NOTE: The London Loom has now closed.
Stitching classes are already sew popular in London.
But artist Francesca Kletz is bringing something a little different to the table, by hosting weaving workshops in her relaxed Hackney studio. It houses over 400 yarns, all stacked up and colour coordinated to form a wall of multicoloured oculi. And thankfully, she’s also devised a few ways in which you can use them:
WEAVING WORKSHOPS
There are three different types of weaving workshop on offer at The London Loom: Freestyle Weaving, Tapestry Weaving and Weave Your Genes. The first of which is a bit of a taster class, lasting two hours, where a tutor will be there to guide you through the basics of hand weaving on a floor loom. And if you decide that weaving might just be your thing, you can also opt for a 5 hour workshop (where you’ll have the chance to develop your very own style) or even a full day (where you can learn about the whole process of floor weaving).
Tapestry Weaving, on the other hand, is a much more painstaking leisurely activity, so once you’ve learned the techniques, you’ll be able to take the equipment home to finish it off in your own time.
Finally, if you’re looking to dip your toe back into the waters of GCSE Biology, you can create your very own piece of woven DNA based on 20 different genetic traits, in their Weave Your Genes class.
CRAFT WORKSHOPS
It might be that you want to take things up a notch by also learning to hand dye yarn with which you can knit, crochet and of course, weave. You’ll learn all about different fibres, acid dyes, how to mix colours and finally how to set said dyes before preparing your very own yarn.
If you’re a keen follower of the make-do and mend mantra, then their Darning with Socko workshop might be the one for you. It’s a 2½ hour run down of the tricks and tools of the trade, as well as a little lesson on the history of techniques from various different cultures. Plus, there’s bottomless tea and biscuits.
Last, and to some extent least, is their Membroidery Workshop – where you’ll be embroidering your member. You’ll be able to craft genitalia on an embroidery hoop for all to see, using nothing but the finest thread and yarn.
But look out, you might want to thread carefully.
NOTE: The London Loom has now closed.
The London Loom | 17 Amhurst Terrace, Hackney Downs Studios, E8 2BT
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