Our Story
The Inspiration behind Astray
Studio Astray was born from a creative journey that led me to Kutch, India, in 2018. As the pressures of producing textiles faster and more cheaply for my current business grew, I felt increasingly disconnected from the fabrics I was working with. This led me to retrace the origins of a piece of Ajrakh block-printed cotton and intricately embroidered sari trim swatches—long admired and stapled into my sketchbook.
Having traveled to India many times to explore, work, and source textiles, I was especially drawn to Kutch for its remarkable embroidery styles, inherently sustainable block-printing and dyeing techniques, and the deep-rooted textile traditions passed down through generations. Among them, Ajrakh block-printing stood out as a traditionally eco friendly and complex craft, and I was honoured to learn directly from Sufiyan Khatri, a tenth-generation master artisan, in a one-to-one workshop that deepened my appreciation for this intricate art form.
It was here that I became captivated with and started collecting, re-purposing and experimenting with Achadiya cloth - the cotton tables cloths that protect the print tables.
Studio Astray’s Ethos
Studio Astray is an evolving collaboration between UK textile artist and designer Sara Lowes, rural artisans in Kutch, India, and experienced pattern cutters and tailors in Cornwall - working with traditionally sustainable techniques to repurpose fabric waste into unique, organic garments and textiles.
With a deep appreciation for rare craftsmanship, stories of heritage, and sustainable methods, Studio Astray cultivates creative cross-cultural collaborations, reimagining used materials while celebrating the artistry of handmade textiles in the hope to preserve and elevate time-honoured skills.
Sustainable practice honours heritage, while shaping a more mindful fashion future.
About Sara
I’m Sara, a textile artist and designer with a love for travel and sharing stories through fabric. With a background in embroidery design, running my costume business Animalesque, and creating my own artworks, my work is often inspired by the organic beauty and nostalgia of old, often domestic discarded materials. Embracing their history, imperfections, and character, I reimagine these textiles using both traditional and contemporary techniques in print and embroidery, giving them new life.
I’m drawn to the challenge of working within the constraints of reclaimed materials—their colours, shapes, textures, and patterns guiding each creation. In every piece, past and present are woven together to create something both meaningful and enduring.
Studio Astray is a project I have been developing for five years alongside running Animalesque and navigating motherhood. It is an ongoing exploration of creating sustainable textiles by fostering creative collaborations, learning from and honouring traditional craft techniques, and working to preserve and highlight their beauty and value.