The last few months have been a bit of a whirlwind - but in the best possible way!
I was invited this year to participate at The National Festival of Making in Blackburn on the 6-7th of July, to teach backstrap weaving workshops. It was such a privilege to be part of such a fantastic programme, with installations from Margo Selby, Horace Lindezey and so many others. The city of Blackburn was transformed into a buzzing festival, bustling with energy and excitement.
The whole weekend was full of positivity, and a true celebration of creativity. It was also so refreshing being up north (as so many events usually happen in London) and meeting wonderful people who take pleasure in making and seeing others make. What a blast teaching others how to backstrap weave!
Pictures taken by one of my lovely attendees, Amy Quinn!
I was also kindly invited to hold a workshop and talk at Morphē Arts in London. I spoke about my backstrap weaving practice, a little about the journey of how I got here and also what I’m working on at the moment, which I have been sharing with you in these newsletters (this is of course the Textile Cyborg!). I was told I had a podcast voice, so brace yourselves, I might explore that in the future (lol joking I don’t know how I would have time!) And again, teaching a workshop to complete weaving beginners was an absolute and total joy. It was pretty chaotic with 14 looms being shared with about 20 people, but we got there. There were happy faces all round, new friendships formed and folks had a chance to experience weaving for the first time.
Some snaps of the talk and the workshop at Morphē!
I was reflecting recently how the past few months have been such a great reminder that teaching others how to weave is a real passion of mine. The feeling of seeing someone starting to enjoy weaving during my classes is unmatched, and rewarding on so many levels. It feels special seeing people interact with such an ancient loom for themselves. Each time, I’m mesmerised by the fact that every single person is different, and their brains work in so many wonderful ways. Some people struggle with the loom set up, then end up persevering and creating something that they love. Some people get it straight away and are total naturals. But each time, some new colour combination emerges and I even make some life long friends on the way!
A very happy customers from Morphē & The Festival of Making workshops
West Dean College Backstrap Weaving Workshops!
I’m so excited to reveal that I’ll also be teaching at the new West Dean College Campus in Bloomsbury in London for 2 dates in October, and 1 date in January.
You can see my tutor profile here!
The dates are:
- Saturday 5th of October 11am–5.15pm, with a lunch and tea break in the middle (you’ll end up with a small finished wall piece!) Book here!
- Wednesday 16th of October - 6-9pm (you’ll end up with a bookmark size piece!) (link to come)
- Saturday 18th of January 11am–5.15pm, with a lunch and tea break in the middle (you’ll end up with a small finished wall piece!) Book here!
All levels welcome.
I would absolutely love to see you there! It’s such a privilege to be asked to teach at this legendary college. The London campus is just a stone’s throw away from the British Museum, so the location is pretty dreamy!
Please do pass the details onto anyone interested. I would really appreciate it!
I’ll be back next week with an update on my Fleshy Textiles.
In the meantime, have a fabulous rest of your weekend!
Alex x