Whitchurch Silk Mill

Whitchurch Silk Mill - photos aren't currently loading. 

I started of half term by going to Whitchurch Silk Mill. It was really interesting to see how the weave there silk and other materials and the processes it take before the actual weaving starts. It was nice to learn that they keep traditional traditions, methods and skills alive from when the mill opened in 1815. I was shocked that it takes 150m of silk up to 16 weeks to make although after watching a weaver weave I can understand why as there weaves are very complex.

Whilst I was there they had there had an old loom that they don't use anymore that you could try to weave on. I learnt how to use the peddles to adjust the wefts way in which you thread through. After seeing the weaver automatically know which peddle to use it makes you realise how well they memories there work. I enjoy added to the weave although there wasn't much thread left to weave with. 

They also had collaborations weaves on display, Bridgeton and Jane Austin ribbons, that you could look at and it was nice to be able to recognize the colours that where being used. 

They had films and tv shows in which their weaves where featured in including Titanic and The portrait of a Lady which was interesting to see how they include this textiles techniques in costume and sets.  

I enjoyed learning about the weaving and sourcing a preparing their weaves and the volunteers where really helpful and eager to inform you on this subject. It would be nice to go back again during the week when more weaves would be in the process of being made which you would be able to see from behind the screen in the workshops.