Embracing the slow movement, Juliet creates old world quality hand-woven homewares and accessories on a timber loom from her home in Newcastle

21 June 2019

Designer Spotlight: Tall Tree Weaves

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Marriage celebrant and self-taught maker embracing the slow movement, Juliet: ‘I just jump in and have a go, telling myself if someone else can do it I can too. That attitude has served me well over the years’

Hello, my name is Juliet I live in Newcastle NSW with my husband on 1/2 an acre surrounded by beautiful tall trees, hence the name of my Madeit store, Tall Tree Weaves.

Hand-woven blanket in shades of green by Tall Tree Weaves

Hand-woven blanket in shades of green by Tall Tree Weaves

I have always been a creative person, as a child I loved drawing and painting, encouraged by my Great Aunt Nell who was an artist. I remember her giving me a gift of pastel crayons, I felt like she had given me the best gift in the world.

Embracing the slow movement, Juliet creates old world quality hand-woven homewares and accessories on a timber loom from her home in Newcastle

In my early working life I was in retail doing ticket writing and window dressing, (there were no computers back in the day). When I had a family of my own I taught myself to sew, knit and crochet and enjoyed making them clothes.

The tall trees surrounding Juliet’s home were the namesake for her handmade brand: ‘I live in Newcastle NSW with my husband on ½ an acre surrounded by beautiful tall trees, hence the name of my Madeit store, Tall Tree Weaves.’

After raising our two children, helping my husband in his small business, as well as being a Marriage Celebrant, it’s nice to be able to focus on my weaving, enjoy our gardens, and the amazing variety of birds that visit us each day, and live a simpler life.

A bridge to the fairy garden in Juliet’s magical, sprawling garden

A bridge to the fairy garden in Juliet’s magical, sprawling garden

We have two beautiful dogs to keep us company and 4 delightful grandchildren who love to visit and enjoy the gardens.

Dogs Tim and Heidi, enjoying some sunshine in Juliet’s garden

Dogs Tim and Heidi, enjoying some sunshine in Juliet’s garden

We grow a lot of vegetables and fruit that my husband looks after, so I have more time to weave.

More of Juliet’s beautiful garden, tended by her husband to give her more time for weaving

More of Juliet’s beautiful garden, tended by her husband to give her more time for weaving

My long-suffering husband has been so supportive of all of my creative pursuits over the years, something I am very grateful for. It’s not unusual for him to be in his workshop making shuttles, heddle stands or anything else I can think of for my weaving.

Juliet at the loom under close supervision of her 4-legged friend, Heidi

Juliet at the loom under close supervision of her 4-legged friend, Heidi

It was only four years ago my family asked if I would like a loom for my birthday, of course I said yes not knowing the first thing about weaving. I just jump in and have a go, telling myself if someone else can do it I can too. That attitude has served me well over the years.

The roses in bloom in Juliet’s garden are a source of inspiration for her creative work: ‘The colours of nature, as well as the wonderful creations of others, inspire me.’

The roses in bloom in Juliet’s garden are a source of inspiration for her creative work: ‘The colours of nature, as well as the wonderful creations of others, inspire me.’

The colours of nature, as well as the wonderful creations of others, inspire me. I have two rooms that I use as my creative space, although I have to admit to sometimes taking over other spaces in our home.

Juliet’s collection of yarns and woven works in one of her two crafting spaces: ‘If everyone had a hobby, something they loved to do… well, the world would be a much more peaceful place.’

Juliet’s collection of yarns and woven works in one of her two crafting spaces: ‘If everyone had a hobby, something they loved to do… well, the world would be a much more peaceful place.’

As a hobbyist I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to have an online presence after discovering Madeit in April 2018. The support from Madeit is always there when needed and it’s fantastic to be part of this creative community with like-minded people.

A handwoven acrylic and woollen throw in red and plum hues by Tall Tree Weaves

A handwoven acrylic and woollen throw in red and plum hues by Tall Tree Weaves

I’ve always believed that if everyone had a hobby, something they loved to do.... well, the world would be a much more peaceful place.

Juliet’s wooden loom that was a gift from her family only 4 years ago, and began her weaving journey

Juliet’s wooden loom that was a gift from her family only 4 years ago, and began her weaving journey

I am lucky enough to have a monthly stall at Handmade in The Hunter Markets. Everything there is handmade by the seller, a great concept, much the same as the Madeit website. Visitors to the market will stop by to watch me weave and have a chat; it’s a very happy place to be.

A fine china teacup setting on some Tall Tree Weaves hand-woven placemats

A fine china teacup setting on some Tall Tree Weaves hand-woven placemats

I think that consumerism is getting out of control, therefore for me it’s right to embrace the slow movement, to cook meals, hand-make and try not to throw worthwhile items away.

The second of Juliet’s home craft spaces looks out over her beloved garden and the tall trees that are the namesake for her brand: ‘I am so luck to be able to indulge myself in something I love so much and be able to share my passion with others.’

Weaving has a long history, according to Wikipedia; there are indications that weaving was already known in the Paleolithic era as early as 27,000 years ago. It has continued through the ages, in all its forms, to this very day.

A Tall Tree Weaves open weave acrylic scarf in neutral tones

A Tall Tree Weaves open weave acrylic scarf in neutral tones

I am so lucky to be able to indulge myself in something I love so much and be able to share my passion with others. Thank you Madeit for the opportunity to share my story and my love of weaving.