About Julia at Textiliaweave

 

I am Julia Symonds and I am lucky enough to be a product of a creative family and I have always been surrounded by people who ‘make’.

Encouragement to ‘make’ especially with yarn and thread has been abundant all my life from family and teachers. Consequently, it was no surprise that I trained to be a teacher of textiles. I am still teaching in my studio, I guess it was always in my DNA.

I do enjoy teaching others to embrace weaving on my Ashford rigid heddle looms. I love the way that everyone starts with the same equipment and yarn selections. Through their individual choices and preferences each person creates something completely individual and original. That is the joint thrill I share with students that come to learn.

My own work has developed over a decade of weaving. I started my weaving journey on a rigid heddle loom, one workshop and I was completely obsessed.

Quickly, I decided I needed to learn to spin yarn too. This meant I could make yarn in the colours of my choice and add texture and character to my work.

Eventually, I was offered the opportunity to teach weaving on rigid heddle looms in my own space and from there my workshops have developed.

During the pandemic it gave me an opportunity for self- development as workshops had to be put on hold. During this time, I had a new floor loom, took several online courses and learnt new weaving and bagmaking skills. It was a difficult time for business but a very good time for reflection, building skills and developing ideas.

I am continually on a weaving adventure with my practice. I have had some wonderful online and in-person tuition from weavers whom I consider to be my icons. Margo Selby, Cally Booker and their amazing skills have both inspired me and taught me that the weaving journey lasts a lifetime, continually growing.

Giving confidence and inspiration to others is so important, helping others to enjoy the mindfulness and creativity that weaving brings us as a craft.

To my amazement as I grow older, my head is always full of ideas and new projects. Colour combinations, learning and understanding new structures. Working with others and trying new things.

Trying new things keeps our minds and imaginations alive whether we are young or slightly less young.

My online shop is my newest project. Hopefully giving me a chance to showcase my work to a wider area, reaching more people.