Magazine Photoshoot in ECT North East Magazine - Featuring My Accessories

Just found out some of my products - Laura Parkin Hand Woven Designs - have been used in a magazine photo shoot for an article about KOTA Styling & Boutique. Just want to say thank you Krista Puranen Wilson for using them in your images

Read Ect magazine online now. ('Very Vintage' photoshoot from page 15)

 http://www.etcnortheast.co.uk/magazine/ is the link to August issueMagazine - Etc North Eastwww.etcnortheast.co.uk

My Handwoven Large Earring and Handwoven Handbag :)

NEW STOCKIST

My work is now stocked in Newcastle's newest Boutique

'KOTA Styling & Boutique'

This store specialises in contemporary design from local designers, like me :) and vintage fashions. They even stock home-wares. Based in Newcastle's Antiques Centre it is a must for everyone who loves design. Please see http://nenaru.wordpress.com for more details. 

Working with florals as colour inspration

I am now working with Florals as inspiration for a colour palette for my warp / final woven cloths. From these I will be making my accessories. These accessories maybe 

• Kiss Clasp Coin Purses
• Zipped Make Up Bags with Tassel Detail 
• Glasses Cases with Hand Covered Button Detail
• Mini Handbag with Cross Body Chain
• Twisted Fringe Scarves
• Infinity Scarves
• Ipad Covers
• Kindel Covers
• Large Button Style Earrings
• Tiny Button Style Earrings
• Button Style Rings
• Button Style Hairbands
• Button Style Hairgrips

Most accessories will include a 'Laura Parkin' woven label and decorative price tag.

Here is a selection of products based upon the 'Forget Me Not' colour palette.

I plan to have six mini collections based upon floral colours, these will be: 'Forget Me Not', 'Hydrangea', 'Iris', 'Gerbera', 'Freesia' and 'Peony'

Weaving Process

I felt  a bit creative on the computer today, made a collage of images that briefly show how my fabrics are created.

Sunday Weaving Guidance: Making a Warp with a Warping Mill

I again sorry for the gap in posts but I am back :).

Today I am talking about warps. I like to think that the warp is like a back bone of the fabric. It is the yarn that is measured out and threaded through the loom. These threads are threaded though the headles, the action of lifting and lowering the headles allows the weaver to create different structures (patterns) in the finished cloth.

Too start weaving everyone knows you must make a warp, people make them in different ways but I personally like to use a warping mill, others like to use a warping board. With a warping milling it is easer to make longer warps with easy and speed.

You must measure out how long and wide you wish your warp to be, i normally go for 14" x 36ft, and make sure you know your epi. Remember when measuring a bundle is half an inch so it is half your epi.  Once you have measured your length you carry on turning the warping mill, making a figure of eight at the top and bottom (this is your cross for your cross sticks). Having a cross keeps the order of yarn when you are threading.  Once you have warped to your desired sizes, tie off top, bottom, crosses and bundles. Remove from warping mill and chain for storage.

A few top tips

• Take it slow 
• Have something or someone to hold onto your cone of yarn so you can have a smooth action
• Double check your bundles
• Always check and tie of your lease (the loop) at the end as it helps you to attach the warp to the apron of the back beam
• Tie of the yarn that holds your bundles and crosses
• Add extra ties around the warp to stop tangles and knots
• Remember to chain your warp to also help with tangles 
• And ENJOY you are on your way to weaving cloth.

and  you could also look at these youtube videos for ideas 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF4YpAAdQfg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvpTLMFGMBo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XujQa0ZRth0