F A Q S
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WEAVE A BLANKET?
From start to finish if I was to do it non - stop, it would take me between 50 - 70 hours to complete one Blanket. However, each Blanket takes a different amount of time to design, set up and Weave. This time is dependent on; the materials used to make the cloth, their weight, thickness and density, the complicated nature of the Weave, the width and length and any additional finishing processes. In reality, these are not designed, set up and Woven in one sitting, I have many other balls to juggle at one time. So, I often do Weave across a few weeks where possible, then wash, darn and finish after.
Do you ship worldwide?
Typically I do not ship outside the UK, however shipping abroad can be arranged privately. Additional fees and Customs will apply, this will be approved on a case by case basis. If there was a special occasion, exceptions could be made upon private request. For any further enquires, please contact mays.wonderfully.woven@outlook.com for more details.
DO YOU TAKE COMMISSIONS?
Yes, I do take commissions via private communication or discussions on the market. I am open to commissions for larger Woven pieces such as the Blankets, Throws Wraps and Runners. I am also open to commissions on sewn and hand-crafted products using those hand-woven fabrics, these include; Scatter Cushions, Purses and Pouches. See the shop for a wide selection of products currently available.
DO YOU OFFER GIFT CARDS?
Yes, eGifts cards are now available to purchase online. Click here to find out more information.
WHAT OTHER MARKETS DO YOU TRADE AT?
WHO WILL DELIVER MY PARCEL?
Special Birthday or Gift - wrapping is available upon request, please message or email with any personalisation and additional messages requested. This gift-service often ( but not exclusively ) includes special wrapping from Emily Coxheads The Happy Newspaper, which I re-purpose as very jazzy wrapping with velvet and satin ribbons. Passing on the positive news and good vibes.
As standard all parcels are posted Second Class Signed for with Royal Mail. Prices and Packaging vary dependent on the product purchased. All products are wrapped with care and aim to arrive with you exactly how they leave my studio. Each parcel is hand-stamped and will contain a personalised thank- you from myself for supporting my practice, a business card and protective wrapping for your purchase. First Class can be arranged, however additional fees will apply. See Shipping and Returns for more detail.
At the moment I am trading with a variety of different markets across the County. My most regular is with Ely Craft, Food and Vintage Market on the first and last Saturdays of the month. I also trade in Bury St Edmunds, Sandringham and Cambridge to name but a few. Please see Mays Markets Dates for specific locations and dates to avoid disappointment! I hope to see you there!
DO YOU OFFER A GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE?
How does your cloth differ to hand woven or commercially woven mill cloth?
When I talk about hand-weaving and hand-woven, by this I consider the design, set-up and Weaving of the cloth, all of which is all done by hand. In contemporary or industrial mill-woven cloth the majority of the process is automated or mechanised and powered by electricity. With my traditional Louet Floor Loom, I control these elements, I thread up each individual piece of yarn by hand in a pre-determined sequence. Which is then pre-programmed and connected to the treadles, these treadles are controlled by my feet. I use my feet to depress each treadle which lifts up the heddles in a specific sequence determining the design and pattern of the cloth.
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Often the Designer and Weaver are two different people, being both requires a whole new set of skills. One must have a keen eye and synergy with the loom, the Weaver must listen, watch and feel as the friction warps the tension, any resistance felt on the treadle, any loss of tension or sequence. The satisfaction is immense, reaching that level on synergy within your practice and on your Loom is so fulfilling, you whole body is in sync and becomes apart of the motion!
What width is your cloth?
Pre - washing the maximum width of my cloth will be approximately 45 inches or 114.3 cm. However, dependent on the materials, density and pattern of the cloth, there will be some degree of shrinkage as the fibres and yarns bond together in the finishing processes. The length of the cloth is open to negotiation and dependent on your requests. Typically I will not Weave more that 9 metres of cloth at a time, as this does take a significant amount of time to set up and Weave. The minimum length will be between 1-2 metres, dependent on the materials chosen.
Do you take on Apprenticeships or interns?
No, unfortunately at this time I cannot take on any interns, as I am working from a small studio. However, fostering creative minds and supporting small bushiness is very important to me! I am always here for any advice and any assistance I can offer, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am available to for talks and lectures on these matters. Additionally private studio visits can be arranged upon request and dependent on availability.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY WONDERFULLY WOVEN PRODUCTS?
As these pieces are hand-made and hand-woven, they do require a little extra care. Please only give them a gentle hand-wash if necessary, use only Wool, Silk or Eco Detergent which will be available at most superstores. Please do not Machine Wash in any case, even with the Cottons and Bamboos. Please do not Tumble Dry, leave to dry naturally where possible, avoid direct heat.