The Journal

The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers (Summer 2012)

The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers (Spring 2012)

The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers (Winter 2011 issue)

In this issue Sue Hiley Harris tells the story of her Ancestor Bags, their meaning and their creation. The final snapshot from Diane Gaffney’s “Meetings with Remarkable Dyers� takes us to an indigo plantation in Java, while in the downloadable article Stephanie Bunn introduces us to the fascinating woven textiles of Kyrgyzstan. There is practical advice from Amanda Hannaford, who compares Scotch tension with double-drive spinning wheels, and from Stacey Harvey-Brown, who describes what to look for in a secondhand loom. Lesley Prior invites Guilds to get involved with the Campaign for Wool, a profile of recent graduate Holly Bradley-Gill takes us on a tour of international trade fairs, and Diane Sergeant opens the door to Gainsborough Silk Mill. We offer you another glimpse behind the scenes of Journal production and show how you might get involved.

In this issue there are two articles on devoré; one by Dr Andie Robertson on her historical studies and another by Anne Field describing the process of weaving and decorating a scarf using the devoré technique. Ann Hecht takes us on a fascinating journey into the past to explore why silk production did not survive on a commercial scale in the UK. Jane Deane describes how to rear silkworms today. Jenny Dean and Krista Vajanto write about using natural dyes and mordants. Tapestry weaver Joan Baxter shares her approach to concept and design for her tapestry inspired by Sorley MacLean's meditative Gaelic poem 'Hallaig'. Peter Fisher gives a glimpse of the processes, machinery and history of Coldharbour Mill in Devon - a working woollen mill open to the public. Dawn Willey has recently joined the Journal committee and writes about her first experiences as Journal book reviews editor. The committee comprises a small but very active team of volunteers - and there's always room for more...

This edition includes Brenda King's fascinating story of the discovery of natural dye samples in India which were dyed by Thomas Wardle in Leek over 100 years ago. In her second 'snapshot' Diane Gaffney writes about her meetings with indigo dyers in Thailand. (Her photo on the left shows a "champion" dyer.) Syne Mitchell explains how to obtain shibori effects weaving on a rigid heddle loom and Norah Ball writes about setting up a solo exhibition. There are also notes for the novice spinner by Mary Bell and Christina Chisholm, advice on plying from Jan Blight and on scouring raw fleece from Peter Teal. In an article reprinted from the London Guild Newsletter, Nancy Lee Child writes about the first 36 years of the Handweavers Studio. In the downloadable article, Lesley Prior tells of taking a flock of her Bowmont sheep to Savile Row for one of the Campaign for Wool events.