Weaving demonstration and exhibition

I will be demonstrating weaving at Audlem Mill every Tuesday during my exhibition.

AudlemOnline published an article about the exhibition and Fiona's work last month. It read:

Escape to Audlem Mill for a smörgåsbord of country crafts in "Glorious Colour"

Apart from offering a unique selection of gifts made by local artisans, Audlem Mill hosts interactive exhibitions and, from Saturday 8th November – Sunday 7th December this year, welcomes an exceptionally talented textile artist, Fiona Nisbet, who recently featured on the BBC1 TV programme "Escape to the Country" teaching a couple who wanted to learn weaving, spinning and dyeing using Shropshire fleece.

Audlem Mill will be showcasing lots of gift ideas made from hand-woven fabrics such as bags, rugs, shawls and bench covers. Fiona will be demonstrating spinning and weaving techniques as well as answering questions.

Spin and Weave

Anyone who has ever wondered if they might be able to learn to spin and weave – and dye yarn using local plants from their own garden – should take up this opportunity to find out more.

Just over 20 years ago, Fiona found a spinning wheel at a local auction and she has never looked back. She says: "just as artists love the texture of oils on canvas, I love the tactile part of textiles and the vibrant colours. I use lots of different yarns, often a mixture of silks and wools (including local alpaca fleece) but also regenerated fibres like soya bean, banana and bamboo.

"There are over 75 breeds of sheep in the UK and all the fleeces are slightly different and absorb dyes differently creating individual shades. They also feel different. There are so many diverse combinations and colours. Hand-dyed yarns and fabrics are much more interesting because of the ability to get variations within each colour giving fabrics a truly natural look and greater depth."

Dyes

Fiona makes many of her own dyes from plants that grow in her garden: woad gives a blue dye, whereas greens can come from nettles and bracken and yellows from cow parsley and golden rod, for example. Damson wood gives a pink/purple dye. Oak galls and rhubarb root can be used for setting dyes.

Fiona now has many years' experience and teaches weaving and spinning techniques in her studio in Burleydam. Individual tuition is available or you can join a workshop (maximum 4 people). She has many testimonials from people who have found the courses fun as well as educational.

Jenny Clews spent a day with Fiona learning how to spin and weave: "Simply had to tell you that I have a very happy husband!!  He is absolutely thrilled that I have spent such a wonderful day with you and that I have learnt so much. I cannot say thank you enough for all your kindness, encouragement and professional teaching."

Talks and Workshops

Fiona also does talks and workshops in schools and colleges and really enjoys passing on her skills to young people. Wendy Riddick was delighted with the response from her students: "I would like to thank you on behalf of the students for the workshops you gave last week. You will be delighted to hear that the students really enjoyed the activities. It was a delight to have you at the college."

Exhibition at Audlem Mill

Visit Audlem Mill between 8th November and 7th December to see an exhibition of Fiona's work and every Tuesday you can watch a demonstration and talk to Fiona about her passion for textiles. Visit her website for more details www.shropshireweavers.co.uk and www.Audlemmill.co.uk for details of their wide range of crafts and gifts.

Audlem Mill is situated by the canal in Audlem, Cheshire at The Wharf, CW3 0DX.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.