Weaving - Denise Gates March Meeting 2023

 Our workshop this month was led by Denise Gates one of our own members. Denise often brings her weaving to our meetings and that had led to enquiries from members as to "how do you do that?"

 She agreed to lead a workshop on weaving.

She arrived with bags full of card looms, weavings, and  wool. She talked about weaving in general and showed us pictures of well-known pieces before talking about her pieces and her inspirations.

She set up a display of her beautiful pieces which are very subtle in colour and finely woven, plus a few pieces from another member for everyone to look at, and see the range possible.

Then down to the weaving and we were handed cardboard looms and warp thread to get the loom ready for weaving. We had been sent instructions for warping the loom in advance. A few members brought their own small table looms.

 Loom warped up ready for weaving. See Below

It was then up to us what colours we  would weave but Denise made a suggestion that it is sometimes a good idea to wrap chosen wools around a card to see how they go together. See Below

The room was very silent as members concentrated on "over, under, over, under."

Gradually small amounts of weaving began to appear and then grow steadily.

Weaving is much slower than embroidery but a couple of our members managed to finish their loom so well done to them.

It was a very enjoyable day and I think lots of our members will be looking for looms in the back of cupboards or looking to buy one as Denise inspired us with her beautiful weavings and once members had a go they were hooked!

A big thank you to Denise for inspiring us and leading a good fun day.