Our mission
iâr studio makes to last.
A commitment to waste reduction and minimal environmental impact underpins all iâr studio’s work. Fashion and textiles industry is overproducing which is proving deadly to people and planet. By sourcing fabrics made with natural or recycled fibres produced by non-toxic processes and guiding projects to re-purpose existing materials, iâr stitches with a conscience.
What we do
Through unique commissions brought by private clients, iâr studio uses re-upholstery techniques to revive furniture and applies craft skills to mend damaged textiles. iâr studio work includes textiles production and installation for art exhibitions and events including bespoke sewing, banners and maps. Community arts projects are undertaken as well as workshops and sewing classes for all ages.
The founder
Menna Buss
I’m a maker and educator with deep knowledge of cloth and construction, a keen eye for quality and a desire to nurture a more sustainable culture. I founded iâr studio in 2020 as a platform to share my joy in textiles, in making, mending and skills sharing.
I graduated from Wimbledon School of Art in Costume Design. My first career was working closely with designers, directors and performers in London, realising costumes for theatre, opera, ballet, tv and film.
Then I qualified as a school teacher of Textiles, Art and English and worked in Kent, Dublin, London and South India.
With 20 years of professional experience in costume and arts education, stories and insights from living abroad, I returned to my hometown, Swansea in South Wales.
With the birth of my second child I became increasingly aware of the climate emergency, and the part played by the fashion and textiles industry, iâr studio took flight.
iâr is hen in Welsh.
Just as a hen feeds on scraps and natural grain, iâr studio commits to using natural and deadstock fabrics with lowest environmental impact. Studio off-cuts of all sizes are kept for future uses. We welcome conversations on how we can all use the resources we have to lay shiny new eggs!
