Margaret Sheridan
Nice to Meet You
Centered on connection and community, “Nice to Meet You” is a collective of conversations and textiles that I initially thought would be centered around responses to Covid-19. All I knew when starting was that I wanted to talk to people. As both a journalist and a designer, I wanted to explore my ability to tell stories through words and design. Textiles have an ability to tell stories in the same way that words can. As I talked to the four women in my project, the pandemic was only a minor theme in our conversations. What was most striking about each woman was their presence in their communities. Each of them possess special abilities and gifts that they pass on to others. This is where the beauty of the project emerges -- a type of power covid cannot take away. These are the stories that will last; ones of perseverance and genuine care for others. I felt there was no better way to express this sort of beauty than through textiles. A way to keep these stories close; to be reminded of female strength through tactile objects and printThe Nice to Meet You Zine. Includes interviews and photos from each interview subject, process photos of the prints, final textile items, and notes from the designer.
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To represent Jyoti’s interview, I used a takeout box from her meals to create a pattern repeat. The printed fabric is used for a tote bag, that can foster connection between Jyoti and customers picking up food, and to help Jyoti sustainably carry groceries.
To represent Dana’s interview, I did yoga poses with paint on my hands and feet to make a print. The printed fabric is cut up and used to make a quilt, in combination with two other hand dyed fabrics. This quilt offers connection in a sense of self awareness and comfort, as well as connection to one’s yoga practice. The monochromatic purple scheme is intentional, as purple is the color of the crown chakras, which is responsible for universal connectedness.
To represent Meghan’s interview, I iterated the natural dyeing process that she built her business on. I used turmeric to dye the fabric for the tops themselves, and avocado skins and pits to dye the straps. I chose to create tops similar to many garments and accessories that Meghan carries in her shop.
To honor Diana’s interview, I used my old earrings to make a print. The print is embroidered and used to sew a makeup/ accessory bag, honoring the vintage jewelry and antique items Diana carries in her shop, fostering connection between customer and beautiful things.
Process shot of turmeric dyeing for Meghan’s tops.
Process shot of cutting quilt pieces for Dana.
Process shot of yoga practice to make Dana’s quilt print.
Margaret shown in studio with items for each interviewee.