Sara's Texture Crafts... HQ Log

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter has recently reopened its doors after a major refurbishment. Not having visited since 1995 when Darrin and I met at art college, we decided it was about time we explored the collections again.

Free entry and lots of activities for families meant lots of people, but fortunately the refurbishment is such that it didn’t feel tight for space. All the rooms had such a lovely light and airy feel and the exhibits were well thought through and some interactive.


Of course I found myself being drawn more to the textile pieces that were woven, beaded or embroidered more than most… But there’s so much to see I think I could be inspired by something different each time I go.

This is a Back-strap loom weaving that is part complete. It was made in Guatemala in the 1980s.


Isn’t it wonderfully vibrant?! It has made me think I should revisit for some more direct inspiration for my next weave… And weaving against a dark colour could be something to consider.


This is a Chaka Spinning Wheel (the original design of which was commissioned by Gandhi). I still haven’t quite mastered mine… Maybe I should have another go?


I also came across this loom reed from Japan (I think). You might not pick it up from the photo, but all along the face of the reed there are beautiful carved designs… I’d loved to have seen the original loom.

I got the feeling every now and again… While I was taking the occasional photo… That I was being watched…


Who is that man following me?!

To be honest I’m surprised I didn’t loose Darrin to some of the children’s activities… I usually do!

What have you been up to this weekend?

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

I’m so pleased I managed to get to the Art Centre this week for the Spinning Circle. With work and health causing me to miss meetings since July last year, I was a bit nervous about going back… Not that that would be a problem you understand, but more I felt a bit embarrassed to have missed so much time with these lively and lovely Ladies.

It was so lovely to see everyone’s smiley faces and to meet a few new ones too… I’m really determined to get to every meeting this year.

I also had a few lovely surprises, as some had finished their projects with fibre they had brought from me. This is Sarah… She spun and knitted this beautiful scarf from my Merino and Silk blend, colour ‘Dawn’.

Isn’t it fab… It’s so soft and warming I was tempted to grab it and run away with it!

This is Marian. She spun and knitted this fabulous Cardigan from my limited edition Merino blend, colour Autumn Woodland. I think it could easily be worn as a coat too and I really wanted to try it on and curl up in it!


These ladies have definitely inspired me to get some new blends made up.

The last hour or so we had a demo on Shetland Lace Spinning. Dodie had put together a wonderful display of photos, books and samples.


She talked us through preparation and showed us just how fine a Shetland lace yarn needs to be.


Here are samples of yarn, fleece and charts.


This is two ply Shetland lace yarn… It’s so fine it hurt your eyes just trying to see the plys!


Here’s a knit sample…


I loved every minute and really enjoyed Dodie’s enthusiasm… You can tell she owns a flock of these beautiful sheep.

I don’t think I’ll be able to spin that fine personally, not on the wheel at least… Although on a lighter spindle I might manage it. I feel all creative now!

Have a great weekend!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Made in the few days before I came back to work…

An hour, good TV and some wool… makes for blissful needlefelting!

Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

So late last night I started developing an achy neck… a chill I thought and wrapped up. This morning I woke not really being able to turn my head as far as I’d like. It’s very autumnal here and I think the cold has caught me out a little. Now by the end of the day the ache has spread across my shoulders and down my back… (I’m feeling old!)

The upshot of course is little progress to today’s wool craft endeavours. Although I did put a final rinse on some more fleece, card some batts for a custom order and do a little hand sewing on my sister’s Christmas Angel (still no sneak peeks, just in case she’s watching!)

So instead of talking about my woolly efforts, I’m going to link to a couple of interesting blog articles, a local group and some wool industry news;

Shearer’s Girl talks to us about the MOT on her Rams today at http://talesfromthesheepshed.blogspot.com/2011/09/mots-for-rams.html

The independent talks about the wool industry and the Wool week exhibition at http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/ripping-yarns-celebrating-the-rich-heritage-of-wool-2349257.html

Here are some more details on Wool Modern, an exhibition by the Campaign for Wool in London - http://www.campaignforwool.org/woolmodern/

The Craft Hub in Exeter are celebrating an Eat, Knit, Love, wool gathering tomorrow - http://www.wix.com/thecrafthub/exeter#!eat-knit-love-wool

As for me… an easy night I think (no knitting, no spinning), because tomorrow is the Crediton Spinning Circle’s meet up! (http://sarastexturecrafts.com/page/5402-groups-tutors.aspx)

What did you get up to today for Wool week?

Sara x

www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Today was a chance to try some new weave patterns and finish off our weaves.

I tried Herringbones, balanced and unbalanced twills. I just need to finish the piece and my sampler is complete.


My head is now full of pattern, colour and texture ideas… I just want to get a loom now! I think I’m going to get the Ashford 4-shaft table loom, possibly 60cm width.

I had a really lovely day and made sure to ask Louise Cottey (our expert tutor), if I could add her details under the community section of my website at www.SarasTextureCrafts.com … I think it might be www.louisecottey.wordpress.com I shall add the details soon for you, as I know there were still 3 places left for the September term. I really do recommend Louise as a tutor, she is very patient, knowledgable and inspirational.

I really loved working with the small group of students too, everyone had a different approach to their weaving… Exactly the sort of mix you need for a good group… And I’m looking forward to seeing all of them next week at Fibrefest.

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Wow, what a first day! My head is full of warp ideas and calculations… But such a wonderful day!

We worked on our warp design first, highlighting which yarns would be suitable for warp threads and which are best for weft.

I’d made a mistake here, but hadn’t noticed and moved onto the warping mill.


A huge skeining frame really…


Which required looping the yarn in certain ways to then take to my table loom. I made a second mistake here.


Here’s my loom… I’m just starting to warp-up. This is where I noticed my earlier mistakes… But actually, I don’t think anyone would particularly notice this and it all works out in terms of warp balance and finished warp width.

I’m really looking forward to tomorrow!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Yippie… Come mid August I shall be learning to weave on a proper loom! Soooooo excited!!

Sorry the photo is sideways… Can’t seem to alter it on my phone.

I’m now waiting for my materials list… I’m thinking I might try some textured hand spun wefts??? Although that might be a bit advanced… But certainly an opportunity to hand dye some yarn. What do you think?

What are you planning to learn next in your crafts?

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com