Textiles Talk

How can you Resist it!

2008-06-13T08:56:00.010Z

Silkpaint Water-Soluble Resist offers the textile artist a variety of options for patterning their fabrics or paper.

It can be diluted with water or dyes and used as an outliner in silk painting or it can be used as a thickener for printing and painting with dyes. It can be used to inhibit the flow of paint on treated fabrics by diluting it to 1 part resist and 3 parts water or it can be stenciled or screen printed to create batik effects. Steam, heat set or fix dyes according to manufacturers instructions, machine wash on delicate cycle and iron while damp. We recommend you create test pieces prior to starting a project. See more...

These rollers are ideal for using with the resist. They can make light work of creating borders or patterns. Click here to see these items on our web site

Hola! (or Hi There! in English)

2008-05-23T14:02:00.003Z

Ian and Susan have kindly emailed us a picture of the view from their holiday cottage in Spain. We all hope you've enjoyed yourselves and return happy and relaxed, bright and fresh for Tuesday morning!

Now we have it...

2008-05-12T12:36:00.005Z

make the most of it! The glorious sunshine we've been having is perfect for experimenting with Heliographic printing.

This decorative technique is simple and effective. It depends on direct light from the sun or a bright artificial light to fix the colour in the exposed areas - leaving the dye to vanish from the shaded areas!

Enjoy sitting in the sun waiting for the magical reversed-print transformation, your children will love it too. For best results, use Pébéo Setacolor Soleil fabric paints which work effectively for this method. Find out more...

Supplies Visit!

2008-05-09T10:04:00.005Z

We welcomed Managing Director Richard Ashford and Sales Manager Kate Sherrat during their visit from Ashford, New Zealand in April. The team here at Fibrecrafts enjoyed putting the names to faces before our visitors, along with David Herring (Ashford UK), were taken for a tour of the warehouse by our Managing Director, Ian Bowers.

Photographed here by Richard; David, Ian and Kate are about to take a look at the Ashford spinning and weaving products stored in the warehouse, having just seen the range of equipment on display in our showroom.

Happy Retirement Howard

2008-05-02T09:22:00.003Z

Howard left us on Tuesday and I forgot to bring the camera to 'tea and cake'! Nonetheless, the cake was lovely as usual (thanks Sylvia) and we enjoyed a pleasant break wishing Howard well for the future.

Howard, we hope you find time to indulge yourself at the bowls club and with your art group.

Wishing you every happiness in your retirement, from the Team at Fibrecrafts.

Are you an Intrepid Explorer?

2008-04-08T09:00:00.005Z

FIBRECRAFTS have launched a selection of Explorer Packs designed to encourage the cautious, excite the creative and provoke the imaginative.

Each pack contains the main items needed to explore the craft by which it is named. The Knit & Crochet Explorer Pack includes a chunky crochet hook, four types of yarns and a FREE set of handmade Surina Knitting Needles. We've even included basic instructions to get you started!

The 3 other Explorer packs, which include Feltmaking, Weaving and Silk Painting can also be found in the Special Offers section of the site. Each of them contains a FREE gift - worth at least £3.30 - and all the ingredients to get you started.

Many Hands Make Light Work

2008-04-01T12:34:00.010Z

- if only we had them!

Here at FIBRECRAFTS we do not, under any circumstances, begrudge our colleagues their well earned holiday. But Jo we miss you so!

Our small team is suffering the impact of Jo's need for relaxation and sunshine and here we are running to chase our tails. Our priority is customer service and we WILL try to get your orders to you as soon as possible. We are sorry but the usual, efficient next day delivery is likely to be the day after!

Please bear with us for just one more week...

MORE NEWS..................................................................

Not only is Jo absent but we've also learnt of Howard's decision to now take his retirement. Howard has worked for FIBRECRAFTS for 7 years (almost to the day!) and he will be greatly missed.

Howard will be with us for a little while yet and we'll post pics of his farewell cake and tea party when we have it. Take care Howard and thank you for your service (we're sure to bump into you sometime in the shop that gives out those bright orange plastic bags!).

Bag Free Britain?

2008-03-14T14:19:00.005Z

You may have noticed that we're offering a canvas shopping bag in the Special Offers section of our web site. I hope this blog will urge you to consider buying one or a reusable one like it.

As you are aware, plastic carrier bags are getting a lot of negative press at the moment. There are calls, from the environmentally conscious of us, that these bags should be banned.

Here are just a few good reasons why I think shoppers should leave their carriers at the till:

When I looked out of the window after all that wind this week, I expected to see leaves and branches blown across the garden and maybe the odd cracked fence panel. Instead, there were two torn carrier bags and a crisp packet.

On the way to work I noticed a familiar bright orange plastic bag stuck up in a tree - further along the road I noticed another!

Driving home, I witnessed the near disaster of a motorcyclist swerving to avoid an air born carrier bag (not orange this time!) fully inflated and swirling erratically across the road.

Allison Farlow
Graphics & Marketing, FIBRECRAFTS

Up Close to Papershed Handmade Papers from FIBRECRAFTS

2008-03-10T15:20:00.009Z

Here are a selection of the Papershed handmade papers available from FIBRECRAFTS. Click on the image to see even closer! images will open in a separate window

Lokta Papers

Silk Rag Papers

Suede Effect Lokta Papers

Sloshy Lokta Papers

Learn More About Your Craft

2008-02-25T15:28:00.003Z

Many of us don't have time to attend workshops or courses to find out about the crafts that interest us. Often the courses aren't available or they take place at inconvenient times. To learn more about textile crafts it may be necessary to investigate for ourselves.
It can seem daunting to take up a new interest such as batik or weaving, without first exploring what is involved. The basic materials and equipment can add up to quite an expense, especially if it turns out to be a craft that doesn't suit.

One excellent resource is through Guilds. These Guilds offer membership to like minded individuals who wish to learn more about their chosen interests. Their web sites can be found easily in search engines using the term 'guild' preceded by the discipline (i.e. silk painting). Membership usually includes regular newsletters and sometimes magazine subscriptions.

Another way to learn more about a craft is to read about it. FIBRECRAFTS offer an extensive choice of textile craft books. The titles range from beginner's guides for the complete novice through to the advanced reference books designed to inspire the skilled crafter. The titles can be browsed online through the Book Shop and the newest titles are showcased in the New Products section.

Some readers would prefer to subscribe to one of the 17 magazine titles. These cover quilting, weaving, spinning, surface decoration, beading, sewing, knitting and more and the most recent issues can be previewed online through the Book Shop.

There are also a number of excellent and informative DVDs available. The films that demonstrate the techniques, such as 'Felt Magic' can be paused or replayed, and the films that introduce us to the history - and the possibilities - such as 'Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori' provide information and entertainment.

Here's One for the Album!

2008-02-13T12:07:00.005Z

The Surrey Business Awards have kindly sent us a photo of Ian and Jo receiving a certificate confirming FIBRECRAFTS place as a finalist for the Small Business Award.

Jo first began working for Fibrecrafts as a picker and packer. Nine years on, she is now Sales Manager and responsible for the smooth running of the sales department and dispatch. Thanks to Jo, the team runs like clock-work to deliver your orders within 24 hours.

And the Winner IS...

2008-02-11T09:21:00.000Z

Not us, on this occassion!

The Small Business Award has eluded us but the team here at FIBRECRAFTS are still very proud to have been amongst the four finalists.

Our Managing Director, Ian Bowers, and Sales Manager, Jo Barrell, enjoyed a pleasant evening amongst 'the cream of the business community' at Sandown Park in Esher.

Congratulations to the 34 finalists from all of the categories. We look forward to meeting again!

Spot the Difference?

2008-01-27T21:25:00.001Z

We hope you like the new look of the Fibrecrafts website. The design is in transition and we hope you'll be patient with us while we weed out any problems that still remain.

Please post your feedback and comments on this blog as it will help us to provide our best service to you.

Dispersed Dyes and Paints

2008-01-17T14:25:00.001Z

With such a diverse range of textile related products we often wonder what happens to them and how they are used once they leave FIBRECRAFTS for homes, workshops and classrooms.

We try to offer you first-hand advice and usage instructions for all the products and most of them have been used or experimented with by the staff. But just how many different ways can you apply paints and dyes? And who are we to tell you how to use them!

The Embroidery magazine gives us some clues. Their feature 'Transfer Printing on Textiles' from the January/February issue names us as a supplier for transfer paint and disperse dyes and ideas of how to use them are also offered.

We're delighted to see the samples of printed work by designers Barbara Massey and Helen Rogers. Their fine work certainly shows the potential of the transfer paints.

The outstanding publication, Embroidery is available through the Embroiderers' Guild web site and features articles and reviews on the textile arts.

Pics and Cake

2008-01-10T15:17:00.000Z

Here is a photograph we had taken today in readiness for the Surrey Business Awards!

We are almost complete except for Howard who wasn't working today (click here to meet the team and to see Howard's pic). The photograph includes (back row) Allison, Susan, Ruth, Jo, Julie, Ian, (front row) Sharon, Dave and Sylvia.

Sylvia retired two years ago after working for Fibrecrafts for more than 15 years. She still maintains a welcome link by performing the role of 'House Mother' which involves providing us with essential supplies.

Sylvia also keeps a close eye on the Birthday Diary which triggers the delights of tea-time chocolate cake. Todays tea-time chocolate cake was eagerly received by Ian who is celebrating his 21st birthday today - for the 45th time!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-03T10:20:00.000Z

The new year of 2008 has tip-toed in behind the hustle and bustle of Christmas and brings with it the promise of resolution.

Wikipedia defines it as 'a commitment that an individual makes to a project or a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous.'

Whatever it is that you have decided to commit to or change, the staff here at Fibrecrafts take this opportunity to wish you every success and happiness for the coming year

A Christmas Tree! A Christmas Tree!

2007-12-20T11:11:00.001Z

A Christmas tree! A Christmas tree!
With dark green needled memories
Of childhood dreams and mysteries
Wrapped present-like in front of me.

A Christmas tree! A Christmas tree!
I glimpse a past wherein i see
The child that then grew into me
Not forward fast but haltingly.

A Christmas tree! A Christmas tree!
A time for being with family
A time that's gone so fleetingly
Yet lives for always deep in me.

A Christmas tree! A Christmas tree!
When twelfth night comes whole hauntingly
One lingered look and then i see
No Christmas tree where it would be.

A Christmas tree! A Christmas tree!
With feelings now felt longingly
No corner in my house to see
The magic of that Christmas tree.

by David Keig

And here is our tree at FIBRECRAFTS surrounded by some of the many Christmas cards we have received! Thank you all for your festive messages.

We should have taken the photo a couple of days ago when we still had the 'Secret Santa' presents underneath it. They've all been given out now (as has the wine!) and we've eaten all the mince pies. We're in the spirit and hope you are too.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

NEWS: Surrey Business Award Finalist

2007-12-17T12:27:00.000Z

Great news for FIBRECRAFTS! The shortlist has been shortened and the finalists announced - George Weil & Sons Ltd have made it to the last four contenders for the Small Business Award!

FIBRECRAFTS is the mail order division of George Weil & Sons Ltd and it is the hard work, commitment and imagination of the small team here that has led to this success.

The winners of the Surrey Business Awards will be announced in February 2008 and we're waiting with baited breath for the results. Wish us luck!

Natural Dyeing with Fibrecrafts

2007-12-12T13:17:00.000Z

We've been delightfully busy here at Fibrecrafts and are pleased and surprised at the success of our Christmas offers. We've noted a particular demand for the Natural Dye Kit which we feature here.

The Fibrecrafts Natural Dye Kit includes a selection of natural dyes and mordants to enable the beginner to experiment with and gain a greater understanding of how natural dyes bond to fibres. Using the contents in various combinations (and keeping notes of the recipes developed!) the dyer can then dye the 100gm ball of wool yarn before knitting it into the simple hat pattern supplied.

If you become hooked on the craft, Fibrecrafts offers an extensive range of natural dyes to discover. You can learn how to extract the deep red from the dried cochineal beetle, the regal purple from Logwood Chips and the deepest of blue from Indigo!

The Book Shop contains a wealth of literature on the subject of dyes and how to use them, and a book is often the best resource for learning.

You can save 5% on this excellent starter kit, and up to 10% on other starter kits, right up until 20th December - ideal presents, delivered in time for Christmas.

Click here to see what's on offer!

Christmas Decoration Ideas

2007-12-04T14:20:00.001Z

If you've got some free time between now and Christmas, here are some Christmas projects just begging to be explored....

Computer Printed Silk Organza Christmas Card

This card was designed and created by Linda Chapman. It is a relatively simple design but nonetheless very effective. Linda used a card blank, available from most stationery stores, and stuck a layer of batik decorated tissue paper in the centre. The tissue paper was wetted with a paint brush before being pulled apart to reveal a feathered edge. Find out more...

Angelina Fibre Bell

Heat bondable Angelina fibre can be used in a number of ways. Here we have discovered a fun and simple way to bind them into a three-dimensional shape. The Angelina fibres need only a very small amount of indirect heat to make them fuse, in this instance, boiling water is involved so please take care! Find out more...

Felted Santa

Felt is created by agitating wool fibres until they mat together to form a non-woven fabric. The fibres can be laid flat on a surface or molded around a former such as a hatshaper, cardboard or even a ball.This Santa was felted entirely in a washing machine. The head, body, hands and nose were created from balls while the limbs were made by shaping the fibres before rolling them and tack stitching them into J-cloth. Find out more...

For the Unconverted!

2007-11-26T14:27:00.000Z

How's this for a useful web tool?

Great Savings until Christmas 2007!

2007-11-20T14:32:00.000Z

We're advertising it on the home page and we've sent out postcards, but just in case you haven't heard about it, we're putting it here too!

Simply order £50.00 worth of goods and then choose any book to receive a 15% discount off its cover price. Just take a look at what you can save!
This exclusive offer is open until Christmas 2007.

NEWS: We've only done it again!

2007-11-16T10:13:00.000Z

The team here at FIBRECRAFTS are delighted with the news that the business has been shortlisted for yet another award!

The Surrey Business Awards have decided that FIBRECRAFTS has the credentials of a successful small business. The Small Business Award category, for which we have been entered, is for businesses of 25 employees or less (we fall into less, operating with just 3 full-time and 6 part-time).

The general day to day running, and as important, long term management decisions will all be taken into account when deciding their winner. Watch this space!

It's that time of year again...

2007-11-08T13:34:00.000Z

Now that Halloween and Bonfire Night are out of the way, the next main calendar event is Christmas.

With the threat of 'Trick' still echoing in our ears and the smell of smoke lingering in the air, we've noticed a significant change here at FIBRECRAFTS.

Kits, such as the Feltmaking Kit and the Indigo Dye Kit, are flying off the shelves and books are with practically every order. Green, red, silver and gold paint is pouring out the door and seasonal colours of wool tops are winding their way to our customers.

There are some great ideas for gifts and Christmas projects in the FIBRECRAFTS catalogue and on the web site. If you have time during this busy period; why not drink tea and browse!

Trick or Treat?

2007-10-31T14:48:00.000Z

TREAT - we hope! Special Offers at FIBRECRAFTS include a 30% saving on selected silks and up to 20% savings on Merino Wool Tops until the end November 2007.

The silk scarves and ties can be dyed or painted ready for the much anticipated Christmas (eek! is it really only 8 weeks away) and the Merino Wool Tops can be used for seasonal feltmaking projects. If you're very ambitious, you could try making a Santa!

If you would like to kept informed of Special Offers and new products at FIBRECRAFTS, click here to subscribe to our regular email news letter. There's no obligation to buy and all you have to do is to provide with an email address.