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Ann Sutton OBE

First Day with Ann Sutton OBE

30/09/2024

My first ‘official’ day working with Ann was a lot of fun!

I had been working for Ann every so often over the past year, so this day wasn’t daunting because of the unknown for example.

I had met Ann the during summer 2023 working at the care home, we were so excited we both shared the same interests in weaving. this blossomed into a great friendship. I have already gained so much by speaking with Ann, the stories and experiences she has are incredible.

She had asked for my help with packaging some tablet weaving pieces from Pat Holtom to be sent the Maltease museum in Malta.

Soon after Ann mentioned the possibility of working along side her during my placement year. I was over the moon.

We continued to stay in contact while I was at university, I would see her at Easter and Christmas etc help with projects we could complete from her bedroom.

Leading to present, over the summer 2024 I started working with Ann in her studio. She had recently moved locations, so we had to organise a lot! The amount of amazing pieces of work I view because of this process is amazing. I also love that I know where everything is located, making the construction of her art pieces a lot smoother as we are not searching for ages for tools.

On the 30th September we continued unpacking.

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Lucy Rowan Weaving Studio

First Day at Lucy Rowan Weaving Studio

27/09/2024

My first day completing a placement at Lucy Rowan Weaving Studio…

Lucy’s studio is located in Worthing, right by the sea. The sunlight that fills the studio is stunning. It’s such a lovely bright space to work. It has made me realise how important the place you work in is to your outcomes.

I arrived too early as I hate the thought of being late. Instead of waiting in my car, I walked down to the beach to enjoy the sound of the waves.

After I had climbed all of the stairs to reach the studio I was greeted by Lucy and some other artists that also work at Colonnade House. I met an Illustrator and Author called John Bond. Over this past month I have been able to chat to him regularly and gain knowledge on the subject he pursues. He is also married to Ellie Bond, the lady that ran the Art and Design foundation course that I completed. A small world!

Lucy is very friendly and really wanted to know what she could show me so I could make the most of the experience.

This first week I completed some weaving for a wall hanging. Lucy’s style of work is very playful and experimental, so it was nice to have less restrictions.


I am worried I won’t learn loads in terms of weaving, however, am learning many other important skills. Such as, running a small business, managing time, connecting with other artists and the importance of engaging with customers.

While this is a short placement, I believe this is the perfect amount of time to gain knowledge and learn new skills from a small business.

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Dobby & Rose

First Day at Dobby & Rose

26/09/2024

My first ‘official’ day at Dobby and Rose was brilliant! I have already been quite a few times over summer, having joined in with the Graduate Weavers week. I have already learnt so much and made some great connections with local weavers.

Since I have started my ability to set up a loom has increased massively. I am a lot faster setting up a loom. I can now set complete a whole set up in day as opposed to taking a few days. My confidence still needs to improve, as I often doubt myself. I am very wary doing each step, so need reassurance. I do believe over time this shall develop.

I am being taught more simple ways to set up the loom, as I often find a lot of steps are over complicated.

Also, I have a better understanding of how a small business runs. Being surrounded by fellow weavers I am gaining better knowledge on the industry.

Rebecca is such a patient teacher that is super friendly and kind. I am excited for the year ahead!

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Personal Projects

BARGAIN 8 Shaft Harris Loom

This year I was eager to become better at the set up of a loom. I wanted to build my confidence so that when I return to third year I shall be able to set up looms quicker and be more optimistic in what I create.

Early summer I began looking on Facebook marketplace everyday. Finally, a loom is uploaded and within budget!

A man semi local to me was selling a 8 shaft Harris loom with a warping board for £150.00. It was getting a lot of attention, so he told me it was first come first serve. After I finished my 12 hour shift I drove an hour to collect it.

I was so excited!!

When I arrived Rodger showed me how to put it together and explained the few parts I had to source such as the bolts to hold it together.

On the weekend I worked out how to put it back together. I was nervous to start planning the set up, as I have only done it 3 times with a lot of help from the tutors at university.

But, I did it! I created a very simple set up with wool. I have already made a Christmas present for a family member.

It’s nice to be able to weave whatever I want, without having a huge meaning and planning the colours etc for days on end. I have been enjoying the freedom that weaving can offer.

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Conferences & Events Dobby & Rose Uncategorised

Graduate Week

12-16/08/2024

During August I was lucky enough to attend the Graduate Week led by Rebecca from Dobby & Rose.

I met 3 graduate weavers that were mostly local. We all rubbed along really well, sharing our experiences from university etc.

We all set up a loom and completed patterns that Rebecca had planned for future products. I felt a lot slower than the others, however, I had to keep reminding myself they had a year on me!
They were always offering to help me and give tips which was helpful.

From this experience Rebecca asked if I would like to join her for the whole year for 2 days a week. Although the role isn’t paid, I am learning so much weaving knowledge, so am extremely happy with this placement.