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

Not wanting to disappoint by not accepting D’s challenge… A kids craft pack in my Christmas stocking, I set about making this before I came back to work.

I have to say not everything needed was in the kit and some replacement items gave me a different look… But all in all it made me smile!

What are you making today?

Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Quite proud of my first weave… The Shetland hand spun yarn still retains its vibrancy even when set against such a dark navy commercial yarn.

Thinking I need to set something up… I hate that the loom looks so empty!

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

I was out an appointment for most of the day, so I didn’t get any spinning done… Although I did put some more fleece on rinse.

What I did achieve was buying some yarn for the warp of my first loom project… This goes well with my hand dyed Shetland, which I will later spin for the weft thread.


Last night I also started what I call my next ‘mindless’ knit… Simple stitches, simple jumper. This is using James Brett’s marble chunky in a purple/fuchsia marl. It’s not wool, which I feel guilty about blogging during Wool week… However, with the weather so gloomy and Autumnal chilled I’m desperate for an easy, machine wash knit. So forgive me!

So not all wool today, but I am finding that I am enjoying Shetland wool in it’s various forms this week!

For Shetland fleece, roving and yarns visit me at www.sarastexturecrafts.com I locally source, so fleeces are hand selected direct from Farms I visit and rovings/tops are British milled.

Bye for now,
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