Nesting Time in the Handwoven Home…
Hello everyone, and welcome to the second “ber” month! October brings so many delights, not least the whole hygge concept, that Scandinavian quality of cosiness, contentment, and warmth that fills our homes with comfort and conviviality. At this time of year, our little cottage by the sea seems to hunker down into the landscape. Weaving hours in natural light shorten, but I don’t mind, I happily illuminate my loom with lamps and candles. There’s something romantic about working in a pool of golden light, watching Coast Path walkers pass by the kitchen window.
September was full of preparation. I’ve been working on my website, and I hope you find it warm, welcoming, and easier to explore. I also had the chance to reconnect with maker friends now that the busy summer season has eased. It’s always inspiring to share ideas across different disciplines, and often a new spark of creativity comes from these conversations. One such meeting inspired my latest handwoven design.
I’m thrilled to introduce my new bedroom set, woven in soft organic cotton. The bed runner is generously sized to sit comfortably at the foot of a king bed or drape across a double. Woven in warm honey tones of ecru, vintage gold, and natural in a wide herringbone, it’s finished with deep hems in salt pink for a striking detail. It’s machine washable too, making it as practical as it is beautiful. To accompany the runners, I’ve made pillow-slip style pyjama or lingerie cases using a smaller version of the design. These make thoughtful gifts, smart enough to leave on display or perfect for tucking under a pillow to keep your best pieces safe.
In the spirit of snuggly weather and the gift-giving season, I’ve also added a new entry to my snood collection: the Atlantic Looped Snood. Inspired by the sea surrounding the Lizard Peninsula, it’s woven in stormy teals, seal greys, glistening blues, and silvers, with a peacock linen lining for a dramatic flash of colour. It’s a bold, versatile piece to wear with a coat or draped over a simple dress, and I think it may be my favourite design yet.
October for me means preparing for the Makers Cornwall Christmas Fair in November. There’s plenty of stock to finish, label, and carefully select for the show, and I’ll share details of other autumn events soon. In the meantime, if I’m not at the loom, you’ll likely find me on the coast paths of the Lizard, relishing the seabirds’ cries and the clear autumn light.
Enjoy these cosy days, friends, until next time.
Sarah – Artisan Weaver