Process

The process can often start with the type of yarn I want to use for whatever I am making, from cotton, to merino wool etc. 

"You can find inspiration in everything" - Paul Smith. This is so true, therefore I often like to find inspiration in beautiful buildings or doors, but florals can be a very big help in choosing a colour palette.

I will often choose a pattern from samples I have created before and info I have collated or create my own pattern using a weave maker programme. There are an endless amount of woven patterns to try.

Making the warp involves using a warping mill that spins around back and forth, or you can use a warping board. The length is determined by how far you go down the mill and the width is how many times you go around with your choice of yarns.

This part is very crucial, this is when the tension is created and ensures the warp threads are evenly spaced.

Each warp thread has to be threaded through the heddles in an order to create the pattern you want to weave and then through the reed to seperate them (which is also the beater).

The best part has come! The shafts can be lifted, the weft yarn entered and then released again and beaten to create a pick (line of yarn). And then repeat, repeat, repeat to make your very own woven fabric.

Once the warp comes to an end, it can be cut off and then hand washed. Some fabrics depending on the fibre used can be machine washed. This can often slightly felt the fabric to keep it together, it can then be ironed flat.

Now the fabric can be cut and sewn into a product from bag straps, cushions, pouches, keyrings, scrunchies etc. Some products will just need finishing at the ends, maybe a tassel or a hem if it's a throw or blanket for example.