Issue 06 Blossom

"A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO I had an idea for a beautiful magazine dedicated to textiles – not just to textile art but to textiles in every facet and form; fabric that touches our lives. It would raise the profile of textiles at every level, from industry innovations to the achievements of designers, artists and independent makers. The eve of our anniversary is a good time to reflect on the whirlwind of the last year. The highpoint of which has been our nomination for the Periodical Publishing Association's Consumer Specialist Magazine of the Year Award. This is an incredible achievement for an independent magazine, especially one in its infancy.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all our advertisers, contributors and the small team of dedicated people who tirelessly put this beautiful magazine together. The latter have reluctantly agreed to appear here and help you put faces to the names. Finally and above all I would like to thank our subscribers: without you we simply would not exist and my great idea would have remained just that. As Selvedge blossoms we are looking forward to a bright future. We had so many ideas for this issue that much pruning and cutting back has been necessary. I hope that what's left is our strongest issue yet.

Taking inspiration from the National Garden Scheme Yellow Book we step outdoors and examine our enduring love of floral design and its links to the English passion for gardening. We look at what is happening in print, from Eley Kishimoto and Clements Ribeiro to the quirky individual style of Lotta Jansdotter. We get into a holiday mood when Sarah Jane Downing reveals the history of scandalously skimpy swimwear and Emma O'Kelly sizes up Lycra, the fabric that made skintight styles de rigueur. No bikini is complete without a sarong and no one wears sarongs quite as well as the Indonesians. On a global theme we look at the Indonesian batik industry that although not directly affected by the tsunami is feeling its effects through the disastrous drop in tourist numbers and declining sales. Jamie Marshall, a photographer whose beautiful images have filled the pages of Selvedge since our launch, agreed to write for us about his passion for the textiles and people of Guatemala. Still in Central America Chloë Sayer looks at Frida Kahlo and her affection for traditional Mexican dress. Finally Mary Schooser reminds us what is so special about textile education in the UK and we celebrate this year's budding new talent in our round up of the best student shows. From the Selvedge team enjoy the summer! Visit a garden, see an exhibition or fly a kite, we will see you in September."

Polly Leonard, Founder, Selvedge Magazine