Blanket designs for Gather Wool

Gather Wool based in Somerset, UK have recently launched their first range of British Wool textiles for the home. I created four designs for them, all using the two natural colours of the breed without the need for dyed colour.

We collaborated on the first project of this newly established business, which was to use the wool from their own Pedigree Ryeland sheep to produce premium blankets with provenance.

To be able to process their wool cost effectively in bigger batches, they offered to purchase wool of the same breed and quality from other local farms. The wool was processed into yarn by an Artisan Spinning Mill in Cornwall, then handed to me to develop designs for blankets using extensive hand-woven sampling.

Two Yorkshire mills were commissioned to weave the fabric to my specifications in the quantity required for each design, then complete the transition from woven cloth to blankets by specialist ‘finishing’.

The Gather Wool blankets are available directly via their website and through their carefully chosen outlets.

Bradford Textile Society Design Competition 2016 – Award Winners Ceremony and Exhibition

At the Award Winners Exhibition. The final design and development samples of my handwoven fabric.
At the Award Winners Exhibition. The final design and development samples of my handwoven fabric.

I travelled up to Bradford with friend and fellow Bath Spa University Alumni, Rosie Smith, for the Bradford Textile Society Design Awards on 6th May. Entering the annual competition for the first time as Independent Designers, we both received a Commendation for our woven designs in British Wool.

In my designs I used wool from different sheep breeds in a range of thicknesses to weave fabric for ‘throws’ in two weights. The colours developed from working with a variety of natural yellow, red and grey dyes which I extracted from plant (or other) substances, layering one over another.

The samples were woven in my studio, by hand (and feet!) on my restored old wooden floor loom.

More information and images here

Weaving for Beginners for Cotswold Conservation Board

IMG_3852
Stroudwater Textile Trust loaned this four shaft table loom for use on the course

IMG_3822
My four shaft counter balance floor loom, relocated to the visitors centre at the Old Prison, Northleach.

I have just taught my first course, Weaving for Beginners, as part of the Rural Skills Program that Cotswold Conservation Board/AONB offer to ensure that country skills survive.

The course offers hands-on experiences on a range of looms, from the simple rigid heddle and back strap, to a floor loom.

My floor loom has been relocated to the visitors centre where it will be on display and used in the weaving courses. The next course will take place on Saturday, 28th November.