My Weaving Journey: A Passion Woven Through Time
My handweaving journey began when I was studying to be a kindergarten teacher in Germany. (Yes, really!) As part of the course, we had to create two pieces in each craft for assessment, and I found myself weaving a bag and a scarf on a small school loom. One look at my creations and boom—I was hooked. It was the start of an all consuming passion! The technical challenges, the tactile pleasure of working with wool and natural yarns, and the sheer satisfaction of turning raw material into something stunning was just… magic.
The Materials: Natural Fibers, Weird and Wonderful Textures
Fast-forward to today, and I’m weaving away on both Ashford floor and table looms, creating textiles that are woven with the finest natural fibers—linen, cotton, wool, and silk—but I’m not one to stick to the basics. I’m always sneaking in something unexpected, like paper yarns or wire, just to keep things interesting.
Each piece is a labor of love—woven with intention, focus, and a whole lot of heart. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about the journey, the time, the sweat (yes, sometimes actual sweat), and the thought that goes into every thread. I like to think that my creations have a little bit of my soul in them, and when someone connects with them, I know it’s meant to be.
A Special Moment: A Shawl for the First Lady (Yes, Really!)
A fun little tidbit—back in the 1990s, one of my shawls was presented to the wife of German President Richard von Weizsäcker. This wasn’t just any shawl—it was one of my pieces chosen by the Australian government to give as a gift during their visit to Australia. It was a pretty awesome moment in my weaving career but also reminded me that weaving can do more than just cover your shoulders—it can connect cultures and bring people together and make connections!
Recognition: Third Prize in the Inaugural Australian Complex Weavers Competition
I won third prize in the inaugural Australian Complex Weavers competition. I know, I know—humble brag, but it was a huge moment. I was so proud to be recognized for my work by such a distinguished group of people who really understand the art of weaving. It was like the universe saying, “Hey, keep weaving!” And I couldn’t be more grateful for that validation.
The Latest Biggie: Coming Together at the Redlands Museum
And then came the latest biggie—the Coming Together exhibition at the Redlands Museum in Brisbane in November 2024. It was an absolute triumph, featuring the work of 23 passionate weavers, all coming together (pun intended!) to showcase our collective love for this craft. The exhibition was a true celebration of the weaving community, and it was incredibly rewarding to see so many talented artists sharing their creations in such a beautiful space.
The experience was everything I hoped for and more—full of energy, creativity, and, of course, inspiration. It was a perfect reminder that weaving isn’t just about individual pieces, but about how our craft connects us all.
Sharing Knowledge, Building Connections, and Being the Cool Weaver on the Block
Weaving isn’t just about what I make—it’s also about the amazing people I’ve met along the way. I’ve hosted workshops, had the pleasure of participating in group exhibitions, and even had a solo show . My work has been shown in galleries, at markets, and studio sales, and I’ve connected with people not only in Australia but around the world.
I’ve also had the pleasure of hosting some pretty amazing overseas weavers, swapping tips, techniques, and the occasional “oh wow, that’s genius!” feedback. And hearing from users of my pieces is always a joy. There’s no better feeling than knowing that something you’ve worked on for hours—or even days—has found a home with someone who truly loves it.
One of my most cherished moments along this journey took place around my kitchen table. Picture it: me, sitting with the American weaver Sigrid Piroch during her visit to Tasmania, just chatting about what we’re doing—sharing ideas, techniques, and the passion we both have for weaving. There’s something truly special about those intimate moments, where you can exchange knowledge with someone who shares your love for the craft. Our conversation was full of laughter, insight, and that beautiful bond that only fellow weavers can understand. It was one of those simple moments that reaffirmed just how much I love this craft and how it connects me with others around the world
A Weaving Journey with Heart (and a Bit of Flair)
For me, weaving is about so much more than just making beautiful textiles. It’s about creating connections, slowing down, and bringing a little joy to the world, one woven piece at a time. And if you happen to feel a little spark when you see my work, well, I’d love for you to check out my creations on Madeit or reach out if you want something uniquely crafted just for you.
Let’s weave some magic together.
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Weaving
Before I start weaving
Design the pattern in software or on paper Select the yarn, maybe dye the yarn Calculate the warp and weft Wind the warp, mostly around 1000 ends Wind warp threads onto loom Thread the yarn through the heddles Sley the reed Tie warp onto loom Tie patterns shafts onto pedals
weaving
Cut off finished cloth from loom Hand stitch or twist fringe Check the work
Wash the item steam or press the work attach labels
Ready for letting it go to you