Page 18 - Decor & Lifestyle 2025 Issue 1

SHUTTLEWORTH WEAVING

The word sustainability is used with abandon these days, diluting its real meaning.
At Shuttleworth Weaving, ethical, sustainable practice is the foundation of their
lives and livelihood.

This is evident in long-lasting relationships The Shuttleworth operation is entirely off- Not only are you purchasing a beautiful,
with staff, suppliers, clients, neighbours grid. Dye pots are heated by wood from felled ethically produced rug designed to your
and nature. Every facet of the operation invasive trees. An exhaustive dye method specifications, but you are also buying an
is enduring and resilient. Naturally, that ensures that no dye is wasted, enters the African story woven with real hands and
means the carpets they produce will last a natural filtration system, or pollutes the great care. Your order will unleash the
long time, too. environment. For example, many of the ranges, imagination of skilled people and recognize
Clausena, Protea and Clivia, are named for the the value of traditional craftsmanship in our
Owner of Shuttleworth Weaving, Rob flourishing forest diversity surrounding the fast-paced world. Handspun, hand dyed,
Shuttleworth, was literally born beside a studio. hand woven. Even when you no longer
spinning wheel and grew up at the feet of require your gorgeous woollen rug, which
his parents who were master weavers in Exceptional quality, natural materials are will give you many years of joy and likely
the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. Not only is sourced from Southern African farms. One become a family heirloom, it will decompose
this 40-year-old business woven into Rob’s popular range of rugs spins mohair and wool naturally and return to the Earth.
bones but it has been the steady livelihood off-cuts from the larger spinning mills that
of most of the staff, including second and would otherwise go to waste, into usable yarn. “At Shuttleworth Weaving, we love our work
third-generation members of the Dlamini The Polypropylene Outdoor Range diverts – from working with designers to create
family who along with Rob and his wife plastic from a waste recycler and the landfill. bespoke pieces, delighting homeowners
Julia, spend their days crafting exceptional The metamorphosis of seemingly useless in our retail space in Nottingham Road,
throws and rugs. materials into works of art is a true testament to seeing our creations adding soul and
to the conscious, creative process. warmth to beautiful places.”
The accomplished spinners and weavers
are intimately involved in choosing Leftover yarns, too small to use, are donated
colours, textures and designs, ensuring to a local women’s project to crochet and
that they enjoy the whole process and take generate income.
enormous pride in their finished work.
Regular income and continued support In a world where it often seems difficult to
for families associated with Shuttleworth have a positive impact, Shuttleworth Weaving
Weaving has an impact on the entire offers you the opportunity to make a real
surrounding community. difference.

16 | DÉCOR & LIFESTYLE Issue 1 2025