Our Hebridean Journey Cotton Range is made from Halley Stevensons Organic Cotton. Established in 1864, Halley Stevensons have a rich history of creating and developing superior quality waxed cotton and waterproof fabrics. All of the dyeing and finishing is based at Baltic Works in Dundee and has been since the company began.
With with over 150 years of expertise, Halley Stevensons have amassed unique technical knowledge and manufacturing experience, and specialise in waxed cotton and weatherproofed fabrics using responsibly sourced cotton and low impact manufacturing. The concept of waxed cotton was originally developed in the early 15th century by sailors. Scottish North Sea herring fleets operating from east coast ports began treating flax sailcloth with fish oils and grease in an attempt to water proof their sails, keeping them light and efficient. Remnants of these sails were used as capes to withstand the high winds and sea spray, keeping the sailors warm and dry.
Sailcloth evolved, and by the mid 1850’s was made from lighter weight double fold cotton yarns, treated with linseed oil. Early Royal Navy sailing ships and tea clippers were amongst the first to use these light weight cotton sails, including RRS Discovery, that still sits in Dundee’s port today.