Out of Synch is a new project by Coventry-based weaver Theo Wright that explores the synchronisation and sequencing of design elements through a series of textiles: single cloths woven in linen and double cloths woven in silk.

Simple colour and pattern sequences are disrupted so that they become more complex and move in and out of alignment. The same approach has been applied to a range of weaving styles to produce a variety of effects. All the textiles have been handwoven on a 16-shaft dobby loom.

Textiles from the Out of Synch project are currently on show at Direct Art Action, Sutton Coldfield until 27th July 2019and will then be exhibited at The Handweavers Studio & Gallery, London 19 August – 28 September 2019.

For more information about the project see http://www.theowright.co.uk/outofsynch.html

Flex: Exploring flexibility through solid and soft materials in woven structures, is a textile design collection by recent graduate Phyllis Hahn from the Swedish School of Textiles. A work which challenges the traditional function and behaviour of woven textiles by exploring flexibility, scale and materials.

Her work started out with an interest in the border between textiles and furniture. With a focus on the carpet, questions such as ’what is a carpet and when does its function change?’ pushed the work forward.

Eventually, this evolved into a exploration of flexibility within woven structures and by integrating solid materials such as wood and cardboard into the weaving process and combining those with pliable materials such as wool, polyester and cotton, she explores flexibility in the weave through materials and their opposite qualities.

The materials each have their inherent qualities and the weaving technique presents a physical realm in which they have to cooperate. In this way the solid material becomes flexible and also gives flexibility to the woven structure due to its weight, shape and placement. Continue reading →

This September New York Textile Month takes over the City for its third year. As part of the month long celebration of fabric and making;  Denim Days is returning for a weekend of all things Indigo.

Norn Design is exhibiting at Denim Days with its new Denim Collection of samples and concept pieces.  Look for Norn Design in the program for stand info.

The Norn studio is tucked behind London’s only Craft Jean Factory: Blackhorse Lane Ateliers . Infected by the hum of the denim factory, Norn began dreaming about the possibilities of handwoven denim. Starting with the basics, Indigo and Cotton, they have been expanding and challenging the notion of ‘Denim’ as a woven cloth.

Through exploration of texture, structure, colour and hand weaving techniques we have developed a collection of Norn Denims.

The collection of hand woven denims recognises tradition whilst being focused firmly on the untapped potential of denim. From denim cloth for fashion, to corded and hand tufted rugs, hand woven art pieces and denim blankets Norn Denim is a range of conceptual objects and ideas that ask you to consider what denim can be. Continue reading →

‘Praktis | Mind and Matter: The Making of Craft

Fifteen designer makers are exhibiting their work in  Bury Court Barn and its garden in October.

The exhibitors, renowned practitioners in ceramics, wood, willow, jewellery and textiles will show pieces for sale or commission, and reveal their thinking, inspiration and working methods in practical demonstrations and illustrated talks during the exhibition.

The stages of making – the consideration, the preparation and the sheer repetition of creating something by hand, all play an equal part in the finished object.

Ideas often take hours of work on paper or experimenting with materials before they are made. It is necessary to understand and learn from traditions, but for a contemporary maker to move forward requires having an idea that can push both the materials and the technique in a new direction: this can be extremely satisfying both for the maker and the observer, as it both respects but also questions what can be achieved with the materials and technique. Continue reading →