17/07/2025
We have a cancellation for a space on a course this September the 8th through to the 12th 2025
Where?
We live on a small croft on the Isle of Lewis, part of the Outer Hebrides. The workshop where the courses are held is on the croft and was originally a tweed weaving shed. It now houses our 4, four shaft floor looms, spinning wheels and is a short step to the dye shack and washing shed. Transport to and from your accommodation each day is provided if within a 15 mile radius.
When?
The courses are run over 5 days, Monday to Friday 10-4 each day.
For who?
From absolute beginners to the more experienced, all you need is a love of fiber and a willingness to learn and have a wee bit of fun.
Who?
We run the courses together, me, that’s Chris and husband Andrew. I have been teaching adults for some 45 years, hold all the relevant teaching certificates as well as more than a few awards. I also have been spinning and weaving since the 1970’s. Andrew has been weaving for over 30 years, is a chief, cook and bottle washer and the perfect teacher for any technical problems.
Course Aim (apart from pleasure)
Is for you to weave your own rug, for this if you have your own fleeces you will be asked to send at least two to us a month before the course begins, this will be spun and washed and the balls in a basket beside your loom ready to begin. If you do not have your own fleeces, you can pick some from our own no-kill flock, maybe a colour takes your fancy? This again will be ready and waiting for you.
What’s included?
During the course you will:
Grade, sort and prepare fleeces for spinning, you will learn what makes a ‘good’ fleece.
Spinning on spindle, spinning wheel, foot operated and electric, learn the basic maintenance and upkeep. We will look at spinning yarn for specific purposes and how to achieve that perfect yarn for the job.
Watch the washing processes and maybe get your hands soapy.
Watch the warp making and the warping up of one of the looms and have a go.
Start to weave, looking at designs, techniques and the hints and tips picked up over the years!
Collect and dye with natural Island materials.
Finish your rug, using the correct edging and trimming.
Meet the sheep, with biscuits at the ready.
Visit a Harris tweed weaver
Take a trip one afternoon to the Gearrannan Blackhouse village and stroll around the Callanish stones, great for photographs and lungs ful of island air, we will travel in a very comfy people carrier.
All lunches are provided, and we are happy to work with any dietary requirements, coffee and tea on tap as well as cake!
You will also go home with a goodie bag with some Hebridean delights as well as your very own Pocket House rug (or two), and the skills to be able to recreate another. If traveling from further afield we can post the rug at cost.
Dates: 2027
Max 4 students per course. Groups welcome.
Price: £790 per person. A £200 deposit is required.
We can supply details of local hotels and self-catering cottages and are happy to chat about anything that would make the course perfect for you.
Chris and Andrew Hammacott
Pocket House Studio
Glendale, New St,
Back, Isle of Lewis. HS2 0LH
chris@pockethousestudio.co.uk
“My wish is for you to have a totally immersive time, to sit at a loom as I do in a weaving shed on a small croft, on a small island, to feel the history, this was after all a shed where 100 years ago a weaver sat creating tweed by an oil lamp (we do have electric now). To hear the skylarks just outside on the meadow and smell the peat fires as the smoke drifts up the valley. To work with beautiful yarn spun and washed with real love for the processes. Maybe take a wander and collect flowers and dye the yarn, marvel at the colours and feel the connection to those who have done just the same over so many years. To chat and laugh with others as you weave and appreciate the connection with the oldest craft…………………………..and enjoy cake along the way.
Then for ever after you will have the rug you wove on the croft as a reminder of your time here, instilled with the peace of the Hebrides”. Chris
TO BOOK YOUR SPACE
Please email enquires@pockethousestudio.co.uk
Accommodation suggestions
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