Frome Weavers are right in the fabric heart of the town
By Susie Watkins
29th Jan 2020 | Local News
There's always a loom for more, that is definitely the message from Frome Weavers, Spinners and Dyers who are looking for more members.
Frome has a long history with weaving, dating back as far as the 14th century - it was once even such a huge industry that weavers further down the river worked at night in order to get the best flow of water. Even today the town the signs are there, the drying tower on Justice Lane and the weavers cottages up on Trinity, however the group is very much of modern times with an Instagram account @fromewsd and a busy website.
They currently have 34 members who meet at an ex weaving mill (Tucker's Mill), the site perfect with plenty of natural light and two floors filled with a huge variety of looms.
The group itself has been around since the 1970s and today has a weaving fraternity encompassing a whole range of people, from young mothers to 97 year olds, it even has three men.
The popularity is increasing with the next course in February fully booked, however during the week you are encouraged to pop in and give it a try. The group is now formally registered as a charity and was previously based out of the Steiner school, but moved August last year with the intentions to educate, expand, experiment and build a generous community.
Even if you have no idea what a loom is, don't worry, you will be assigned an experienced mentor for your first three months to guide you through everything. If you already weave and want to diversify, the group offers spinning and beading on site, or experimenting with different materials, theoretically anything can be used, as long as the tension is right.
Maureen Simpson, who is a former teacher and current trustee,has made several bags using recycled video tape. She said: " We want to share what we do. You do not need to have technical skills, it would seem so but you don't need to have them. All you need is patience and a desire to explore textiles through weaving and pattern,then we will help you create. We also like learning from each other so we are always happy if someone arrives with some new ideas."
The group will be taking part in the Local History Festival in May, later in the year they will be selling some of what they create at the Frome Independent market.
Maureen gave Nub News a tour of the two floors of looms and yarns, explaining the layers of of work involved, shuttle and shafts, warps and weaves... even the words are gentle. But you can't rush the work, it can take two or three days to make the warp but sometimes only a few hours to actually weave the small rug or bag. Weaving is a complex activity but they are keen to stress that this should not put people off, a huge portion of the joy of belonging is about being creative and social. There is also an extensive library of patterns and everything from a simple 'picture-frame' type looms (photo), through to training and table looms and the large floor looms that were lovingly restored. They even have two large looms from the weavers of Wells, which they bought when the group disbanded, that are currently host to intricate,beautiful designs. One cherished member of the weavers, Marion Gore, who is the mother of the former Frome mayor Sheila Gore, explained why she goes to the twice weekly sessions ( although if you become a full member you can visit to weave when it suits). She said:" I was weaving for 30 years and I have had three looms. I come because I like to be useful, suggesting things and because I have made a lot of mistakes in the past so I hope I can help. But it is also so social and creative." You can find out more about the group via the red button below.
New frome Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: frome jobs
Share:
