In my early twenties, I was introduced to weaving in the Netherlands. It was ‘love at first sight’. I knew that one day, I would get back to weaving. In 1966 I came to New Zealand and married a sheep farmer. After some years of sharemilking in the Waikato we moved to a fairly isolated farm in the King Country with 4 young children.

Although life was busy, I had a strong need to do something for myself. Weaving was the obvious choice. I could do it at home, and was available when needed on the farm. There was an excellent weaver in my area, willing to teach me. I was very fortunate to participate in the last weaving course at the Nelson Polytechnic. I did 4 units by correspondence through ASTU to gain my Adult Teachers Certificate. With further workshops and courses, and gradually building up a good weaving library, I extended my knowledge.

I love working with colour and the loom is my tool to combine colours, making something beautiful. I have to work within restraints of the loom, and that also provides me with a challenge. A good knowledge of what can and can’t be done is essential in whatever one does. One has to know the basic ‘rules’, before trying to alter them, and ultimately play! Once the designing is done and the weaving starts, I enjoy the rhythm of weaving. I feel as if I am part of the loom, and the loom is part of me.

WORKSHOPS

• Weaving for All – Different Levels & Different Techniques
• 2 x 4 = More Fun
• Project Planning and Pattern Drafting

I have been working with textiles for more than 30 years now, regularly exhibiting and teaching around New Zealand, and more recently in Australia, Britain and the United States. My work is held in private collections in New Zealand, Australia, Britain, America, and Japan, and has gained a number of national awards. In my stitched work, I combine a wide range of cloth, also paper, print and found objects, to convey an idea or feeling. Another passion is handmade books and journals. My books and textiles share a natural affinity, in material and concept, tactile experience, and use of visual language.

WORKSHOPS

• Surface Tension
• Needle Felting Surfaces for Stitch
• Make Your Mark
• Where Do You Start?
• Fabulous Fabric Covered Journal

See website for details, images, and information.

Tutors in:

• SAORI Weaving – Introductory Workshop
• SAORI Weaving – Follow-up Workshop

I have always been a very hands on and creative person. My mother, a seamstress and avid crafter, set the seed of textile arts from a young age installing the saying “there is no such word as can’t”. In the 1990’s I designed and made alternative clothes from hand dyed and hand painted fabrics incorporating leather and lace. I am very passionate about design and this is what brought me back to grass-roots and spinning as this breaks down the barriers and gives me the freedom in design. I love the planning and enjoy seeing materials come to life through one’s own hands.

Workshops:

1. Fibre blending: learn how to get the most from your blending tools. Learn about different fibres and ways to control colour.
2. Introduction to Core Spinning: A fun and easy introduction to spinning art yarn. Learn to spin bulky and textured yarns, also the job of a core yarn and how to choose them.
3. Core Spinning and Beyond: Plying/super coils/cocoons. Spinning with extra texture. Learn to control twist and colours.
4. Spiral Plying and Beehives/Advanced Beehives: Learn how to spin thick ‘n’ thin and how to spiral ply, then we will master ‘beehives’ and beyond.
5. Into a Tail-spin: Tail-spinning and add-ins. Learn to design a yarn incorporating locks, beads, shells, fabric, bells, charms etc.

Classes can be either three or four hours.