be purples everywhere, with really vibrant, vibrant greens that we get from the brackens. And then there is the really interesting kind of reddish soil around the Eildons, which is a really interesting shade.”

Her favourite seasons are spring and autumn. “I love seeing the world colouring itself back in spring, and then the colours of autumn as the leaves change, are always spectacular.”

The studio is her happy place

“I’m happiest when I’m making and creating. My studio has fantastic light and it’s where I feel very comfortable and I can be surrounded by my own colours. I love being in this area and so close to that heritage of knitting and mills.

Flora has a vintage knitting machine that was bought from one of the mills, and is now obsolete technology for commercial production on a large scale. It was bought by a small company Flora was working for and when they changed the direction of their business, she was able to purchase it.

“It has this lovely Borders history to it. And I really like that it ties me into the heritage of the area. Knitwear from the Scottish Borders is renowned for its quality and its longevity – some of the best brands in the world work with makers here.

On a practical level it means there remains a skills base to fix the machinery she uses.

“When I do need help, it’s on hand. And I feel really lucky to have that. I feel the Borders gives me a sense of calm most of the time that allows me to focus on my work and feel really comfortable while also feeling inspired by what I can see around me.”

Space to breathe

“Having fresh air and the space to breathe is really important – I think the Borders is not shouted about enough but it is a hidden gem of Scotland.”

While most of her time is spent indoors with her colourful wools, her dog Leni gets her out of the house every day and gives her the opportunity to witness the changes in the landscape that so inspire her.

“There are lots of really lovely walks around Galashiels that are great for me and great for the dog, and have beautiful scenery.”

Flora’s Favourite Five

A walk to the Three Brethren– you can walk up to these three 16th century cairns from various starting points including Yair and Selkirk, and the views from the top are great. 

Dryburgh Abbey – of the four Scottish Borders beautiful ruined abbeys, Dryburgh is my favourite. It has many old trees around it which makes it feel very peaceful.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland – wonderful examples of embroidery. Not far from the Tapestry you’ll also find the Little Art Hub, a new creative space in Galashiels which has different exhibitions and workshops happening regularly.

The Hoebridge – for a special meal out. They serve great cocktails and a wonderful seasonal menu, with lovely atmosphere and excellent service. Booking in advance is essential. 

Walk along the River Tweed. There are so many nice walks along the river, but I particularly love the section at Abbotsford as it’s local to me (with the added bonus of a cafe) and at Peebles.