It’s been a long journey to get this far but I’m finally here. Welcome to my blog, a record of this weaving life. I’m Nell, and I’m building my dream to create a sustainable weaving practice in the heart of the Peak District.

The Journey So Far…

I’ve been flat-out weaving and setting myself up as a full-time weaver. I’m planning on documenting my journey, sharing some of my favourite techniques, new work and weaving-related titbits, that I hope you’ll find useful and interesting.

Last year I received Arts Council funding to develop my practice and grow the scale of my pieces. It’s no secret that my muse is the sea- its constantly changing moods providing limitless inspiration to explore the gamut of weave structures and techniques. Also, I received an award from the David Cantor Memorial Fund to make my practice truly waste-free, purchasing a drum carder to turn my loom waste into new yarn. I’m be teaching myself new skills along the way- spinning, dying and netmaking.

The Weave Shed

This neglected corner of our garden is undergoing a long-awaited transformation. It’s the site of my weave shed build. A huge task undertaken by my partner, amid bouts of illness and the challenges of three children. Sloping, covered in saplings, nettles and ivy, and somewhat waterlogged, the site had to be cleared and levelled- all without mechanical help as our access is far too narrow!

We spent a huge amount of time thinking about the best materials and method to use- it most be warm, energy-efficient and low-impact, affordable and easy to build. We settled on SIPS panels- standard sized super-insulated structural panels that slot together quickly and relatively easily, supported on ground screws- comically-large screws that remove the need for concrete foundations. Two sides will be glass- floor to ceiling bifold doors so I can bring the outdoors in. The roof can be green- planted up with sedums and the rainwater collected for my planned dyepot. I’ll have a small deck to sit and do my finishing and get some sun.

Progress is heavy-going. A huge amount of earth has been moved to create a level- we even had a delightful mole as site foreman! While he digs and level, I’m flat-out making pieces for my shop, exploring new techniques and preparing for my next show. One of my biggest departures is into wall hangings- bringing the sea indoors. The culmination of several years’ mullings, I began work, literally on the beach.