The workshop aims to give a contemporary flare to the age-old craft practice of hand weaving, specifically with cashmere. This is achieved through a communal, material driven journey in the home of Lanark’s mills. Lanark itself has a rich history for yarn production, specifically the art of hand spinning wool into a viable craft material with applications in the fashion and outdoor/country industries.

The session will commence with a brief overview of the material, its relevance to the area of Lanark and its origins within high-end fashion wear. A quick introduction to the history of the New Lanark Mill and its relevance in contemporary society and craftwork. The tutors, from Glasgow School of Art, will demonstrate to the participants the basic weaving technique using cardboard squares to get the plain weave technique under the hands of the participants. Spend about an hour in a relaxed social setting building these weaves using either Alex Begg wool or New Lanark wool and DIY cardboard looms. Participants are encouraged to draw from their weaves, paint over, join together, stack, etc.

An adult learning class from one of CLL’s satellite facilities, the New Lanark World Heritage Site.