about bella textiles

bella textiles is a constantly evolving collection of my hand-weaving that has developed over more than two decades. Weaving in natural fibres is my profession and my passion, and I am proud to carry on an age old tradition of hand crafting cloth, while creating pieces that have relevance in the 21 st century.

My experience as a weaver began in Morgantown , West Virginia while living in the United States . My style and skill developed according to the traditional techniques of the area as I learnt from local fibre artists, attended local workshops, participated in my first exhibitions and began selling my work throughout Canada and the United States .

On returning to my hometown, Adelaide , South Australia , in 1987 I brought with me an 8-shaft jack loom and continued to weave blankets, shawls and loom shaped garments in handspun yarns. The addition of a custom built upright rug loom to my equipment collection saw me add large floor rugs to the collection.

In 1990, I established a spinning and weaving business, the Walking Wheel Studio, which still operates successfully today. In addition to this business, I hold or participate in sales and exhibitions of my weaving.

Recently, my work has evolved to take in exciting new dimensions in finest merino wool and hand dyed luxurious fine silk yarns woven on custom built Noble 16 & 24 shaft computer dobby looms. I use Fiberworks PCW to design and also to run the looms. I am still exploring the many things that these wonderful looms are capable of doing.

I believe that although its paramount purpose is functionality, the beauty of each piece of weaving stems from its craftsmanship and technique. My signature style in weaving is a product of the spirit and knowledge of my profession gained in the US and my love of the vibrant colours and textures of Australia .

Through the bella textiles site I hope to share my passion for the continual development of my craft.

Bella Head, bella textiles

info@bellatextiles.com.au

P.O. Box 146 Seacliff Park South Australia 5049