Hello, and welcome to this beautiful part of England where I create woven and dyed textile art. I call myself an Artist Weaver because I use all sorts of inspiration from nature, computers, books, photos to develop unique works of art woven on dobby and jacquard looms. I make framed or mounted pictures, banners, wall-hangings of various sizes, and am developing art kimonos. Do visit the Gallery page to see examples of my work. I'm currently working on several projects, from medical textile research to textural fabrics to be incorporated into satellite images, and also presenting lectures and writing articles on weaving.

JUNE 09 NEWS UPDATE

June this year is a focus month for me. I have a student coming from New Zealand to study jacquard weaving. She's not just a student, she's also a weaving friend. Agnes Hauptli is a lovely weaver - just take a look at her website to see her gorgeous range of wearables and interiors products. She also runs Fibreholics, a yarn supplies business and has some lovely possum yarns. Having Agnes here is great for me as I get to devote myself to jacquard for 2 weeks, working on ArahWeave software to produce designs so that we can hand-cut the cards which drive the patterning on the looms. My baby hand jacquard sample looms are all different, so the same cards can be used on each to get different scales/effects/repeat patterns.
We will also be visiting Macclesfield Silk Museum so Agnes can see our textile heritage, which is always a treat.


EXHIBITIONS :
One piece, Shoal, which is featured in the Research section, is currently on show at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in Gallery 12/13 as part of the How Art Is Made permanent exhibition. It's been there now for 3 years. I guess they like it!

Recent comments from my students :

"I'd just like to let you know how much I enjoyed the course and it was a real pleasure to stay in your lovely home.... I was surprised that I managed to get so much done and I'd like to say thank you for being such a patient tutor. The whole experience was relaxing and very satisfying and  the course confirmed to me that I want to learn to weave and I'm looking for a loom. Apart from the weaving itself, I would like to say thanks for the help and insight that you gave me when it comes to looking at colours. The sampler that I made will always be special."   Ann Mayes

"A quick thank you from both of us for a wonderful weekend. The weaving was great, the hospitality very welcoming and the weather was a delight. We both came back revived and impressed at our abilities - thanks to very impressive teaching."   Emma Woolf and Jane Bradshaw

"Thank you for a wonderful inspiring weekend, I just need the time to continue with all the infectious enthusiasm and knowledge gained with you." Louise West

"Thank you for the incredible weekend. It was so good to come and focus totally on weaving as a new skill and work through how I could incorporate it into my lifestyle." Gill Hancock

Recent comments on my talks :

Barbara Boyd - West Surrey Guild 08
"With no sign of jet lag, we had such an energetic, passionate and informative presentation. If it doesn't spur us on to greater challenges I, for one, will be very surprised. Many members seemed to be creatively enthralled by the diverse content and your enthusiastic offering of textural achievements.
One of our best talks to date, thank you so much."

Julie Slater - participant in the Design Workshop at Macclesfield Silk Museum, June 17th, 2008
"I found your enthusiasm infectious and your teaching uplifting! "

TEACHING : The Loom Room.
I offer residential weaving courses to suit everyone.

Taster Breaks : for beginners wanting to try weaving

Refresher Breaks : for more experienced weavers wishing to weave a specific project or to develop through individual study

1 or 2 week courses : suitable for beginners, intermediate and right through to advanced weavers who want to expand up to 24 shafts

Jacquard 2 week courses : Experienced weavers who would like to learn jacquard weaving on jacquard sample handlooms and 1930s jacquard power loom.

Whatever the course, the emphasis is on relaxed, fun learning in a rural setting, with every course tailor-made for each individual person. Good food, good company and great weaving leads to an enjoyable environment.

Previous students seem to have had a good experience - see the testimonials in the Courses section... This year I have students from New Zealand, Belgium, and from all over the UK.

Find out a bit more about our wonderful Grade 2 listed house and its history in Location, and whilst you're here, take a few local walks in the beautiful countryside of the Tean Valley.

Welcome to

The Loom Room.."Weaving the textures of life"