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

Winter is coming and so I thought I would help you stock up on the items you need for you Winter crafting. So I’m having a Sale on Etsy at www.SarasTextureCrafts.etsy.com.

Claim 10% off of every item you buy, by using Coupon code WINTER at the checkout.

Sale ends when stock runs out!

Here’s more info on how to redeem your voucher… http://www.etsy.com/help/article/350

Don’t forget you can also find other etsy marked down items at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SarasTextureCrafts?section_id=10322575 and you can still use the discount code on these to save even more money!

Happy crafting!

Sara x

www.sarastexturecrafts.etsy.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 has been a very busy Saturday…

I got my new Loom! I went for the Ashford 4 shaft, 24” width… As you can see I am one happy Lady!! I just need to put it together now…



I also made it to the Exmoor Fleece Fair… Well we just made it, as we nearly ran out of petrol (oops!) Fortunately a very kind car dealership in Dulverton stayed open an extra few minutes for us (thank you!)

We were a little late to the fair so stocks had been ravaged, but I did find myself two more BFL fleeces full of curls and great for dyeing. These will be in the shop as soon as I’ve finished them.

D and I did watch the expert spinners having a go at the longest thread challenge… Spindles and flyers spinning furiously! We couldn’t stay to the end, but I think it was possibly a very close call between some very fine spinning.

The fleece fair was the idea and hard work of Lesley Prior, of www.DevonFineFibres.co.uk and it is part of her local initiative for the Love Wool UK project this week. It was a fantastic local show… and a great start to the week of wool promotion locally. Also great way to buy fleeces direct from the farmer.

Turn out was good, so my ear is to the ground hoping there is a future event. I definitely recommend it.



By the time we left it was almost two o’clock and bellies were rumbling! We thought we might make it back home, but succumbed to a cute little inn www.the-Exeter-inn.co.uk in Bampton. We definitely recommend the food. I had chilli and garlic infused Rainbow Trout and D tucked into Lamb leg steaks with mint jelly… Mmmm.


On the drive back we came across www.covegardennursery.co.uk a really nice little garden come arts and crafts stop, complete with an artist in residence!

We were taken with Wicked Willow’s willow garden…


This is me worried about the black clouds gathering ahead!

What did you get up to today?

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

I recommend this…

If I had the time I’d be there… Fantastic courses by a very good tutor.

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