Weaver Interview || Little Loom

I have something new for you all! I’m going to be sharing interviews with other weavers from time to time. I’m hoping these interviews will be fun, help you get to know other weavers better, and be inspiring!

Today’s interview is with Julie from Little Loom. I met Julie through Instagram and I’m so happy I did. She is an amazing woman who promotes community and artists inspiring each other. Not only does Julie weave, but she also creates lovely macrame pieces. So let’s get to know her a little bit better!

How did you first come across weaving & macrame?

I was a newbie on Instagram and the first account that I saw and loved was Warped Threads. One day a girlfriend got us some kids lap looms to have a play around on and I was hooked. Since then I have met Courtney and Nicky from Warped Threads and they are ace.

What time of day do you feel most creative?

My brain is going 24/7 and ideas come to me at any time of the day. I have been known to get out of bed at stupid hours of the morning if I’ve had an idea that really excites me.

Do you have a creative ritual?

I am a hard core coffee lover, I am also a lover of beautiful handmade ceramic mugs. If I am weaving or knotting you can guarantee there is a coffee in one of my fave mugs on my studio table as well as essential oils in my diffuser.

Are you a messy creative or an organized creative?

I am a Virgo, I don’t deal well with clutter and mess. I need some sort of order otherwise I feel like I can’t concentrate. I usually tidy and vacuum my studio every other day and then randomly I will do these huge cleans where I will pull everything out and re-arrange. Can you say “OCD”.

What is your process for coming up with new ideas? Do you start with materials or an idea first?

My pieces are very “on the fly”, I don’t plan any of my work other than having an idea and then gathering fibres that I think will work.

Do you have a preferred material that you like to use?

I love so many its hard to pinpoint one in particular, it really depends on what kind of creative phase I am in at the time. I love natural fibres, pure wool, hand spun, hand dyed…especially botanically dyed.  The tones of botanically dyed yarns are just breath taking and you can put almost any combination together and they just work.

How is making things important in your life? What does being a maker mean to you?

My craft is my sanity. I have had anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. I also had Post Natal Depression with both of my children. I was in a pretty bad place when I discovered weaving and it really became a form of meditation in motion for me and a way to escape the emotional roller coaster of parenting. Creating is my jam.

What is your most favorite creation and why?

Every piece I do becomes my new favourite but I think the one that stands out the most is the first large free form wall hanging I made called Avalon. I am very fortunate to be able to see it often as it was purchased by a local boutique. When i finished making Avalon I remember sitting back and looking at it and saying to myself “you know what, you made that, YOU MADE THAT”, it was overwhelming.

What advice do you have for those wanting to find their own style?

There is no original thought or idea when it comes to fibre arts. It took me a while to find my own style, at first I felt like I had to try and conform to what was “on trend” but I just couldn’t do it. The pieces I made didn’t excite me and I didn’t feel like I was being true to myself. As soon as I let go and stopped trying so hard I found myself enjoying the process a lot more. Try new fibres, never be afraid to push boundaries, always have faith in yourself and most importantly if you love what you have made then you are way ahead.

||Five mini questions to get to know you a little better||

Are you a eat in or take out person?

We live in a small coastal community so there aren’t many options for take out. Lucky I really enjoy cooking though.

If you could pick your last meal what would it be?

Oh wow thats so hard to answer. It would have to be some mind blowing pasta dish, followed by an amazing dessert (chocolate cake of any description really)

What is your favorite color and why?

I love blue, it is such a calming colour.

Are you a book or movie person? And what is a good one you’d recommend?

I used to be both, since having kids I have barely read any books and I don’t actually recall the last time I went to a movie at the Cinema. Thank goodness I can Netflix and Chill at home.

Do you prefer relaxing beach vacations or on the move sight-seeing vacations?

My ideal holiday would be somewhere like Bali at a beautiful Spa Retreat, detox, cleanse, yoga, massage, more massage… heaven.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Community is everything. Your vibe attracts your tribe.

Thanks Julie for letting us get to know you!

You can find Julie and Little Loom on Instagram @little_loom, where she posts beautiful pictures and sells her weaves and macrame.

Also if you’re in the NSW area of Australia, you can sign up for the following classes taught by Julie herself!!

• Fibre Art Wall Hanging Workshop
• Soumak Weaving Workshop

What great advice Julie shared! I especially love what she recommends for people looking to find their own style. The thing I love best about Julie’s pieces is that she really pushes herself to try new things. There are so many pieces of hers that I really like, but I am especially loving that macrame on the vine wreath (here’s a picture of the whole piece). What is your favorite Little Loom weave or macrame? Is there anything from Julie’s answers that resonates with you?

Happy Weaving!

Kate

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