[winkhound]

I see there is a lot of interest in spinning etc and use of own materials.

My other half is a university trained  textile designer for a bespoke tailoring company. however her real passion is weaving and she has her own 16 shaft loom. She does anything from traditional to inventive techniques, art pieces to scarves.

Would there be much interest in week-end courses or even hiring of loom for weekends etc?  I am very biased but believe her to be very talented and also a good teacher. Or even weaving of items for people. She has a client who gives her spun alpaca and Ellie creates Christmas presents for all her family.

[winkhound]

This is my favorite piece and technically very difficult.

Herdwick wool and 100% horse hair. (most horse hair pieces only contain 1% real hair to qualify as it is an incredibly tricky media)

Black almost looks like seat belt and the grey gives a natural pattern effect.

Horse hair is still used in the houses of parliament as it is very hard wearing. Sadly most if synthetic.

[winkhound]

And a very hard wearing tack room rug made from baler twine and feed sacks.

[winkhound]

more horse hair

[winkhound]

Then a menswear wool weave

[Bionic]

Everything looks fantastic.
I am sure there would be an interest in courses, although you don't say where you are.
Hiring of the loom for a weekend may be a bit more tricky. I certainly couldn't finish an article in such a short time. It would probably take me at least that long just to warp it up.

[Fleecewife]

I think most people looking for weaving classes would want to learn on a rigid heddle loom or at most a four shaft.  A 16 shaft sounds very daunting, and is well beyond my simple talents.  For someone as skilled as your OH, teaching at a basic level might be too boring.  There will be a few folk looking for more specialist teaching, but better to find them via the guilds.

Whereabouts are you?

[Backinwellies]

Looks fab .... where are you?

[winkhound]

we are in Gloucestershire (central Cotswolds)

she uses it mostly as an 8 shaft and you can do some impressive things just with that. Table looms are readily available and fun to use, this is is just the next step on really. due to work etc the loom spends a lot of the time looking sorry for itself. It has its own room so could be used. potentially accommodation as well. they are fairly expensive pieces of equipment that people would only use occasionally. It is time consuming but if a group wanted to make scarves then the warp could be left on for the next user possibly.

Only thinking out loud really, thought it would be nice for people to make a final usable product for their own produce. Not really trying to be commercially viable or make a fortune just keep and craft alive.

[Lesley Silvester]

When my ex and I had a spinning and weaving workshop, I often taught people who were on holiday. I only ever did a two day basic course but people said it was enjoyable so I do think it's feasible.