JANE WOLEDGE

Following a career in Agriculture Research a move to Derbyshire in 1991 proved the opportunity to enlarge on my previous weaving experience. Studying under the tutelage of Geraldine Brok at West Notts Collage I obtained a C&G qualification in weaving and gained Licentiate membership to the Society of Designer Craftsmen.

My rugs are woven on a 4 shaft loom. For many of my rugs I have used vertical soumak techniques and tufting to enrich a plain-weave rug fabric. This gives considerable freedom of design and luxurious texture. I also weave rag rugs, using a Finnish method involving three wefts, which allows the blending of colours.

The vertical soumak rugs are woven in 80/20 wool/nylon rug yarn on a cotton or wool/nylon warp and wool/nylon weft with other yarns added where their special qualities are needed in the design. The rag rugs are woven on cotton warp and the rag weft is mostly cotton or cotton/polyester mixtures. All my rugs are suitable for domestic use as floor rugs or as wall hangings. The rag rugs are machine washable on a wool cycle and the soumak rugs should be dry-cleaned.

As well as rugs I also make some smaller items such as bags and cushions.

I take my inspiration from both the natural and man-made environment, being particularly interested in worn surfaces and colour blending.

Commissions considered.