Speciality Fibre

Things to consider when choosing Fibre Art supplies

When choosing the perfect weaving supplies for your handmade fibre artwork there is a lot to consider. As leading textile designers and fibre art innovators, below (in no particular order) we will shed light on a few areas that will help you move forward with choosing supplies and your creative endeavours.

Natural Vs man-made

• You’re reading this, so I assume you've noticed there's something extra special about handmade artwork, something that can't be replicated with mass-produced items.
• Natural fibres including cotton, silk, wool, and linen offer a unique look and feel that synthetic materials simply can't match (as hard as they try!)  When you work with raw fibres, you will enjoy the diverse range of textures, grains, and colours that come with unprocessed materials. Depth and character is unparalleled, you will add interest to your art just by playing around with these diverse elements.

• In comparison, synthetic materials including (but not restricted to) nylon, rayon, and polyester have a more uniformed appearance. They are created in a factory using petrochemicals that are spun into thread, resulting in a glossy, artificial aesthetic. While these materials are cheaper and easier to find, they rarely offer the same level of inspiration and customization that natural fibres do.
• In addition, studies have also shown that we tend not to value them as much, often wasting synthetic materials as they're often considered ‘throwaways’. Studies show when you invest in natural fibres, you're more likely to take your time, to consciously plan out your artwork with intention.

Both have a place in your fibre collection, especially if you are new and wanting to play around with cheaper yearns whilst you are learning. As your skills and style progress you will find your favourite fibres, and ohh what a joy it is when you find them. 

Where to buy weaving supplies
As the popularity of tapestry and loom weaving has risen over the past decade, purchasing weaving supplies has never been easier. We have listed the top 8 products that fibre artists purchase on our online store. We have collated data from over  30,000 customers.

• Sari Silk Ribbon
  This is a natural fibre created from the upcycling of traditional Indian Saris. Famous for its illustrious silk sheen, textured aesthetic and torn edges, silk will add an element of history and glamour to your woven work. Here at Mary Maker Studio we dye our signature Sari Silk in small batch dyes, creating a large range of colourways for you to devour. All silks are one-offs, they are hand cut, hand stitched and hand dyed.
  Pretty special huh.
  
  Sari Silk Ribbon can be used independently or mixed with other fibres. Silk tends to have a crushed look however it can be ironed if you prefer a smoother aesthetic. Silk is available in a multitude of colours and of you are lucky, you may even find an area of your skein that has remnants of the traditional sari silk within it (beading, metallic stitching etc) Sari Silk skeins have joins every now and again, this is where two silk pieces from let's say a sari skirt are joined. They are stitched with a fine thread. As they are custom dyed the colour will match, just a small join will be evident. This adds to the handmade feel of the product, customers like to imagine the journey the saris had before they ended up in their creative hands.
  
  
• Cotton Frizz Ribbon
  Your toothy, textured friend. I must admit, at first glance, this frizzy fibre can seem a little odd. Its wild, loose strands going every which way with little uniformity… but let's just say, this is why we love it. Original, unique and incredibly versatile, this is a game changer when you are looking to add an element of fun, colour and interest to your design. A little goes a long way with this cotton yarn, not just the product of choice for weavers but also for creatives who make 3D fibre art (think macrame rainbows and wrapped structural pieces) It holds great shape, is the perfect frobre for blending merino and cottons together which is a must have element for weavers. 
  
  
• Macrame Cord. Cotton String & Rope
  The preferred fibre for Macrame wall hangings, weavers are increasingly choosing to use this as the base for their weaves due to the affordability, meterage and its ease & ability to work alongside speciality fibres flawlessly. Many seasoned weavers create their long layered lengths and foundational tabby woven work using this string then add in silks, merino yarns and linen to complement it.
  
  When starting out we advise that you play with a roll of 5mm natural macrame string, It will enable you to work up a large area quite quickly and won't break the bank. You can add in additional fancy fibres to play with balance, colour and design. Macrame cord comes in a large range of colours and thicknesses which make it easy to match your other chosen speciality fibres, it is advised to choose a colour that you think you may be able to use in future weaves (as it will last a long time!) This is why we typically recommend natural or neutral tones. 
  
  
• Merino Wool Yarn & Roving
  Needing no introduction, Merino yarn is incredibly soft and forgiving, making it a pleasure to work with. Its raw fibre is fine, which allows for intricate weaves and detailed designs, it is also incredibly malleable, enabling you to manipulate and stretch it without breaking, providing an ideal option for projects that require flexibility.
  
  Merino has insulating properties, naturally regulating temperature, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather. This makes it a great choice for scarves, hats, and other wearable items. In addition to being soft and comfortable, merino wool is also durable and long-lasting. It's resistant to wear and tear, and doesn't pill or fade easily, meaning your projects will look great for years to come.
  
  Merino wool is sustainable and eco-friendly. It's a renewable resource that is biodegradable, and the sheep are typically raised using ethical and humane farming practices. All of these factors make merino wool a great choice for loom weaving and textile projects.
  
  Above all of this, one of the best attributes of Merino Yarn is that it comes in many forms including 1 ply, 2 ply, chain yarn, felted rope, sabai yarn, roving and spun sari. All merino products are incredibly versatile, easy to manipulate, and come in a huge selection of colour, hence why they are a no-brainer for crafters when looking for an all- rounder to complete their stash.
  
  
• Linen String
  Linen fibre should come with a warning.
  
  Once you weave with linen you will not return. The perfect chameleon, it mixes beautifully with naturals, neutrals and colours. It can be knotted, knitted and woven with ease and has a heightened tooth that no other fibre can replicate. Derived from the flax crop, linen has an unparalleled buttery grain and strength, a favourite for Makers who look to add interest and an earthy aesthetic to their woven piece.
  
  Linen is beautiful. The way it falls elegantly as you use it, the small fibres that create a textural highlight and its feel, there is a reason why linen is typically reserved for high end fashion and homewares… it's brilliant. 
  
  
• Metallics
  When you need a little glamour and razzle dazzle in your designs.
  Used in the same style as the above macrame cord, the addition of metallic within your work won't go unnoticed. Not one to blend into the background, metallic will add all the best bits right where you need them.
  
  
• Sequins, Beads & Embellishments
  Last not but least, sequins are gaining steam due to their magical ability to add a touch of elegance and charm to your work. Sourced from around the world, our antique sequins are the preferred embellishment for creatives globally. Whether you are dressing up your tapestry weaves or adding ten to the body of your macrame wall hangings, they will promote a sense of memory, fun and interest (and let's be honest, you will not be able to resist ‘jingling them’ either!)