PickOne

Yesterday saw the completion of the September weekend weave class, with two of the three students looking at twill structures + the third playing with colour within an overshot pattern, specifically a Honeysuckle draft with two weft colours. This was this students third visit to the PickOne studio +, in my opinion advanced work for a weekend weave class, which required additional concentration when threading the shafts + heddles. Complex.

It was a fantastic weekend with some great chats about warp, weft + beyond! I genuinely enjoy teaching all of my classes but I do get a wee buzz when i see students in a very short space of time, progress + develop over the two days. Chuffed!

If you are interested in taking part in a weekend workshop I have dates on the PickOne website up until November 2025 + will be releasing dates for 2026 in the next month or two for all those overseas students who wish to take part in a workshop as part of a planned holiday to Edinburgh + Scotland, it does happen!

Forward planning … it’s the way ahead!

Happy Monday!

A wee collection of happy snaps from today’s workshop, which saw three very capable students preparing a warp, which involved detailed chat about ends per inch + how to get that correct hand position when prepping a warp to minimise twisting, colour choices + looking for colours that blend v’s those that clash + pop… before dressing a 4 shaft folding table loom …

I really enjoy teaching the warping process as part of the weekend weave workshops … work otherwise how do you fully understand what’s required to make your cloth!

As part of signing up to one of the weekends you also gain access to a range of “How to films… ‘ 14 i. Total which are yours to keep forever to aid you with any future projects.

This weekends weave students hailed from Leith, Granton + Perth, with one student returning for a third workshop!

If your are interested in signing up for one of the PickOne weekend weave classes please click on the link in the bio or visit the following link if your viewing this in FB - https://www.pickone.co.uk/all-classes/ -weave

More images to follow!

… it was such a great first day + I look forward to what tomorrow brings!

More happy snaps to follow!

Meet my two happy helpers Henry the Hoover + Domino the Dominator … one was more effective than t other whilst sprucing up the studio in preparation for this weekends full weave workshop!

I’m looking forward to what my September cohort of weavers will achieve over the weekend … my first weekend class since Julys weekend + I’m excited to see what the students will come up with over the course of the weekend 😃

So Domino is now 11.5 years old + he’s a bit of a trouper as he had to have an eye removed at the beginning of September + has made a fantastic recovery despite initial complications … it’s all come good + we have even dispensed with the cone of shame!

More power to Domino the Dominator!

Happy Friday!

“JAUNTY ANGLES - A student show”

I seemed to have fallen behind with my postings of completed student projects … there’s a lot going on at the moment - even by my standards - and I hope this carousel of images of completed projects by my brilliant… and they are brilliant … students both inspire + intrigue!

There’s a winning mix of interior pieces + items to wear in a wide range of structures from tabby to monks belt, Bateman weaves to waffle weaves, from single cloth to double cloth + double width double cloth + beyond!

Chuffed as …

There will be an opperchancity to see some of these stunning weaves + meet some of the students at our student exhibition over the weekend of the 5th/6th of October 2024 from 11.00 - 16.00 on both days.

The exhibition titled, “Jaunty Angles - A Student Show” will demonstrate the breadth + scope of student projects + achievements whilst taking part in PickOne workshops + classes.

There’s a lot to see + talk about!

Well that was both a grand + jolly weekend in my first participation in a event!

I want to firstly thank the brilliant + Dave for inviting me into there fantastic sunny home over the last two weekends so I could take part in this brilliant event. Thank you!

Also thank you to all my chums who came along to show support as well as those who stopped by to chat, comment + compliment as well as a huge thank you to those who made those all important purchases both big + small, which massively helps to sustain PickOne - Your all superstars - thank you!

😃

This is where I’ll be all weekend - venue 3 … we opened today at 10.00 + I’ll be here demonstrating + chatting about all things warp + weft till 18.00 … then we do it all again tomorrow, the last day - 10.00 - 18.00!

I’m exhibiting in the beautiful home of + her colourful paintings along with who is showing a fantastic range of her decorative enamelled jewellery pieces.

Looking forward to meeting + greeting you all at some point over the weekend!

I had the most fantastic day wandering around my “little Edinburgh” taking in the sights … my 4 highlights were the El Anatsui the + the at the Dundas Street Gallery … I enjoyed + loved everything about these three galleries, so much so I made a purchase from his “Quilt” series as it resonated so clearly with me. It had to be done. Do give him a follow. Do give them all a follow.

Finally … my other highlight was at last seeing my old shop space Concrete Wardrobe finally being opened up again. It’s only taken 4 years for the space to find a new business to operate from … I hope it thrives on Broughton Street. Nice trainers … but I maybe beyond trainers.

Batteries charged +

This evening finished off the backing to her rug piece + I have to say it was looking very professional now that both backing cloth + tape have been glued into place …. However …. What does the front look like ? I hear you ask … well, we will be showcasing tufted rug at the student exhibition which will be launched over the weekend of the 5th + 6th of October 2024 This exhibition will showcase the work produced by students attending workshops + classes within the PickOne studios + this will be the first opperchancity to see first rug piece in full!

More details to follow about this exciting textile exhibition and as always you’re all invited!

Here I am exhibiting in venue 3 alongside + who is hosting us in her beautiful home!

Many many visitors yesterday + after a slow start today - it’s Sunday!!!! - business + visitors have been brisk, with lots of interested chats with visitors from around the world + Portobello itself!

We are open today till 18.00, dogs + well behaved owners are also very welcome to come along.

As well as selling I’m demonstrating on the 16 shaft Jane loom some new designs that are currently in development … as can be seen here!

We close today at 18.00, but open again next weekend from 10.00 till 18.00 + your all invited!

That’s me all set up for my two weekend stint + I’m really looking forward being there to talk about all my various collections including my latest cottolin scarf pieces, incorporating inspired weave structures with elements of in the body of the weave.

The weather today was stunning, as can be seen in the first image + I’m exhibiting in the beautiful home of who will be showcasing her stunning paintings alongside + her wonderful enamel jeweller.

With more predicted grand weather we are open this weekend on the 7th + 8th of September + again on the 14th + 15th from 10.00 till 18.00 on all days!

We are all in venue 3 + all deets can be found in the alongside detail of all the other exhibitors taking part over the course of the next two weekends!

I look forward to seeing you + your chums at some point over the next two weekends!

😃

Tonight’s Tufty club action saw cut down, glue back + trimming her rug project … meaning we are another step to completion!

If you are interested in viewing completed 0.90m square piece there will be an opportunity to view her work alongside work by other students who take part in a variety of weaving classes over the 5th + 6th of October in the gallery space - more details to follow!

Today was a grand day, which was spent finishing off a series of pieces destined for the which opens next weekend - all deets are in the bio + I am exhibiting in venue 3 alongside + for the next two weekends, so do pop along + say hi!

These pieces have all been handwoven at 2.20m, in cottolin + I’m both excited + chuffed at how they have behaved in the finishing process + have that boro boro aesthetic I was after. It’s been really interesting getting to this point + the combination of my sashiko woven marks + approach the reusing of material waste have gotten me to a place I want to be creatively. Happy.

These pieces + other items from previous collections will be on view + for sale along side paintings by + jewellery by

Today I completed weaving 13.5 metres of cottolin, which will be made into 6 oversized scarf lengths utilising 5 favoured sashiko inspired weave structures as well as furthering my drive to reduce waste by using up studio left overs - Zanshi style.

These pieces will be completed in time for my participation in which opens next weekend + completes the following. I shall be in attendance over both weekends in Venue 3, with all deets to be found , where I’ll be showcasing a variety of pieces from previous collections as well as demonstrating on table loom + answer any questions you may have about attending a PickOne workshop!

I also have to give a big shout out to who is hosting myself + for the duration of this brilliant event!

Really looking forward to being a part of this exciting event !

Moving on at the Tuesday Tufty Club …

Now that the tufting is complete moved on to the next stage, applying latex to the back of her project which seals all the fibres to the first backing cloth.

Next week the piece will be cut down + the next stage will commence - trimming + carving.

It’s been really exciting to watch this piece progress + see becoming more confident with the process!

If you are keen to become part of the Tuesday Tufty Club, please do drop me an email to express an interest via the link in the bio or by clicking on [email protected]

More pics to follow!

Very excited to announce that I will be taking part in both weekends of the Portobello Art Walk!

All details are in the link, but all you need tro know is that I will be in venue three exhibiting along side + who as well as exhibiting is on hosting duties!

I hope tyou can all make it along! :)

I’m still in shock at the tragic news of Liz’s passing … RIP Liz x

After Mondays sad news … tonight was a delight.

I was lucky enough to be gifted a ticket to attend a guided tour of the Kimono Show by the inspirational Reiko Sudo of where she talked about a select few kimono pieces presented in this beautifully curated exhibition.

It was so lovely to reconnect with Reiko who I hadn’t seen in a while + I was chuffed I wore my devore print denim jacket + trousers which Reiko measured me up for on one of my visits to Tokyo a number of years ago … probably more years ago than either of us care to mention!

If you don’t know who Reiko Sudo or are please please look them up - Reiko is an icon of Japanese textile design + and all round superstar! Reiko was so kind + generous with her time + support when I went to Japan whence starting out on my career as a weaver.

A true inspiration.

Thanks for a lovely evening! V much appreciated! X

After such a lovely, fun filled happy weekend … I’ve been brought back down to earth with a bump. A huge bump.

I have learned of the passing of the utterly brilliant Liz Williamson who I met whilst Artist in Residence at ANU in Canberra, Australia.

I just can’t tell you how brilliant Liz was playing a key role in forming the weaver + designer maker I have become today … an early influencer for sure.

RIP Liz x

“We share very sad news.

Liz Williamson (1949-2024) was a revered Australian craftsperson. Since she began weaving in the 1970s, Liz dedicated herself to textiles as a creative medium. Her beautifully textured scarfs were worn proudly as an icon of Australian craft. And her exhibition work reflected a deep commitment to the power of weaving as an expression of our cultural identity. This was realised most recently in her epic Weaving Eucalyptus Project (2020) which toured Australia. Besides her own work, Liz was a prolific teacher and generous mentor. In 1997, she established textiles at the College of Fine Arts UNSW where she taught until 2020. She was also tireless in travelling around Australia and giving workshops, especially at her beloved Sturt Gallery & Studios. Beyond all this, she was a proud champion of Australian crafts, which she demonstrated when she was elected President of the World Crafts Council – Australia in 2022. In 2007, the Australian Design Centre designated Liz as an Australian Living Treasure and in 2023 she was selected for the World Crafts Council Craft Master Award.

This recent loss is a shock to all of us at World Crafts Council – Australia. We send our condolences to all those who knew her. We will share details of any upcoming events in her memory.”

That was a full weekend + a half heavily laden with a trip to the cinema, visiting chums who lunch + a full on club night out with a favoured DJ - and I even got a few hours in the studio weaving up a storm for my impending stint in September … more updates to come!

Today I was weaving with 4 differing wefts - no fankles so far + long may that continue!

Looking forward to the week ahead + beyond + what it may bring!

On Monday one of my brilliant students completed their hand woven length in merino lambswool. This 2 metre length will be made into a long infinity scarf and made brilliant use of a pointed draft over 8, specifically a rosepath design using 2/2, 3/1 + 1/3 twills … I’m really pleased with how this turned out + I’m chuffed to say that this particular student is retuning for another series of classes!

If your interested in coming along to any of the classes at the PickOne studio be sure to check out the link in the bio or by clicking the following link - https://www.pickone.co.uk/all-classes

Gift Vouchers are also available for hard to buy for chums + family members!

😃

This is a still from short the film that made about me + my practice. It was released in February 2022 … I think I’ve got the dates right.

It was filmed in the September of 2021 on what was possible the hottest day of the year + it ended with a fish supper in a graveyard to celebrate.

It was such a fantastic day, spent with great chums + thanks again has to go to for allowing us to film in her beautiful home + studio space … it really was a jolly time + I can’t recommend enough for both their photography + film making skills!

Homes + Interiors Scotland have used the same image to promote an article written about me and can be found on the following link - https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/2024/08/mee-the-maker-weaver-and-founder-of-pickone-clothing-james-donald/

To my knowledge I’ve never worked in materials like “stone + metal” but keen to have a go if it informs my weaving practice! 😂

The original film, can be found via the given link or through the PickOne website at - https://www.pickone.co.uk under the title of - Take a look inside James’ studio -

Domino can still be “grumpy” … enjoy.

As mentioned in a previous post, two warps were completed last Thursday evening + this is the second length that came off loom that evening.

This length of fabric is to be made into cushion pieces + was woven using the students own commercial spun yarn, which was then hand dyed using a variety of natural dyes.

The loom was threaded as a tabby cloth with an additional supplementary warp threaded on blocks giving a fantastic range of symmetrical patterns + designs.

Really looking forward to seeing what comes next with this exciting technique!

Happy Monday!

I’m currently weaving a collection of cottolin scarf pieces that will be coming with for Septembers … these pieces are handwoven in cottolin + again take inspiration from both + philosophies as well as a approach to this collection.

I’m chuffed at how this structure is weaving up!

Happy Friday. 😃

Last night we had two very different warps completed as part of the Thursday nights evening class … it was a fantastic evening with lots of work chat as students busied them selfs with a variety of projects. A grand + cheery night!

This is a fantastic warp, giving off Chanel vibes with a bit of Bernat Klein thrown in for good measure … the warp is a fantastic mix of merino lambs wool, as is the weft with some added va va voom with contrasting unspun roving in bright orange + lilac … giving a brilliant texture + focal point to this handwoven length!

Happily this student will be back for an another 12 week block of classes!!!

Take a moment to look at this fantastic piece of weaving …

is currently one of my Monday afternoon students + whilst this piece wasn’t woven as part of her afternoon class, it was woven from her home studio - I am so chuffed to see this development as developed her own aesthetic through the use of + chosen structures + scale.

Really happy to see! 😃

I always know it’s been a busy Open Studio event when all the cheery sweets from my cheery sweet stand have gone + last weekends Open studio event was no exception!

Two left …

So … this is just a wee post to say a big ta muchly to all who came along to the Summer Open Studio event … especially to those who stopped by to say hi + chatted about all things warp + weft, CLOTH #24 workshops, gave complements, to those who chatted with whilst she gamely demonstrated her rug tufting skills + able assisting with the promotion of these new workshops through Saturday from 13.00 … thanks … your work was also much admired on the Sunday. Lastly to all those who made purchases from my collections of handmade weaves for you + your home. Very much appreciate + those purchases really do help with maintaining my independent business as a sole trader - thank you!

My next selling event will be over not one but two weekends in September … more info to follow on that fun filled gig!

Thanks again - your all superstars!

opens today from 10.00 - 17.00 + yesterday zipped along at a pace … the day ended very quickly. Too quick for my liking.

Thankyou to everyone that turned up in volume to chat about warp + weft, workshops, CLOTH #24, made those all important purchases + about the future plans for PickOne - if you want to know more you’ll need to pop along!

Thanks must go to who yesterday demoed on the rug gun as part of the Tufty Club, as it’s becoming known. This instigated many many chats with interested parties … You can come view the results of yesterday’s demo + Fiona’s ongoing rug project.

I look forward to welcoming you all from 10.00 this morning!

This is me.

This time tomorrow night our Open Studio event will be opening from 18.00 + in full swing + as previously stated you + your chums + chums chums are all welcome to come along + see what we collectively get up to

I’ll be organised … promise … today has been about shuffling items around + making good the studio spaces as well as giving them a wee spruce.

Looking forward to welcoming you all in !

Fri the 2nd - 18.00 - 21.00
Sat/Sun 3rd/4rth - 10.00 - 17.00

😃

This is your mid week reminder that Open Studio event is happening this weekend + all you + your chums + chums chums are all invited!

There will be much to see in what I believe is the best Open studio event in Edinburgh with a fantastic + exciting array of designer makers + artists who are all collectively at the top of there game + that’s no exaggeration!

I’ll have pieces from my current homewares collection + wearables all for sale as well as demonstrating on two very different loom - no mean feat !!! + will be demonstrating on the rug gun as part of her Tufty Club work from 13.00 on the Saturday - so so much to see + experience on the Lower Ground Floor

The Friday evening opening from 18.00 to 21.00 is also being sponsored by + + the ever brilliant will be sponsoring the event over the Saturday + Sunday.

Much to like!

Really enjoying weaving these sashiko inspired scarf pieces, where I’m using up odds + sods of cottolin from previous student projects, as well as my own. The Japanese call it zanshi + this process reduces the waste greatly coming from the PickOne studios …

I’ll be demonstrating how all of this works over our Open Studio event over the weekend of the 3rd + 4rth of August … including the intricacies if maintaining a neat Selvedge with 3 or 4 differing weft threads.

Happy Tuesday!