Courses and Workshops

Weaving Wonders: A Journey into the Craft of Tweed

As part of my ongoing commitment to sharing my passion for textile art and weaving, one of my three T’s is tuition. Join us for a day’s course of learning and exploration in the rich world of weaving. In this teaching session, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating craft of weaving and develop the fundamental skills needed to create their own tweed sampler. Whether you are a complete beginner or seeking to refresh your existing weaving skills, this course promises to be an inspiring journey of discovery. To book a class please go to CraftCourses Learning to Weave

Course Objectives:

Introduce participants to the art of weaving and its historical significance.
Equip participants with the fundamental techniques and skills required to weave their own tweed sampler.
Encourage creativity and individual expression through the design and creation of unique tweeds.
Provide a rewarding and enjoyable experience for participants to connect with this ancient craft.

Course Outline:

Introduction to the Table Loom

Designing Your Tweeds

Outcome:

Materials Supplied:

Conclusion:

By the end of this teaching session, participants will not only have gained a solid foundation in weaving techniques but will also have woven their own unique tweed sampler. This course aims to ignite a passion for weaving and provide the necessary skills to continue exploring this ancient craft. Join us for a day of crafting, creativity, and the joy of creating something truly unique through the art of weaving.

Community-led Tartan & Weaving Workshops

The Oakland Day Centre marked my inaugural foray into community tartan design-led workshops. They reached out to me with the request to develop an engaging seven-session workshop spread over several months. My primary responsibility in this initiative was to introduce weaving at the day centre, where I assisted service users in designing and creating their own tartan. This endeavour enabled me to cultivate a progressive practice that is still active today, while also leading to an intergenerational weaving project that emerged from the initial workshops I facilitated.

Feedback:

Ashleigh’s visits to the centre created much interest, as many of our service users used to work in the Dundee jute mills as spinners or weavers. Watching Ashleigh work at the loom brought back many fond memories for some people. They enjoyed reminiscing about their past working lives and chatted with him about his work and the weaving process.

We even had an impromptu singalong rendition of “I am a Dundee Weaver” performed by staff and service users alike. Ashleigh was keen to promote active involvement in the weaving of our tartan. He encouraged service users to sit at the loom, patiently explaining the procedure and gently guiding them through the various stages. The workshops were a very positive, stimulating, and meaningful experience for service users, as they realised they were able to master the basics of the weaving process and could see first-hand the tangible result of their collective effort.

Participant Quotes:

“I am interested in seeing the process and watching how the loom works, as my late wife was a weaver.” – Daniel
“I can now say, ‘I am a Dundee Weaver’ hee hee.” – Tam S
“I’ve fair got the hang o’ this now.” – Elma H
“It’s nice and relaxing, just watching… and chatting too.” – Jean W
“It’s lovely watching the concentration on people’s faces turn to smiles as they manage to accomplish the process and see the tartan emerging.” – Staff member

Address

2 Forest Way, Blairgowrie, Blairgowrie and Rattray, Blairgowrie PH10 6SS, UK

Contact

Phone: 07846 486135
Email: tartanweaver@outlook.com