Woven Textile Designer, Handweaver
I have been invited by Gloucestershire Guild to bring a loom (or two) to their showcase event at Rodmarton Manor on Wednesday 8th September 2021, to demonstrate the craft skill of hand-weaving. I’m just there for the first day but there is an extensive offering of activities over the 5 days.
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
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.
rebecca connolly design 