If you need help to start a hobby or to develop your passion for one, there is often a local specialist group where there's usually somebody who can point you in the right direction. You first point of contact will be a Secretary or membership officer although many simply have an open invite for you to go along to their monthly sessions.
To learn about weaving, spinning or dyeing there is a national network of Guilds to choose from. You'll find members giving you the encouragement and inspiration to achieve your goal. Two such Guilds are the Oxford and the Wiltshire Guilds.
If you live near Oxford you'll find the Oxford Guild meet monthly on the 3rd Saturday of the month, except in August, in the Village Hall, Stanton St John, Oxfordshire where parking is easy and visitors are most welcome. Or check their website first here
The Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers meet at The Textile Studios, 3 St Mary's School Buildings, Steeple Ashton. Wiltshire BA14 6EU The Textile Studios are in the High Street, immediately behind the Community Shop. And their website can be found here
Both Guilds will welcome new members and thoroughly enjoy sharing their love for textile interests – and learning something new.
I thought you might like to know that I've been selected to exhibit in L'Espace at Maison & Objet in Paris.
After a successful trip to 100% Design, London, in September, I got invited by Design Factory, the premier organisation supporting designer makers in the East Midlands, to submit work for selection. Design Factory are taking 6 designer makers to Paris for this prestigious show and have the sponsorship or Ateliers d'Art de France (the equivalent of the Crafts Council in France) and UKTI.
Lifes getting quite exciting now!
Alison
