Designer and maker of handwoven textiles
in natural fibres and lively colour
I began to learn how to weave as a student on the degree course at Loughborough College of Art and I have been continuing to learn ever since. There is just so much to know and explore!
How?
Generally I work on a twelve shaft countermarch floor loom. This means there are plenty of design possibilities.
Mostly the structure / threading pattern comes first closely followed by the colour combinations.
The more I work and experiment with a structure the more variations occur and something new emerges – my designs!
Where?
I have a very modern studio but our house once was, in times long past, a weaver’s cottage! We live in an ancient, rural settlement on a Derbyshire hillside.
Ideas
I am always photographing, observing and collecting. I think it is second nature to be on the look out for something visually interesting. You never know when you are going to spot a good colour combination, for example.
So, influences can be many and varied. I might see tree ivy in Winter or a hedgerow in May or an ice cream sundae, sweet peas or beautiful old tiles.
Some of my scarves have leanings towards thoughts of architectural shapes……. and I have a stack of sketchbooks with ideas waiting to jump out!
Then, of course, yarn shopping can be the spark for a new design – an irresistible yarn.
.
Time
Hand weaving takes a certain amount of time.
Before the actual weaving of the cloth comes…
Design research and experimenting, yarn sourcing, calculating for drafts and counting , lots of that, making a warp and threading up the loom, very carefully.
After weaving comes the finishing processes.
I haven’t found any short cuts yet.
The details have to be right and the piece of work should be worth the time it has taken, last and be long enjoyed.
Sustainability
I only use natural fibres and look for the credentials of a yarn. The GOTS label being, for example, a reliable measure… and sometimes rag rugs are a possibility too for re purposing and reusing .
Availability
A selection of handwoven items are showcased on this website. Most of them are available to purchase but I could also make something especially for you as a commission.
You are welcome to visit the studio by appointment – or follow me on Instagram for the newest “arrivals” _ann_christina
How?
Generally I work on a twelve shaft countermarch floor loom. This means there are plenty of design possibilities.
Mostly the structure / threading pattern comes first closely followed by the colour combinations.
The more I work and experiment with a structure the more variations occur and something new emerges – my designs!
Where?
I have a very modern studio but our house once was, in times long past, a weaver’s cottage! We live in an ancient, rural settlement on a Derbyshire hillside.
Ideas
I am always photographing, observing and collecting. I think it is second nature to be on the look out for something visually interesting. You never know when you are going to spot a good colour combination, for example.
So, influences can be many and varied. I might see tree ivy in Winter or a hedgerow in May or an ice cream sundae, sweet peas or beautiful old tiles.
Some of my scarves have leanings towards thoughts of architectural shapes……. and I have a stack of sketchbooks with ideas waiting to jump out!
Then, of course, yarn shopping can be the spark for a new design – an irresistible yarn.
.
Time
Hand weaving takes a certain amount of time.
Before the actual weaving of the cloth comes…
Design research and experimenting, yarn sourcing, calculating for drafts and counting , lots of that, making a warp and threading up the loom, very carefully.
After weaving comes the finishing processes.
I haven’t found any short cuts yet.
The details have to be right and the piece of work should be worth the time it has taken, last and be long enjoyed.
Sustainability
I only use natural fibres and look for the credentials of a yarn. The GOTS label being, for example, a reliable measure… and sometimes rag rugs are a possibility too for re purposing and reusing .
Availability
A selection of handwoven items are showcased on this website. Most of them are available to purchase but I could also make something especially for you as a commission.
You are welcome to visit the studio by appointment – or follow me on Instagram for the newest “arrivals” _ann_christina