Author: Rose Prince

Categories
Lucy Rowan Weaving Studio

October

October with Lucy Rowan

04/10/2024

  • Today was my second day at my 3 month placement with Lucy in Worthing. I am really enjoying myself. Having a shorter day is nice on a Friday.
  • It’s been nice working in such a friendly setting.
  • Don’t believe I am going to gain loads in terms of weaving, but useful to learn about the weaving business. It shall be beneficial. The room looks out onto the sea, it’s beautiful.
  • This week I completed some tapestry weaving. Lucy wanted me to make a bookmark for a pop up Christmas shop that Colonnade House shall be hosting. This was the first time I had done tapestry weaving… I wasn’t a fan. It took way too long to complete that it frustrated me. I was just constantly thinking how can spending 4 hours on a bookmark be worth while. There is only going to be a certain point that people are willing to pay for a bookmark. It’s then not worth your time.

11/10/2024

  • Today I set up the loom so I could make 5 coasters at the same time. Having learnt from last week that tapestry weaving was not worth our while with products such as coasters and book marks we decided to experiment with the loom.
  • The process was slightly faster, however, where I was having to change threads for each coaster it took longer than expected. I decided that it would be much quicker to create a thin warp where I could focus on one coaster at a time.
  • I was slightly disappointed, as I was meant to set up a loom today. However, with one of the looms already set up it made sense to weave with that.

18/10/2024

  • Today I set up some tools for a workshop that Lucy was going to be teaching at the Maltings on the weekend.
  • After I had completed this I continued weaving the remaining coasters on the loom. After I had finished, I proceeded with the wall hanging weaving.
  • I am worried I am not learning loads, I had expected that I would have been taught how to add more texture into the weaving etc. However, I haven’t and have just been practicing skills I already know.
Categories
Ann Sutton OBE

October

October with Ann Sutton OBE

07/10/2024

The sock machine saga continues… for a few weeks now Ann and I have been trying to get her old sock machine to work. We have tried various stitch lengths, yarns and continued using WD40.

14/10/2024

Today we completely cleaning the sock machine. Took everything apart and used a strong alcohol to clean EVERYTHING. It is still temperamental which is very frustrating but hopefully next week once the sewing machine oil has settled in we shall be more successful. After researching we realised the WD40 was one of the worst things to use as it’s a heavy oil. By also using too much it caused a mess and clogged up the parts.

21/10/2024

I really enjoyed this morning… my task with Rebecca (Ann’s assistant for 8 years) was to categorise some of her larger pieces that were rolled up. There were around 12 pieces that need to be unpacked and repackaged so the pieces were more protected. We found that a lot of the galleries hadn’t bothered to pack the pieces properly, some were stuck together, others had the hanging pole denting into it. It made me realised how important packaging pieces of work is. One piece had to be carefully pulled apart as the acrylic paint was sticking together. Unfortunately there were a few times it took the pain off which was devastating, however, nothing we could do about it.

I learnt that using the flat side of bubble wrap onto the work protected it better, and using string per scrap strips of fabric to keep the bubble wrap rolled was better than using tape. Tape can become sticky and therefore potentially ruin the work.

While Rebecca and I packed the art, Ann continued to play around with the knitting machine. However, it still wasn’t working, making a horrible noise when trying to turn the wheel.

28/10/2024

Today was a brilliant day! My first task was to get the knitting machine working… I did! Phew… I was so glad I was able to! I then kept knitting and knitting and knitting… Within a short time I had created metres of length. The more I used it the smoother and easier it became.

Ann also discussed the pieces that we would be working on. She is very ambitious and is up for a challenge. When I was asking how certain pieces would be attached, she would reply saying…

‘I don’t know… we shall just have to work it out!’

We then discussed various ways, some she hadn’t thought of. Mainly just bouncing off each other.

For the last part of the morning Rebecca and I continued unpacking and packing some art pieces.

It does amaze me how easily Ann comes up with so many amazing ideas. It really does come naturally to her.

Categories
General Reflection

My Positionality Statement

My name is Rose Prince, I am a young white, middle class female student that has grown up living a 2 minute walk from the beach on the South Coast. I have experienced city life in London for the last 2 years studying Textile Design at Chelsea College of Arts specialising in weaving, however, I definitely enjoy quieter environments. I favoured coming home and driving to placements for DPS as opposed to inflated city prices. This allowed me to take unpaid positions which have enhanced my skillset.

I have worked in a care home specialised in dementia for the past 4 years. While it’s an extremely hard and demanding job, I feel incredibly privileged to have learnt from and cared for this demographic. This has influenced other areas in my life, for example, my textile projects.

I acknowledge that my perspective is shaped by these privileges and may have limited my comprehension of other people’s experiences. I’m determined to examine my own prejudices and approach placements with an open mind so that I can gain insight from viewpoints that differ from my own.

  • Caring … Why Ann was also drawn to me ‘you’re a carer and weaver all in one!’
  • Wanted to stay local to home
Categories
Personal Projects

Spinning Wheel Project

08/10/2024

I just keep getting lucky! Some family friends were on an evening walk, when they found an Antique Ashford Spinning Wheel on the side of the road ready for bin collection the next day.

They called me up asking if it was of use to me… of course! I have tried spinning some yarn briefly before, it was an area I wanted to explore.

Once it was home we discovered the flyer, bobbins and leather was missing. I started looking online for other parts, however, the flyer alone was nearly £100 which I couldn’t afford to spend.

I popped a note through the door of the house it was outside of thanking them and asked if they had any other weaving or spinning bits they were going to get rid of.

I received a message soon after:

I then decided to post on the Hampshire Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers asking if anyone had a spare.

Two ladies replied and were very helpful. They were selling one for £4! They suggested I came to the next meeting to collect it.

I had heard from multiple people that the Guild was quite unfriendly however, I went in with a smile on my face and asked loads of questions and found that everyone was more than happy to help. They suggested I come back again as they sell lots of spinning and weaving equipment for a very good price.

I feel really proud of myself for reaching and putting myself out there. A few months I probably wouldn’t have had the confidence to. It’s so nice to think I have another network of people that know all about weaving and spinning.

More updates soon, I just need to get the last bits!

Categories
Conferences & Events

‘Making it in Textiles’ Bradford Conference

16-17/10/2024

I was super fortunate to be given the opportunity to attend the Making it in Textiles conference in Bradford. I joined four other students at UAL to learn all about the weaving industry and network with students from other universities.

I was nervous to attend, speaking to all of the Industry and Livery representatives was really daunting.

However, once I arrived and was caught up in the moment and wasn’t overthinking. I chatted to loads of students and representatives, it was absolutely incredible. I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to attend. I feel as though I shall enter third year with a much wider breadth of knowledge.

I spoke to experts such as:

  • Philippa Brock
  • Andrew Hogley
  • James Gaselee
  • James Bagley
  • Lucy Knights
  • Elliot Barlow
  • Professor Sheila-Mary Carruthers

On the second day I visited Marton Mills, based just outside of Bradford. It was amazing to view the large scale process of making the fabric. The design stage was a lot quicker than at university which I hadn’t expected. I had never considered the possibility of working in a mill, however, after this visit I definitely want to get some experience during my DPS year at a mill. I believe this shall help clarify if working within a mill is something I could want.


Categories
Conferences & Events Dobby & Rose

The MALTINGS: Festival of Craft

12/10/2024

Rebecca was attending The Festival of Crafts at Farnham this weekend, she offered me the opportunity to join her and weave on a Louet Jane Table Loom while speaking to customers.

I immediately said yes! I had never attended an event like this so was eager to see how it was in the eyes of a craftsperson.

I loved speaking to everyone, there were lots of amazing stories. It was fun watching everyone trying to work out how I was weaving also. Once I had explained what I was doing everyone seemed to appreciate the products being sold a lot more. I realised how little people know about how cloth/ fabric is made.

I also witnessed how deflating an event like this could be. So many craftspeople were saying what a let down it was. It was invaluable seeing this side of the industry. It’s not always a positive experience. I would find it hard to pick myself up after a less successful event. This made me reflect on if this side of making is something I would want to do.

I think I crave stability and consistency. So maybe working in a business with others would suit me better?

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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!

Categories
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.