Four works

~ twilltextiledesign

Just over a year ago I (slightly nervously and excitedly) sent a large parcel to San Francisco. It contained four large hand woven panels – a special commission for a family who had visited me quite by chance when I first opened my studio here in Nelson.

I had received photographs of four locations in the world that were full of very special memories for them, and my brief was to interpret elements of these into cloth.

Lots of emails, sketches and photos went back and forth, we made plans, wove a few samples and finalised ideas. Then I ordered and hand dyed the yarn, got on to the loom and it all came together in quite a beautiful process.

This week I heard back from the family and received photos of the woven pieces. They have been framed in reclaimed wood by a local craftsman and are now hanging in their family room. I think they look beautiful and totally ‘at home’

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Box of colours

~ twilltextiledesign

This week I sat at the loom with a box of colourful bobbins on the bench next to me. I’ve been weaving some rich, patterned stripes as I near the end of the Autumn warp length. It’s really fun picking each colour to weave next…

I’ll post again once this length is finished and made into some cosy infinity scarves.

 

Autumn

~ twilltextiledesign

Went for a little walk recently and was totally inspired by the amazing autumn colours. Warm yellow ochre, red rust, paprika, plum, warm sand, olive and sky blue.

So out came the yarns and a colourful yarn explosion took place in my little studio. By the end of the day, a new scarf warp was designed and made!

Can’t wait to get them on the loom. I’ll post some more pics once I start weaving.

 

Utilitarian

~ twilltextiledesign

I was heading towards the end of this indigo blue cotton warp…. but there wasn’t quite enough to weave another scarf…..so I finished it with a set of washcloths.

Soft, simple and useful.

I am sharing my weavers notes here, in case anyone would like to have a go at making something similar. They would make great eco-friendly gifts, especially if teamed up with a nice hand-made soap.

Warp –

  • 3 ply denim cotton.
  • Total of 173 ends (width approx 8.5inches by 1m/1.15yards long – this was the end of a warp).
  • Sett at 20 ends per inch (10’s reed with 2 warp ends per dent).
  • Herringbone threading plan (see diagram below)

Weft –

  • a mixture of 4 ply and 8 ply cotton and linen,
  • woven in a 2/2 Twill (sometimes reversed to weave diamonds)
  • 12-16 picks per inch depending on which weft yarn was used.
  • Each cloth was woven 11-12 inches long on the loom but did shrink a bit when washed.
  • I added a fine plain weave turnover seam at the top and bottom of each washcloth using 2/20’s cotton weft. And a crochet chain tie in one corner to hang them up to dry.

Loom – Four shaft Ashford table loom, with a direct tie up pedal stand. This is the thread up pattern I used.

Denim blue Herringbone washcloths

3 indigo cowls

~ twilltextiledesign

For those who prefer ‘not too fussy’ but still like to keep cosy.

Soft and simple indigo soft cotton and merino hand woven infinity cowls. One subtle blues, one with herringbone colour blocks and one with patterned stripes.

Wrap once around neck to wear long and loose, or twice around for a snug fit.

Available at the Little Beehive co-op, Nelson or directly from me if you send me a message (they are NZ$95 each with free post anywhere)

 

 

DIY bird brooch kits

~ twilltextiledesign

So excited that these are now ready and available in the Etsy shop and at The little Beehive Co-op, Nelson.

Each kit makes 1 pretty embroidered bird brooch and there are 5 designs to choose from.

The kits are designed and made with love in New Zealand and are a special collaboration between Twill Textile Design and Rosemary Horn  – who is an amazingly talented photographic artist, embroiderer and friend.

Ready-to-wear brooches are also available to order.