Features
Fleece Washing
Creating a finished item from a fleece is a rewarding experience. The start of this journey is washing the fleece but, with many approaches advocated, which is the best? This article is the result of two days of testing and describes a comparison of seven methods from various sources, referenced at the end of the article. A method of fleece washing based on these test results is proposed.
Exploring Primitive Breeds
In late 2018, the Cumbria Support Group of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust1 (RBST) launched their Primitive Produce Project.
Woad from seed to dye
There is currently a strong interest and a resurgence in using natural dyes. I enjoy growing woad in my garden and I have found that the following methods work well for me, as the magic of indigo is so captivating.
What a Challenge!
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Challenge’? Maybe it has negative connotations for you, or maybe it offers something to be conquered.
This article describes the challenge the Peter Tavy Weaving Group set themselves for 2018.
Loom-Controlled 3D Shaping for Garments — An Interview with Sally Eyring
The wonderful world of Sally Eyring
New Threads: Uncovering the Stories of England’s Past Weaving Industry
For centuries, cloth production was the main industry in and around Trowbridge. Many local people can still trace ancestors connected to the weaving trade.
Modesty and a Fine Great Wheel
Michael Williams is a modest man, and an exceptionally fine craftsman. I interviewed him three years ago for an article about his super-light and über-fast drop spindles and, as I was leaving, I asked him whether he had ever thought about making a spinning wheel.
What is Jacquard Weaving?
Before I write about Jacquard looms I want to define a loom as a tensioning device.
The Theory of Colour Perception
Colour perception depends not only on how light enters our eyes and triggers nerve impulses within the retina, but also on how our brains interpret these signals.
A Year’s Weaving – Learning to Weave on Home-Made Looms
This is the story of my first year of weaving, mainly on home-made looms. I celebrated it with an exhibition of my work for friends, neighbours and members of the Guild.
Tyrian Treasure: A Surprise from the Archive
A small envelope of purple threads fell from the hinges of an upturned rusty trunk: I stared with some incredulity at handwriting in red ink claiming the envelope’s contents to be ‘Tyrian Purple, dyed with the bodies of shellfish found on the African coast'.
Wool Fleece. To Wash or Not to Wash? That is the Question.
Whenever I am asked whether it is best to wash sheep’s fleece before spinning, or spin raw fleece ‘in the grease’, I always have the same answer.
Teaching in Tibet
I left on 18 July, flew into Chengdu in China for an overnight stay, then flew on up to Labrang (in Amdo, an area of Tibet just on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau)
Everything Worthwhile Starts in the Mind
Michael Crompton describes his design process from travel inspiration to woven tapestry.
These articles appear in the Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.
The Journal is published on behalf of the Association of Guilds of Spinners Weavers and Dyers. It covers a wide range of textile subjects, including articles on historic textile techniques and cutting edge modern design.