We have moved our blog to www.thetextilehub.blogspot.com just click on this address to go straight to it.  If you would like to follow the blog there is a grey subscribe button on the right hand side of the screen.

Jane's  Spring Flowers Needle Felting Course is filling up fast, there are a few more places though so contact us soon to book. She has been busy making samples for the course - check out the slide show below!

Fiona's studio is always  a delight to visit . It is full  of colourful yarns, working drawings, inspirational research and at the centre the big loom with something really exciting emerging . I am sure that the students on her tapestry weaving courses  are picking up her enthusiasm for fine threads and colour. A new course starts in March. Click HERE for more details.

Here are some images from the Valentine themed workshop held last Saturday and led by Ali Rhind. I think it proves that heart shaped inspiration is for all times of the year not just February 14th!

Fiona Rutherford is a member of the 62 Group which celebrates 50  years in the business in 2012. To mark the occasion they have  published a book which showcases the work of members . It is visually beautiful and includes commentaries from the artists on their working processes and inspiration. Why not give yourself a Valentine present! Ordering details can be found on the 62 Group web site http://www.62group.org.uk/publications

Mandy is looking forward to Valentine's Day. An excuse to make some heart shaped work! Here is a little slide show of what she has been up to recently on the seasonal theme. Ali is also "hooking a heart" on 11th February. Only one place left so if you want to make something special for the one you love click HERE

Ali has ben busy over the last year helping to compile recollections about mat making traditions in the North East. As well as shedding light on the social history of the lives of thousands of women involved in this recycling craft you will also find information in the book  about the tools and techniques of mat making. If you want to learn to do it yourself then join one of Ali's courses. The next one is on Saturday 11th February. The book can be purchased from any of the libraries in Newcastle.

Jane Fraser is starting work on the theme of bugs/insects using the research into
textile jewellery that she has undertaken in the previous year and
incorporating the techniques into larger scale knitted and woven art works.
This follows her interest in science and nature and an organic method of working. Some of this inspiration has probably been directed by her first
degree in Biology. The image is taken from a series of marine inspired
textile pieces worked in crocheted and beaded wire.
Jane  will help you develop crochet and knit in to jewellery pieces on a course she is running on 4th February. Click HERE for more details.

Textile Hub tutor  Cia is just back from Argentina. This skirt was in the hotel in Salta close to the Bolivian border. Lots of ideas how to change a skirt into something a little different. Cia will be showing you ways to up cycle old skirts on Friday afternoons from 16th March. Check out the Courses page for more information.

This Spring Hub Textile Artist Fiona Rutherford will be returning to Japan.Fiona is only one of two UK artists invited to exhibit this May in "Oririzume" - International Contemporary Tapestry Weaving at Kyoto Art Center in Kyoto, Japan. She will be travelling to Kyoto to attend the exhibition opening and give a presentation on her work. During her 10 day stay in Japan she will take the opportunity to visit the studios of Japanese artists and take time out to research and be inspired by this World Heritage location.

Fiona will be running a tapestry weaving course before she goes. Tuesday mornings between 10 and 1pm 7th - 28th February. For more information and to book go to  Courses .