SEVEN SISTERS HANDWEAVERS

The Seven Sisters Handweavers currently has eight members from four different cohorts of the Diploma in Handweaving, run by the Handweavers Studio and Gallery in London until May 2025, now based in Verwood. Individually, we have each established a practice as a hand weaver since we completed our course. Our work covers the complete range of contemporary hand-weaving, including practical items, art weaving and designing fabric for interiors. We also work with widely different approaches using a range of looms and techniques. Individually we have exhibited, displayed work at craft fairs, established weaving schools to teach new weavers and undertaken commissions for individual clients and for public spaces.

 

Our gallery pages introduce each weaver along with a small selection of her work. Sue Hopkinson designs and produces throws and cushions, finding stimulation and ideas in her environment. Sue Malvern and Sandra Gruescu both work with art weaving exploring experimental approaches to materials and structures. They both investigate contemporary and traditional materials, and new and established weave structures. Sarah Affleck’s work is distinguished by its use of a striking colour palette and often connects natural fibres to with inspiration from the natural world. Sandra Hunter’s work reflects her commitment to Scotland and its rich heritage of wool. Joanne Mather designs handwoven textiles inspired by the history and landscape of her local area, and often features double weave. The range of our work is a tribute to the diversity of weaving practice that the Diploma programme fosters and develops.