SARAH FREER – HAND WEAVER

Sarah Freer makes unique hand-woven textiles from larger items like scarfs, cushions and tapestries to smaller items such as lavender sachets and face cloths.  All of which are made by hand on her 8-shaft looms. They are all of individual design and are completely unique and are mostly made with sustainable and recycled material.

Personal Statement

I have always worked with textiles throughout my life, knitting, sewing and crocheting. My curiosity about weaving was first piqued when I was a child but it wasn’t until 5 years ago that I began my journey with the purchase of my first loom.

 I am self-taught with no formal training in weaving. However, my skills grew through my work with and connection to the Linton Weaving group. I cannot give enough credit and thanks to these ladies for the support and encouragement they have given me on my weaving journey. My mentors Gaynor Thorp and Liz Davies have shared their knowledge and experience and provided inspiration, suggestions and honest critique and they have been invaluable in my development as a weaver.

 What I find most fascinating in textile and weaving is the use of colour and texture. The different ways that yarns interact with each other and the ways that different techniques and textures interweave to create something beautiful and unique. I try create things that are aesthetically interesting and unique as well as practical. A marriage of utility and beauty, that isn’t mass produced and can become your own in a way that things that aren’t handmade can’t be. Weaving is also mentally stimulating for me as I plan and create unique patterns and textures which includes far more maths than you might imagine.

 Sustainability is at the forefront of my mind, I take it into account in all of my work. For instance, I work mainly in yarn that comes from sustainable sources mostly that are recycled or repurposed. I also enjoy repurposing yarn from other projects, my own yarn stash as well as my friends’ yarn.