Marian

“I was there the day the sheep were shorn. It has been a lot of fun to see where this project has taken me: from visiting the shering day to washing, carding, spinning, setting up the warp, designing a warp pattern, weaving, sewing the pillows, filling them with waste wool. It was very inspiring to meet the other participants of the project and see what they were making and share our experiences with the same wool.”

When did you start knitting/weaving?

I learned knitting in school when I was 10. First a dolly scarf that went from 10 cm wide to 6 and back again. Then with 4 needles to make a rainbow cover around a Vim scouring powder containing. I found it very hard I remember. I have knitted and crochet of and on over the years. About 6 years ago I was introduced to spinning by my daughter. 4 years ago i started weaving. I was able to buy a 1970 Le Clerc Artisat loom. Now I combine spinning ans weaving in my projects.

What's your craft origin story? Tell us a bit about yourself!

I have always loved crafts and espescially using materials in a natural way. Through my daughter I came in contact with wool in the "fresh from the Sheep way" and how wool can be uaed in a circular way. For me it was love at first sight. I love the feel, the smell of the wool. I started experimenting with spinning, felting, learning to proces the wool from a raw product to yarn. The loom came a few years later. I tought myself from you tube clips. I find working with wool meditative.

What technique did you use for your regional wool project?

I first spun the wool. After that I wove the yarn into cloth. I used unbleached cotten as the warp in my weaving as i did not have enough yarn from the hide i used to only use the wool. I wove 4 different patterns with the same warp. The material i made into small pillows with an unbleached cotton as backing. As the wool was not dyed i choose to use unbleached cotton to supplememt the project to give it the natural feel.

Did you try out a new technique while making your project? And would you use it again?

I made 4 different patterns with one warp. I will most likely do this again.

What was the inspiration for your project?

I love weaving, I love wool. It inspires me to create something that has an organic feel and look. This wool is a little prickly for wear so weaving materials for pillows felt like a good option.

What did you discover from  using regional wool in your project?

With a bit of love and attention I am able to make something beautiful out of this regional product that is useful.

What were the trial and error of the project?

The hide I had to work with was quite dirty. I tried spinning from the hide, which i like to do best. But I was able to do a little that way. I then washes and carded the remainder before spinning. There was a lot of waste in this hide. It had too much matter in it to be able to get it out. I was able to use a bit of that for filling. As i did not have enough yarn I used cotton for the warp.

What does weaving and spinning for you personally?

Working with wool is very meditative to me. I helps me clear my head.

Do you have any tips for people who want to work with wool in their own projects? And why would you recommend it?

Go for it!!!! Wool is such a versatile medium. Experiment and keep your first "project". Even if u think it is a fail. In a bit you will look back and see how much you have learned.