The ancient craft of weaving is experiencing something of a resurgence at the moment. There are many strands to this reawakening of interest: a general uptick in traditional methods of craftsmanship in all fields; a fashion for tapestry; a new appreciation for the textile artists of the Bauhaus, such as Anni Albers and Gunta Stölzl, 100 years after the art school's foundation in 1919; not to mention a revival of handicrafts at home during the quarantines and lockdowns of the pandemic.
Meet weaver Dalia James
‘I began studying printed textiles at Loughborough University, but I was intrigued by what the weavers were doing and decided to change courses,’ explains textile designer-maker Dalia James. Now based in London, she weaves strongly coloured wall pieces on a variety of looms, using rectilinear shapes and taking inspiration from William Morris, Anni Albers and the contemporary textile artist Ptolemy Mann. Dalia often weaves with spun silk and has experimented with the eco-friendly Seacell yarn, made from seaweed. Thanks to a grant from the Arts Council, she has recently moved to a studio in Walthamstow, where she is working on several private commissions: ‘I’d love to create an interiors collection one day.’ daliajames.com
Make your own patchwork quilt over the course of four weekly two-hour Zoom sessions with textiles studio Working Cloth; £125 for the course.
Weave your own rug in this eight-week course with Christabel Balfour. Videos are pre-recorded and you have unlimited access, so you can go at your own pace; £180 for the course.
Learn the art of hand embroidery in a pair of two-and-a-half-hour workshops – held twice a month – with Richard McVetis; £50 each.
