I learned how to spin and weave when I was around 13 or 14. I was taught at a small mill that specializes in teaching kids hands-on jobs and experiences. I spent 3 years 5 days a week, 3 hours a day alone with my fiber arts instructor, because my classmates referred to fiber arts as "just knitting." I definitely recommend spinning and weaving for tween/teen children. I used to teach little ones, like 7 or 8, how to spin with roving and a small length of dowel with a picture hook at the end hooked into the fiber. I would have the little one take that dowel and spin it in one direction while I drafted the fiber. They would get to keep their handmade yarn when they left and they would feel so accomplished and happy. I forgot to mention this mill is also a working tourist location to show off traditional practices - stained glass, blacksmithing, lathe work, pottery, and fiber arts.
How lucky were you! Just knitting- what a cheek! I'm teaching my grandchildren now, it keeps them busy and calm and occupied. Thanks for your message, lovely to hear from you. We need more of us to teach and share, keep passing it on 💖👍
I have my small loom from 70 years ago. I would love a floor loom with all the peddles but I am not in that income bracket.I have a box of old bobbins for lace making from dryads.
I love hearing about your life and how you got started in weaving and spinning1 Thank you for offering these videos!! They are so informative and enjoyable. I love the "child's loom" although it looks very much like a proper loom for adults and that is how it should be, don't you think? 🙏💖
I’m so pleased to find this fascinating video! I’ve been weaving on basic circular or rectangle frame looms, often with a mix of yarns/fibres (sometimes my own wobbly homespun!) but today I managed to get a very, very cheap Dryad 4 shaft table loom which had been sat gathering dust in someone’s garage! I’ve absolutely no idea how to use it, but in my own typical fashion I was already dreaming up clothing I could make with it 😅 and that’s how I came across your video, it’s so inspirational 😊
Do you have any instructions in a book, how to thread it up? I can recommend some if you like, old ones from ebay which wouldn't cost the earth. If possible get someone to help, counting and threading is easier with two.
@@getweaving8459 that’s very kind of you, thankyou! Sadly I don’t have any instructions as it came as it was (to me it looks complete, just minus sticks/shuttles) I’ve been watching a few videos but none are specific to this loom, so I’d appreciate the recommendations 😊
There is a website called Dryad Publications, they have a leaflet no. 89 Weaving on 4 way Table looms, that should help you get set up and started. They're the original leaflets that came with the loom. There are lots of books too, I'll look at some for some simple instructions.
Fascinating video. I did not discover my love of spinning and weaving until my 60’s. My journey is on a semi-hiatus as I am away from home caring for my son after a massive stroke. As he improves I find myself wishing I could transport my studio here! Meanwhile this is scratching the itch!!! Thank you! My next big hurdle is sewing 😱
Thanks for such an inspirational weaving video. I want to use more handwoven fabrics to make myself unique clothing and this has made me dream of the possibilities. Congratulations on a long career of teaching people to spin and weave.
Sarah, You are a true gem to RUclips! I’m so excited to have come across your channel! After listening to your weaving history & teaching experiences, I think I’m ready to give it a try!! I definitely have enough yarns from all my years of taking classes in knitting.crochet - I’m still at the low end of the intermediate level. I look forward to viewing all your other videos!! Thank you for sharing your information & insight!!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! I have a thrifted 18 inch rigid heddle loom from Avalon Industries (well out of fashion!). I just made my first 2-piece vest/poncho by making two panels and seeing them together in the back. It's so nice to see some other ways I can assemble garments!
I am really enjoying your podcast. I sewed a majority of my wardrobe throughout middle school, high school & college. Using patterns and fabric from the fabric store was a cheaper way to obtain fashionable clothing then. Now, it is very hard to sew garments at a cost lower than what you will pay for similar garments in stores, with the cheap labor and materials being used now to produce so many cloths. I am new to weaving and love the concept of using my weaving from a rigid heddle loom to make custom garments, other than scarves, for me. I can wear only so many scarves and giveaway only so many scarves. While I enjoy weaving kitchen towels, I look forward to using my stash of knitting yarn to create woven cloth that I can sew into wearable garments!
Hi Sarah, Thankyou so much for sharing your Weaving expertise. All your Handspun Woven pieces look beautiful. Thankyou for the Inspirational ideas for using Handspun Yarn and more importantly Weaving on Small Looms.🌟🌞 I think we often don't know that we can make garments using Small Looms, I know I didn't. A Huge Thankyou from All of us Small Loom Weavers .🌞 Happy Spinning and Weaving Take care. Love and Blessings Jen xxx ❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏 (in Lancashire)
Sarah, it was coming across your IG account that inspired me to have a go at making my own clothes from my woven fabric. I have woven before, but the results have not been good. Owning the Knitters loom has been ideal to gain confidence before cutting into the fabric. :) Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with all of us :)
You have inspired me so much. I’m am a total newbie to weaving but am a sewer and spinner and general crafter. I can’t wait for my patterns to arrive so I can make some of your lovely garments.
Great video! I started weaving on a four shaft table loom in my sixties and smacked my head, why hadn't I ever gone down to the weaving department of my art college in the early seventies? I've made all my clothes since I was a kid and I can't weave anything without making something with the fabric. My learning piece was cotton overshot, about 5" wide. I pieced a square and made a sort of origami zippered lunch bag. I often think if I have to really seriously downsize I'll get rid of my Kentish counterbalance loom and get a rigid heddle loom. I spin, too.
Thank you for your post! I have never woven anything but I am handy with sewing, knitting and dyeing yarn. I am wanting to use my own hand dyed yarn to weave but I don't know what would be best. Could you make a suggestion please? I would have to teach myself as I have health problems....I couldn't attend a class. Thanks so much😊.
Hi Jane. Ashford have excellent youtube instructions and their rigid heddle looms come with an easy to follow booklet which you can do on your own. My videos might help too, I'm adding all the tips I've learnt over the years. Liz Gipson of Yarnworker has lots of useful videos and her book Weaving Made Easy is brilliant. There are a few online classes too, but I haven't done any of them so I can't really recommend one. Let me know how you get on.
@@getweaving8459 your style is exactly how I want my weaving to be. Apologies - I did not mean to imply you had any rules. Clearly you follow your artistic design sense. ❤️
It's so nice to see even narrow weaves put to use like this. One question: for someone with a Very Large Bust, do you think one could make a variation of that top with the horizontal seam and use said seam to replace a bust dart? I hope I'm making sense here.
No, I'm afraid not, I find making videos much more useful. I'm planning to make pdf's of as many techniques as I can, such as useful stitches for sewing etc. Enjoy the rest of the weekend 😀, Sarah ☀️
Fantastic! And inspirational! You had me the moment you identified your wheel - same as mine! Then I had to hear everything and yes you also have a knitters loom. Do you have an inkle loom? Might make great trim for seams. Love the way the dresses are pieced like early mediaeval gowns! (I also have a big floor loom). Lovely to meet you. Subscribd.
Your journey is so inspiring! I'd love to be able to weave fabric from handspun yarn some day... could you please provide more information about the white shirt fabric you've shared in this video... it's gorgeous. Around the 20:23 mark in the video. I'd love to be able to weave fabric like that. Was it woven on an RHL too? TIA
It's a mix- the warp is cotton and silk, different thicknesses, sett 12.5dpi. The weft is cotton, 15ppi. I'm afraid I don't have any labels, it was all from the stash.
I was looking for a copy of Cut My Cote a couple of years ago and it's insanely expensive due to being out of print. So mad at myself for not buying a copy that was available 20 years ago.
HI, Sarah. I am having issues with my sewing machine. If I end up needing to get a new one, what would you recommend for making garments from handwoven cloth that is on the budget end of sewing machines? I currently have a Singer 5050.
Hi there! 👋 I can only suggest a few things as I haven't purchased a new sewing machine for about 10 years. Singer were very good but I'm not sure who owns the name now. Janome have a good range, I have one of their overlockers (sergers). Keep it simple, in my opinion you don't need a big variety of stitches- straight, zigzag, buttonholes possibly. Not too lightweight so it doesn't move on your table. If possible take a selection of your handwoven fabrics to a shop and ask to try some machines, that's how I chose mine. Nothing too complicated in other words. And try using a slightly longer stitch and a ballpoint/ jersey needle when you sew. Look at reviews if you can. I hope that helps a bit, how exciting- a new sewing machine! 😀👍
I can't tell you how much I loved this episode. I found it so inspiring. ❤
Thanks for telling the story of your weaving life, with such lovely illustrations.
Memory Lane. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, photos and patterns. :)
I learned how to spin and weave when I was around 13 or 14. I was taught at a small mill that specializes in teaching kids hands-on jobs and experiences. I spent 3 years 5 days a week, 3 hours a day alone with my fiber arts instructor, because my classmates referred to fiber arts as "just knitting." I definitely recommend spinning and weaving for tween/teen children. I used to teach little ones, like 7 or 8, how to spin with roving and a small length of dowel with a picture hook at the end hooked into the fiber. I would have the little one take that dowel and spin it in one direction while I drafted the fiber. They would get to keep their handmade yarn when they left and they would feel so accomplished and happy.
I forgot to mention this mill is also a working tourist location to show off traditional practices - stained glass, blacksmithing, lathe work, pottery, and fiber arts.
How lucky were you! Just knitting- what a cheek! I'm teaching my grandchildren now, it keeps them busy and calm and occupied. Thanks for your message, lovely to hear from you. We need more of us to teach and share, keep passing it on 💖👍
I have my small loom from 70 years ago. I would love a floor loom with all the peddles but I am not in that income bracket.I have a box of old bobbins for lace making from dryads.
What do you make on your small loom?
@@getweaving8459 I make bags pouches and project bags
I have 2 small Spear's looms, size 2 and 3. Size 2 =5-6 inches wide fabric, and size 3= 7-8 inches wide fabric.
I love hearing about your life and how you got started in weaving and spinning1 Thank you for offering these videos!! They are so informative and enjoyable. I love the "child's loom" although it looks very much like a proper loom for adults and that is how it should be, don't you think? 🙏💖
Wonderful video! Thank you for sharing
I’m so pleased to find this fascinating video! I’ve been weaving on basic circular or rectangle frame looms, often with a mix of yarns/fibres (sometimes my own wobbly homespun!) but today I managed to get a very, very cheap Dryad 4 shaft table loom which had been sat gathering dust in someone’s garage!
I’ve absolutely no idea how to use it, but in my own typical fashion I was already dreaming up clothing I could make with it 😅 and that’s how I came across your video, it’s so inspirational 😊
Do you have any instructions in a book, how to thread it up? I can recommend some if you like, old ones from ebay which wouldn't cost the earth. If possible get someone to help, counting and threading is easier with two.
@@getweaving8459 that’s very kind of you, thankyou! Sadly I don’t have any instructions as it came as it was (to me it looks complete, just minus sticks/shuttles) I’ve been watching a few videos but none are specific to this loom, so I’d appreciate the recommendations 😊
I'll see what I can find
There is a website called Dryad Publications, they have a leaflet no. 89 Weaving on 4 way Table looms, that should help you get set up and started. They're the original leaflets that came with the loom. There are lots of books too, I'll look at some for some simple instructions.
@@getweaving8459 thankyou so much for tracking that down, that’s incredibly helpful of you 😊 I’ll check out the website & leaflet
Such an interesting idea,I really enjoyed listening to your journey….
Really enjoyed this, you’re such an inspiration. Thanks, loved meeting you on friend Janet & Bluebell’s stall, WWWales
Me too! 😊
Fascinating video. I did not discover my love of spinning and weaving until my 60’s. My journey is on a semi-hiatus as I am away from home caring for my son after a massive stroke. As he improves I find myself wishing I could transport my studio here! Meanwhile this is scratching the itch!!! Thank you! My next big hurdle is sewing 😱
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, but you're doing a very important job. Take care and happy weaving whenever you're able 💓
Thanks for such an inspirational weaving video. I want to use more handwoven fabrics to make myself unique clothing and this has made me dream of the possibilities. Congratulations on a long career of teaching people to spin and weave.
I enjoy your channel🌼. Thank you🌸. Greetings from the north of Norway❤.
Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed the seeing everything you presented. Very fascinating and inspiring!
Thanks, very kind of you. Glad you like the videos
Sarah,
You are a true gem to RUclips! I’m so excited to have come across your channel! After listening to your weaving history & teaching experiences, I think I’m ready to give it a try!! I definitely have enough yarns from all my years of taking classes in knitting.crochet - I’m still at the low end of the intermediate level.
I look forward to viewing all your other videos!! Thank you for sharing your information & insight!!
Hi Sonia, thanks for your comments, this is exactly why I'm doing this. I used to travel to teach workshops but I think this is more useful!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! I have a thrifted 18 inch rigid heddle loom from Avalon Industries (well out of fashion!). I just made my first 2-piece vest/poncho by making two panels and seeing them together in the back. It's so nice to see some other ways I can assemble garments!
How exciting! I haven't heard of Avalon, I'll have to look them up. Happy weaving and wearing!
I am really enjoying your podcast. I sewed a majority of my wardrobe throughout middle school, high school & college. Using patterns and fabric from the fabric store was a cheaper way to obtain fashionable clothing then. Now, it is very hard to sew garments at a cost lower than what you will pay for similar garments in stores, with the cheap labor and materials being used now to produce so many cloths. I am new to weaving and love the concept of using my weaving from a rigid heddle loom to make custom garments, other than scarves, for me. I can wear only so many scarves and giveaway only so many scarves. While I enjoy weaving kitchen towels, I look forward to using my stash of knitting yarn to create woven cloth that I can sew into wearable garments!
Hi Sarah, Thankyou so much for sharing your Weaving expertise.
All your Handspun Woven pieces look beautiful.
Thankyou for the Inspirational ideas for using Handspun Yarn and more importantly Weaving on Small Looms.🌟🌞
I think we often don't know that we can make garments using Small Looms, I know I didn't.
A Huge Thankyou from All of us Small Loom Weavers .🌞
Happy Spinning and Weaving
Take care.
Love and Blessings Jen xxx ❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
(in Lancashire)
@Sarah Howard, Thankyou so much for the Heart ♥
Sending Heart ♥ back to you ❤️💞
Take care, love and Blessings Jen xxxx ❤️❤️🙏🙏🌟
Love them all! Can't wait to make more clothes from my weaving. You're so inspiring!
Sarah, it was coming across your IG account that inspired me to have a go at making my own clothes from my woven fabric. I have woven before, but the results have not been good. Owning the Knitters loom has been ideal to gain confidence before cutting into the fabric. :) Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with all of us :)
You have inspired me so much. I’m am a total newbie to weaving but am a sewer and spinner and general crafter. I can’t wait for my patterns to arrive so I can make some of your lovely garments.
Thank you! This was a lot of fun to watch and I love that you can make so much from a small loom 💚
You are amaziing, Sarah! Thanks
You make me believe I can actually see something from my weaving! Thanks for sharing your story. Your garments are smashing and elegant. 🥰
Thank you. Yes, you can certainly make something from your weaving. Give it some thought, don't rush 👍😌💖
Great video! I started weaving on a four shaft table loom in my sixties and smacked my head, why hadn't I ever gone down to the weaving department of my art college in the early seventies? I've made all my clothes since I was a kid and I can't weave anything without making something with the fabric. My learning piece was cotton overshot, about 5" wide. I pieced a square and made a sort of origami zippered lunch bag. I often think if I have to really seriously downsize I'll get rid of my Kentish counterbalance loom and get a rigid heddle loom. I spin, too.
Ooh, tricky decision, I'd hate to get rid of my old Dryad floor loom, it's as old as me!
Just love your videos. They are truly helpful. 😊
Thank you for your post! I have never woven anything but I am handy with sewing, knitting and dyeing yarn. I am wanting to use my own hand dyed yarn to weave but I don't know what would be best. Could you make a suggestion please? I would have to teach myself as I have health problems....I couldn't attend a class. Thanks so much😊.
Hi Jane. Ashford have excellent youtube instructions and their rigid heddle looms come with an easy to follow booklet which you can do on your own. My videos might help too, I'm adding all the tips I've learnt over the years. Liz Gipson of Yarnworker has lots of useful videos and her book Weaving Made Easy is brilliant. There are a few online classes too, but I haven't done any of them so I can't really recommend one. Let me know how you get on.
Wonderful video! Thank you for this story information. Just came across you. Subscribed!
Same here, subscribed too!
Thank you! This is so very inspiring. I tend to get bound up in arbitrary rules, lol
Hmm....no rules here...just tried and tested stuff that works 👍
@@getweaving8459 your style is exactly how I want my weaving to be. Apologies - I did not mean to imply you had any rules. Clearly you follow your artistic design sense. ❤️
No apology necessary! I was lucky to be taught by someone with very few rules, that suited me. I'm just happy to pass stuff on, mistakes and all 👏👏
It's so nice to see even narrow weaves put to use like this. One question: for someone with a Very Large Bust, do you think one could make a variation of that top with the horizontal seam and use said seam to replace a bust dart? I hope I'm making sense here.
That's an interesting idea, certainly worth making a mock up to try it out. Let me know how you get on!
Absolutely love this. I have purchased a few of your patterns but I'm not much of a sewist yet. My goal is to make one of them this summer.
Brilliant, I have some of your patterns bought at wonderwool, just need to brave it. Do you do courses at all
No, I'm afraid not, I find making videos much more useful. I'm planning to make pdf's of as many techniques as I can, such as useful stitches for sewing etc. Enjoy the rest of the weekend 😀,
Sarah ☀️
Fantastic! And inspirational!
You had me the moment you identified your wheel - same as mine! Then I had to hear everything and yes you also have a knitters loom. Do you have an inkle loom? Might make great trim for seams. Love the way the dresses are pieced like early mediaeval gowns! (I also have a big floor loom). Lovely to meet you. Subscribd.
Yes, I have an inkle loom, the Ashford Inklette. I love small pieces of equipment, so much less daunting! Thanks for your suggestion 😊
Your channel is so inspiring to a beginning weaver. Would you ever publish a book of your designs?
👋👋 no, but I make the sewing patterns, they're in my etsy shop
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GetWeaving
@@getweaving8459 Wonderful! Thank you.
Your journey is so inspiring! I'd love to be able to weave fabric from handspun yarn some day... could you please provide more information about the white shirt fabric you've shared in this video... it's gorgeous. Around the 20:23 mark in the video. I'd love to be able to weave fabric like that. Was it woven on an RHL too? TIA
I'll have to check my notes, I wove it some time ago.
It's a mix- the warp is cotton and silk, different thicknesses, sett 12.5dpi. The weft is cotton, 15ppi. I'm afraid I don't have any labels, it was all from the stash.
@@getweaving8459 thank you! It's beautiful.. can't wait to see the finished garment. And was it woven on an RHL?
I was looking for a copy of Cut My Cote a couple of years ago and it's insanely expensive due to being out of print. So mad at myself for not buying a copy that was available 20 years ago.
That's a shame. I have another book that I think has some of these shapes...if I find it, I'll let you know 👍
Clothing from hands that weave by Anita Luvera Mayer has a lot of the designs from Cut My Cote.
HI, Sarah. I am having issues with my sewing machine. If I end up needing to get a new one, what would you recommend for making garments from handwoven cloth that is on the budget end of sewing machines? I currently have a Singer 5050.
Hi there! 👋 I can only suggest a few things as I haven't purchased a new sewing machine for about 10 years. Singer were very good but I'm not sure who owns the name now. Janome have a good range, I have one of their overlockers (sergers). Keep it simple, in my opinion you don't need a big variety of stitches- straight, zigzag, buttonholes possibly. Not too lightweight so it doesn't move on your table. If possible take a selection of your handwoven fabrics to a shop and ask to try some machines, that's how I chose mine. Nothing too complicated in other words. And try using a slightly longer stitch and a ballpoint/ jersey needle when you sew. Look at reviews if you can. I hope that helps a bit, how exciting- a new sewing machine! 😀👍
@@getweaving8459, thank you very much!