By Fiona Durman of Ashculme Textiles, Wagga Wagga

Last night, I took the shibori home to our lovely B&B and tied all the shibori threads ready for dyeing in the morning. As I tied them I realised how I could improve on my threading, to make it both easier to tie and easier to make those ties as tight as possible. My shibori threads weren’t the best, but they were acceptable and I managed to get them fairly tight.

So first thing this morning we mixed some colours, and I gently spread them over this strangely shaped bundled up piece of weaving. While I didn’t want the colour to soak too far into the tied sections, I also wanted the colours to blend gently, without leaving too many areas bare. So I had to be very gentle massaging those colours through, being mindful not to get too carried away. Then it was time to set it on to heat and head back into the studio to our next project.

I was keen to do some more double weaving. I’ve learnt so much with this project and today was no exception, with some Leno lace work, first the dark blue opening up little windows to the green below, and then reversing the colours and repeating the process. We could have done so much more but time was getting away and by now the shibori had cooled and was ready for that magical moment of cutting those tight little threads. It is always a magical moment when you first open up a dye project and see the transformation the colour has brought. I have to say I was very happy with the result. The colours were blended nicely, but you could also see patterns from the undyed areas. I like to think future projects will be a whole lot better, but as my first attempt I was happy. I think this one is destined to hang in my studio.

Today is my last day of this amazing week, so the afternoon was spent tying up loose ends. But we did find a moment to look into the world of Saori cloth construction and sewing. The large length I wove prior to our trip looks perfect for a long sleeveless jacket and while there was no time for the cutting and sewing, I can go home and confidently set about the work. We also looked at the versatility of cutting your woven cloth on the bias, how this simple style can create everything from loose summery tops to long stylish dresses. If stock on our Ashculme Textile website starts to fall it’s because I’m busy weaving some cloth for an exciting new wardrobe for myself.

So my highly anticipated week is drawing to a close. Our old dog is exhausted from all the walks on the beach (coming from regional NSW it was an exciting change to chasing alpacas!) my husband has breathed in lots of sea air and visited some great places with his own guide in Dave who has so many interesting stories and knowledge. And we have gained a ridiculous amount of weight with all the goodies we kept eating, both from Kaz and our wonderful landlady who would invariably leave a basket of fresh food by the door.

And what have I gained? So much – knowledge, inspiration, excitement and confidence in moving onwards with my own weaving studio, not only weaving the pieces I love to weave, but having that space available for people of all walks of life to come and explore their own creative side, or just to use the space for the quiet contemplation that weaving can bring. And I have gained in friendship, which really is the most important of all, isn’t it.