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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Loom Shed
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251003T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251003T160000
DTSTAMP:20250919T102214Z
CREATED:20250707T111310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250919T102214Z
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SUMMARY:seam collective - Textile Talks: Textiles\, sustainability and collaboration
DESCRIPTION:Somerton Parish Rooms + ACEarts\, Market Place\, Somerton\, Somerset\, TA11 7NB \nAs part of the Warped and Wasted project\, seam collective are hosting Textile Talks: Textiles\, sustainability and collaboration\, a one-day symposium on Friday 3 October 2025\, both online and in-person in Somerton. seam invites the public and their peers in the fields of textiles\, visual arts and sustainability to join the conversation as they\, and invited speakers\, discuss issues of textiles and sustainability and add to the critical dialogue around sustainable arts practices locally\, nationally and internationally. \nThe speakers are: \nJudith van den Boom\, our host\, leads the MA in Regenerative Design at Central St. Martins in London and she has been mentoring the Warped and Wasted project. Judith’s talk Warped and Wasted: A Collective Process to Practice Life\, explores how we can understand sustainability not as a passive concept\, but as an active\, living-learning practice. \nPaula Orrell\, the National Director of CVAN England (Contemporary Visual Arts Network)\, will speak on the role of the visual arts\, including textiles\, as vital cultural infrastructure and as a driver of social and economic growth. \nHelen Carnac with seam members Alice-Marie Archer\, Oliver Bliss\, Nina Gronw Lewis\, Angie Parker and Nicola Turner in-conversation. Helen\, an artist and curator who has also been mentoring seam\, will lead the in-conversation\, asking the members to reflect on the Warped and Wasted project and how it is changing their approach to sustainability in their collaborative and individual practices. \nBecky Earley\, Professor of Circular Design Futures at Chelsea College of Arts\, University of the Arts London\, is a designer\, researcher and educator whose work concerns the climate crisis. Becky will be bringing materials and creative thinking tools to the event and share with the audience the research outcomes from her most recent research\, presenting the current landscape of sustainable\, circular and regenerative textiles. \nRead more about the Programme\, Speakers and Talks here\, and the Warped and Wasted project here. \nAll talks will be recorded. If you can’t make the date or time\, all ticket holders will be sent recordings on 8th October. The recordings can be accessed for two weeks (until 22nd October). \n*** To reduce the cost of tickets\, lunch is not included in the in-person ticket price. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch or support one of the many lovely local businesses in Somerton.***
URL:https://theloomshed.com/calendar-event/seam-collective/
LOCATION:Somerton Parish Rooms + ACEarts\, Market Place\, Somerton\, Somerset\, TA11 7NB\, Somerton Parish Rooms + ACEarts\, Market Place\, Somerton\, Somerset\, TA11 7NB\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online Talk,Talks
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250510T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250510T160000
DTSTAMP:20250414T115325Z
CREATED:20250331T094449Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T115325Z
UID:10000100-1746871200-1746892800@theloomshed.com
SUMMARY:Weavers of the Midlands Online Talk Day
DESCRIPTION:Every year\, we focus on the weavers of a particular region and do our best to highlight the diversity that this craft can provide. This year\, our focus turns to weavers who work in The Midlands and this year we we will hear from weavers who are working in very diverse field of weaving\, from creating their own brand\, to taking inspiration from weaving heritage\, from creating woven art pieces to intricate braids. Each weaver has their own story to tell and will share their inspiration\, motivation and love of the craft. \nOur first talk at 10am will be by Jennie Parry. \nJennie is a weaver that uses the Kumihimo braiding technique. She says: “My creative life changed in 1985 when I learned to use a marudai. Today my relationship with the most sophisticated type of Japanese braiding equipment\, the takadai\, and now the three level ‘Tri Takadai’ is deeply rooted\, total and passionate. The freedom for (my) hands to pass through the fanned out warp threads choosing a path for the . . . bobbin thread to change from warp to weft\, to decide its destination on the same level or to a different level\, and to beat with a highly personal touch of the sword/hera/tou leads to highly personal work ”  Jennie uses a variety of non-traditional yarn in her work; Japanese paper\, monofilament\, silk\, linen\, lycra\, shrinking yarns\, silk and stainless steel\, and even dissolving threads. This innovative approach to the traditional craft has led to her international recognition and respect. Her continued exploration and experimentation is admirable of which she says\, “I continue to strive for a simplicity of form\, to seek the essence of rhythm and inner oneness that I value and respect in Japanese craftsmanship.” \nAt 11.30 we will hear from Helen Foot. \nHelen’s playful style has been described as ‘Rebellious Nostalgia’. With a strong sense of colour and a passion for keeping traditional skills alive\, Helen creates beautiful fabrics in harmony with the loom. Using a 24 shaft computerised AVL loom\, Helen handweaves her collection of scarves and other goods from her home studio. Her inspiration is drawn from traditional handcrafts such as patchwork and cross-stitch which she merges with contemporary geometric patterns and bold colour combinations. There’s always a story behind her collections of work from an interest in organic gardening\, six colour palettes began to form based on edible plant families. The a love of expressive fine artists became a squeeze of paint in the form of a wiggly french knitted tube. Investigating the Festival of Britain grew into a collection of scarves which took their names and colourways from cities which hosted events for the 1951 celebration of Britain. Helen trained at the Royal College of Art and since graduation has designed fashion fabrics for Paul Smith and Alexander McQueen. She is a member of the Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen and Design Nation. \nThen after lunch at 1.30 will will hear from Momoka Gomi. \nMomoka is a Japanese-born\, UK-based textile artist who explores the connections between memory\, time\, and identity through weaving. Her practice revolves around the slow and meditative process of handweaving\, which she sees as a metaphor for life—where each thread contributes to a larger narrative shaped by time and transformation. She works primarily with handwoven denim\, incorporating techniques such as bleach\, sandpaper\, and knife treatments to create layered textures that evoke a sense of erosion and fading. Her pieces often feature organic patterns that emerge naturally through the weaving process\, marking traces of time and preservation. Through her work\, Momoka invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of imperfection and the quiet poetry found in materials that carry history. She explains the origin of her work; “My grandmother had a way of reshaping reality—turning ordinary moments into stories that felt almost dreamlike. As a child\, I believed every tale she told\, even when the details shifted each time. When she was later diagnosed with dementia\, I began to see her storytelling in a new light—not as something fading\, but as something transforming. She remains at the heart of my work\, shaping the way I think about memory and change. ” \nOur final speaker of the day is Sue Russell who is working with Masson Mills in Derbyshire. \nSue says that she came to weaving relatively late in life inspired by a visit to the tapestry exhibition at Stirling Castle.  Captivated by the craft she started on a part time BA (Hons) in Textile Design at the University of Derby in 2016 specialising in weave.  Now she is in the final stages of a PhD using weaving as a research tool exploring Masson Mills in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. She weaves using her beloved 4-shaft Harris loom\, but thanks to Masson Mills\, she also has a collection of 8 and 16-shaft dual warp beam Harris looms to use for demonstrations and workshops.  Through the University of Derby she also has the use of a 24-shaft floor standing Arm loom and a Bonas jacquard.  These two looms that I use for the majority of my research work which we will hear about in Sue’s talk. \nAll four talks will be held online using Zoom and recorded. Ticket holders will be able to watch the recordings for two weeks following the event.
URL:https://theloomshed.com/calendar-event/weavers-of-the-midlands-online-talk-day/
LOCATION:The Loom Shed\, Sutton Barton\, Cullompton\, Devon\, EX15 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online Talk,Talks
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240417T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240417T200000
DTSTAMP:20240205T150248Z
CREATED:20240205T150248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240205T150248Z
UID:10000072-1713380400-1713384000@theloomshed.com
SUMMARY:Natalie in Stitches - Thinking outside the pattern: What if…?
DESCRIPTION:What if…you saw a knitting pattern you really liked – but wasn’t quite right for you in some way? \nHow would you feel about: \n\nChanging the yarn specified?\nChanging styling details like necklines?\nChanging colour combinations?\n\nSometimes knitters are hesitant about this\, feeling that they should knit up the pattern ‘as the designer intended’.  Or\, you’ve seen the pattern – you like it as it is\, and you don’t want to have to think about changing anything – you just want to cast on and enjoy the knitting. \nBut…what if the original pattern isn’t quite right for you and your wardrobe – how you like to dress?  Do you knit the pattern anyway and hope it’ll be okay in the end?  Or do you make a tweak or two (or three) to get your jumper just right? \nOr maybe you’ve stashed some beautiful yarn\, waiting for the right pattern to come along…but it just hasn’t found its way onto your feed.  You keep an eye out for tried-and-tested favourites and new-to-you designers\, just in case they release your dream pattern.  It will happen\, because there are so many talented people designing knitwear\, and new patterns come out all the time\, don’t they?  You’ll find what you want.  Someday.  You just have to keep looking. \nWhat if…there was a way to knit together your stashed yarn and nearly-there patterns?  One that gives you permission to make and wear the knits you’ve always dreamed of? \nJoin The Loom Shed and Natalie in Stitches online for an evening of permission slips\, playing with yarn\, and taking you-sized liberties with patterns.
URL:https://theloomshed.com/calendar-event/natalie-in-stitches-thinking-outside-the-pattern-what-if/
LOCATION:The Loom Shed\, Sutton Barton\, Cullompton\, Devon\, EX15 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online Talk,Talks
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240224T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240224T160000
DTSTAMP:20240108T111146Z
CREATED:20231127T110118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240108T111146Z
UID:10000069-1708768800-1708790400@theloomshed.com
SUMMARY:The Loom Shed Natural Dye Symposium 2024
DESCRIPTION:This event has become one of the highlights of the year at The Loom Shed. We have been blessed with such inspirational speakers that we usually head straight for the dye pot the day after the talks. This year is no exception. \nDuring the day\, we have four speakers talking about their work with natural dyes\, whether it be how they created their business or what it is about using natural dyes that inspires them. We have also enjoyed talks about the science and history of natural dyes. \nThis is a hybrid event; we have two speakers speaking at The Loom Shed\, and two will be giving their talk online. All will be available to view live from the comfort of your own home\, or you can join us at The Loom Shed for the day. You’ll chat to the speakers\, be tempted by their products\, and of course\, enjoy a lovely Loom Shed lunch in good company. \nAll talks will also be recorded\, so if you can’t make the date or time\, you’ll be sent a recording on Wednesday 28th February) to watch and catch up for two weeks after the symposium. \nOur first speaker of the day is Sophie Holt from PIGMENT Organic\, a business that champions the small scale commercial growing of dye plants. It is also a business that embeds itself within the community\, offering work placements to adults with learning difficulties. A business that takes its social and environmental commitment seriously. Sophie will speak from The Loom Shed and will bring a selection of her products for you to buy. \nOur second speaker is Malú Colorín from Talu Textiles\, West Wicklow\, Ireland. Originally from Mexico\, Malu brings her love of colour and slow textiles to life through her business. She teaches and offers a dye service to small textile businesses. She encourages us all to slow down and think about our impact on the world around us. She is also a founder member of Fibreshed Ireland\, further cementing her commitment to reducing the impact of textiles on the planet. Malú will be speaking online. \nOur third speaker is Sue Day from Blotz Dyes. Sue will share her research into natural dyes of the Roman era. Where did the plants come from and what were they used for? Sue’s relationship with natural dyes started at an early age\, which has paid dividends now\, as not only does she sell natural dye products\, but also re-enacts the life of Roman dyer at a Roman villa in the Cotswolds. Sue will speak from The Loom Shed\, so the audience at The Loom Shed can see her samples first hand. She will also be bringing a number of products from Blotz dyes too. \nWe offer a warm welcome back to our final speaker\, Susan Dye from Nature’s Rainbow. Her talk is entitled Foraging for Colour\, and she will share some of the findings from a group of natural dyers interested in the sustainability of foraging for dye plants. Susan will debate the many complex issues surrounding this topic and the next steps the group will take to develop guidelines for natural dyers that can be considered when foraging. Susan will be online\, speaking from Hitchin\, where Nature’s Rainbow have their dye garden. \nYou can read more about all our speakers here
URL:https://theloomshed.com/calendar-event/the-loom-shed-natural-dye-symposium-2024/
LOCATION:The Loom Shed\, Sutton Barton\, Cullompton\, Devon\, EX15 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online Talk,Talks,Workshops
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230920T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230920T210000
DTSTAMP:20230818T133916Z
CREATED:20230728T153218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230818T133916Z
UID:10000052-1695238200-1695243600@theloomshed.com
SUMMARY:The Loom Shed Natural Dye Study Group
DESCRIPTION:20th September\, 24th January\, 24th April and 17th July. \nWednesday evenings 7.30pm – 9pm \nThis year we are starting a new online study group for those interested in getting to grips with natural dyes. Perhaps you’ve tried a few different plants\, but want to know why you get a certain colour. Or you’ve enjoyed a natural dye workshop and are hungry to know more: we will give you the framework for a thorough exploration of this topic. \nWe will be meeting seasonally throughout the year to explore weld in September\, madder in January\, Saxon blue in April then enjoy overdyeing in July. Each zoom session will be led by expert dyer and a Loom Shed regular tutor\, Jane Deane who will lead us in a discussion\, demonstrate a certain technique and set your project for the months ahead. \nWe will also be joined by Debbie Bamford\, Helen Melvin and Nature’s Rainbow at different sessions throughout the year. They will also be sharing their areas of expertise and inspire you to explore a different avenues in your research. \nWe will be focussing on dyeing protein fibre for 2023/24\, looking at different mordants and modifiers to create a wide palette of colours. We will also be discussing salient issues that affect the dyer – how best to dispose of your unwanted dye material? What is the best policy for foraging for materials? What effect does your water have on the colour? \nYou will need a certain amount of dye equipment and an area away from food preparation to complete this study. You will be sent a materials list in booking and we are working with Debbie Tomkies at DT Crafts to be our one-stop-shop for dyes\, mordants\, modifiers\, mini skeins and equipment. She will also be able to answer any questions you may have about what resources you need. \nWe estimate this course will take approximately 12 hours of independent practice time\, but we don’t ask you to produce a certain amount of samples. How involved you get with each session will depend on how much time you have available that season. Each session will be recorded and sent out to all participants in the following week\, so that you can catch up if you miss an evening or simply watch a bit that needed clarifying again. \nWe will set up an online social group for you to share your results and ask questions throughout the year. It’s always good to have a group to celebrate your successes and commiserate your failures with! \nThis is a unique opportunity to study this fascinating topic in depth with experts in their fields\, but also undertake your investigations in your own time. \n***This group is now full\, please email us hello@theloomshed.com if you would like to be added to the waiting list ***
URL:https://theloomshed.com/calendar-event/the-loom-shed-natural-dye-study-group/
LOCATION:Online with The Loom Shed\, Sutton Barton\, Cullompton\, Devon\, EX15 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online Talk,Online Workshop,Workshops
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230909T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230909T120000
DTSTAMP:20230705T142630Z
CREATED:20230705T142630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230705T142630Z
UID:10000051-1694257200-1694260800@theloomshed.com
SUMMARY:Ria Burns- Dyeing Yarn Naturally
DESCRIPTION:Our first online talk of the academic year will be from Ria Burns. Bristol based knitwear designer\,  natural dyer and author will be joining us to talk about her work\, her book ‘Dyeing Yarn Naturally’ and her passion for making garments that are sourced as locally as possible. \n‘Dyeing Yarn Naturally’ is the debut book by Ria Burns\, published in April by The Crowood Press. It’s a step-by-step guide to dyeing yarn from start to finish\, aimed to be accessible\, informative but also inspirational. It’s the culmination of years of research and creative experimentation into natural dye plants and their wide spectrum of colours that Ria has undertaken in order to create bright\, long lasting shades for her knitwear brand. \nAs well as talking through her book Ria will give an insight into her wider practice and explain why and how she has chosen to work in a hyper local way\, sourcing wool from a local farm and growing the majority of the dye plants in her back garden. Ria works in fashion\, but follows a plant-led\, rather than trend-led approach to design. \nIf you’re interested in making in a sustainable way or wanting to know about the natural dye process or even starting your own dye garden\, this talk is going to be a wealth of information. We look forward to seeing you in the audience online.
URL:https://theloomshed.com/calendar-event/ria-burns-dyeing-yarn-naturally/
LOCATION:Online with The Loom Shed\, Sutton Barton\, Cullompton\, Devon\, EX15 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online Talk,Talks
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