Handwovens

• The calculations are made concerning the finished fabric length and width required, the type of weave and the yarn quantities needed.
• The influence of colour needs to be determined perhaps by fibre choice e.g.differing naturally occurring colours in natural fibres, or by dyeing the fibre or the resultant yarn or fabric. Warp and weft colours can interact in different and interesting ways.
• The texture or variations of texture that can be created by yarn or the weave.
• Yarn has to be made, that is by spinning fibre, or purchased in Australia or Internationally
• The loom is 'dressed' or set up. My floor loom is a 45" Nilus Leclerc that has been with me since 1972. I use 1"or 2" sectional warp beam and wind bobbins for a rack.
• The weaving is the exciting stage where one sees the the cloth growing from one's efforts. Unexpected things can happen too to do with the type of yarn used and its behaviour. This is sometimes frustrating or can be the beginning of a new idea. Looms are mostly constructed of timber, cord and metal and need various adjustments for some types of weaving and for maintenance.
• When the fabric is taken off the loom it is mended where flaws have occurred.
• The fabric is washed, fulled and pressed to create the finish that is required in the end product.
• Different types of dyeing techniques might be applied at this stage.
• Then the construction takes place, the cutting, sewing and finishing. I make my own labels and swing tags.

And so it is that something is 'Handwoven'. A unique item that already has quite a story consisting of these processes to finalise the dream.
When you look at my work I hope that you can see in it the material integration, care and enjoyment that I have invested there.
I feel compelled to weave and I enjoy a poem by Ludwig Zeller which seems to reach into my past and my heart. It is "Zapotec Weaver":   See down the page at  http://www.teotitlan.com/weavings.htm