THREAD The Perfect

Blurring the lines between form and function, Atlantic Blankets are designed with the utmost respect for the environment

Run by partners Gemma and Alistair, Atlantic Blankets offers a range of wool, cotton and fleece blankets that are as much a source of warmth as they are a stylish addition to your home. In its infancy, the company began as a reseller of blankets however, Gemma has worked hard over recent years to build up relationships with mills and makers, forging partnerships that now allow them to design and create products especially for the company. It was decided very early on that they wanted the blankets to be British-made, reflecting Britain’s weaving heritage. They first chose a family-run mill for its excellent and consistent quality and the second when they were looking to add a collection of sustainable blankets made from recycled yarns to the brand. They have now worked with their two main suppliers for over five years building up strong relationships and a tested supply chain.

Working as a team, Gemma and Alistair both design the blankets. Alistair’s designs are structural; think straight lines and stripes from a neutral palette. Gemma’s, in contrast, are more fluid and feature a broader spectrum of shades. The juxtaposition of the two styles means the range of blankets has something for all tastes and creates a kaleidoscope of colour in the two shops in Perranporth and St Ives. Designs always contain an element inspired by the coastline and the ocean: “The overriding thing in all of our products is that there has to be a connection to the sea, and a conscious effort to protect it. A massive part of what we’re trying to work on at the moment is the sustainability aspect of the business, really delving into our carbon footprint as well as supporting charities and community projects,” explains Gemma. “All of our cotton blankets are made using 100% recycled cotton, while wool in its very nature is extremely durable and highly sustainable.”

Using organic and recycled, non-mulesed wool sourced from certified farms in the UK (or New Zealand, if we’ve had a particularly harsh winter) is also extremely important to Gemma and Alistair. Ideally, only natural fibres would be used, but in order to maintain form and durability a small amount of viscose and acrylic has to be used. However, even this synthetic blend comes from recycled t-shirts and, in the future, it’s hoped that this can be replaced by marine waste instead. “The technology exists,” says Gemma, “but it’s not easily sourced in the UK. The moment it is, we’ll incorporate it into our production and take another small step toward the long-term stability of our oceans.” atlanticblankets.com

While an Atlantic Blanket might cost more than a foreign import, such poorly-made products are produced using unethical practices and toxic processes. “Throw-away fashion and the negative impact of consumerism has caused priceless skills and mills to be threatened, concludes Gemma, “which is why Atlantic Blankets stands firm on its stance.” The results are slowly woven, beautiful and durable blankets made to last.