Interview with Sue Lacey, Founder of Twig

Having first started sourcing products for our contemporary Homeware range from Textile Designer, Sue Lacey, founder of Twig, in the autumn of 2014 we can strongly recommend her fantastic throws and cushions. Beautiful designs and excellent quality mean we have decided to increase the collection of throws and cushions we get from Twig. Made from incredibly soft lambswool, we started with the Sulphur cushion and throw which combine striking grey and yellow. Following the great feedback we have had from customers about the Twig products, we have now added the Barncoose Pearl Grey throw and cushion as well as the Jessie Teal cushion. Sue has based the Twig showroom and studio in Sussex, gaining inspiration for the Twig collection from the countryside and nature around her. We caught up with Sue to find out more:

Can you tell us a little about how Twig got started?

I trained at Leeds University in Textile design and then worked as a buyer for Laura Ashley sourcing their Fabrics and wallpaper. Following a brief stint working for a UK sourcing agency I decided I wanted to develop my own collection of home textiles.

Since starting Twig what is the most exciting thing that has happened?

Just watching the collection evolve. Its very different to how it started…I originally worked with a couple of Indian mills who produced my designs which, were mainly embroidered silk cushions. I really wanted to include a collection of lambswool throws. They now form the core of the collection. Its great sourcing from Ireland too.

Tell us a little bit about the process involved in designing the Twig cushions and throws?

Colour is always the starting point. I try to create a mood / feeling using colour and varying balances of colour. I work the designs through on my i mac. Then I brief the weaver who produces the samples.

Where are the throws and cushions made? How did you find somewhere to have you designs made?

I work with a small mill in Southern Ireland who weave the throws and the fabric for the cushions. I make the cushions in my studio in Sussex. I met the mill when I was at my first Trade Fair…Top Drawer Sept 2010.

Do you use a sketch book when you are designing or are you someone who loves their camera or both?

Mainly a camera to capture colours and balances of colours.

What is your main inspiration for your designs?

Colours within nature. 

What can we expect to see from Twig in the near future?

We would like to continue to develop the colour palette and introduce larger throws. Also to expand the fashion collection with longer scarves and shawls. Maybe to introduce another texture.

About Sue:

What could you not live without?

Camera, my cats and my Mum

Is there anything that really annoys you?

Cruelty to animals, intolerance.

Where would you go tomorrow if money and time were no object?

To visit my niece & nephew in Seattle

Do you love to cook and if so anything in particular?

Love cooking fish dishes

Favourite Drink?

Bombay Sapphire!

What was the last film you saw?

…really cant remember….I don’t watch too many films..

Cats or dogs?

Both…..

I have cats….but would also love to have a dog…a bassett

Tea or coffee?

Coffee…stong and black