Jan Thomas tells us about her newly opened studio workshop where you can learn, hands-on, about the art of textiles.
Textiles at The Weir is based at my home – The Weir – a working smallholding on the outskirts of Llanddewi Rhydderch, just 3 miles from Abergavenny. The studio/workshop is a small, quirky, rustic building, which enjoys rural views. From here we run a variety of textile-based day courses, which include hand and machine embroidery, felting, embellishing, fabric painting and printing.
I have always been inspired by textiles and have worked within this medium all my life. I studied Textile Arts to degree level and then went on to become an experienced textile artist and tutor. I’ve been an active member of Gwent Embroiderers Guild for many years and really enjoy working with a vast range of textile media and techniques. My work is very often inspired by the Welsh countryside and mountains that surround us.
If you are interested in threads and textiles and would like to learn something new or develop your skills and knowledge, then Textiles at The Weir is the place for you! Courses at the studio cater for all abilities and are taught in small groups with lots of opportunities for one-to-one tuition. Future courses include learning how to use your sewing machine to create exciting machine embroidery designs, developing hand embroidery to produce unusual and unique pieces such as a modern take on a sampler or moss on a stone, and mixed media approaches to landscapes. You can even design and embroider fabric postcards, which will amaze your friends and family. Looking ahead, there will be some exciting courses during the festive season where participants will be able to produce some lovely handmade Christmas pieces.
For more information about the courses available at Textiles at the Weir, contact Jan on 01873 840 299
