MARCH 2023 :- Combined Newsletters and Latest News

This is a joint “Iona Weavers’ Cottage” and “Iona Weaving” Newsletter. In the coming year these both will have their own Newsletters.

Iona Weavers’ Cottage :-

Iona Weavers’ Cottage was formed as a limited company a few years ago to hold and manage the development of a Weaving Centre on Iona, creating a permanent home base to continue the legacy of weaving on the island. Through this Autumn and Winter Season , there has been a lot happening behind the scenes, advancing the project to build the new Centre. This has involved looking at several new business concepts and structures to accommodate the evolving project, leading to the formation of ‘Iona Weaving LLP’.

The funding needed to cover the cost of the Architect’s preparation of a draft brochure was successfully raised from a small ‘gofundme’ appeal and private donations. The detailed brochure brings the whole project into more of a reality. With the 3D model of the site and proposed buildings the project suddenly becomes more of a reality, and Architectural drawings are being prepared for pre-planning in the months to come.

Our thanks to Mary Arnold-Forster and her team of Architects.

‘Iona Weaving’ :-

‘Iona Weaving’ , a Limited Liability Partnership, was registered at Companies House UK. in November 2022 with Kate(Kate Rastall)and myself (Moya Pringle) being the founder members. Our intention is that it will grow into a worldwide group of Weavers and Textile artists, connected by the passion of their craft and the love and inspiration of Iona.

New ‘Iona Weaving’ members , encouraged by the space and facilities that they can rent from Iona Weavers’ Cottage; can develop their own work, teach workshops, house exhibitions; and can practice as a self employed part of ‘Iona Weaving’. Staying longer will deepen the participants experience of the natural landscape , while adding to the whole island economy.

‘Iona Weaving’ will be the life at the heart of ‘Iona Weavers’ Cottage.

Latest News :-

Together Kate and I are setting up a new 5-day networking Retreat for Weaving and Textile Artists, at the beginning of October, which we hope will be the first of many. Please let us know if you are interested.

(More details of this and other events will be highlighted in later Newsletters)

Recently I have been running some one-to-one beginners weaving classes, and will be offering these through the season . I will be continuing my “main” day to day weaving with ‘Threads of Iona’, selling through Oran Crafts, and this ‘Threads of Iona.com’ ,website . Through the Easter weekend there is a Local Arts Trail on Mull and Iona, which offers a good oportunity to talk with visitors and islanders about the weaving developments.

There is a great deal of fundraising ahead of us to bring the whole project to fruition. While this is going on we will be progressing in an organic way, building relationships with other craftspeople; teaching classes; connecting with visitors; creating and updating information leaflets an generally buzzing with excitement.

A Weaving Centre on Iona is becoming recognised more as a reality and not merely a dream.

Please contact us to subscribe to Newsletters and pass on the links to your friends.

With love and thanks

Moya, and Kate

Click HERE for the GoFundMe page

JULY - 2022

It is late July now and it continues busy, but busy with lots of exiting new developments.

We now have two days of workshops set up for September. and are dropping off flyers , advertising, both locally and further afield, as well as ordering more small looms whilst trying to keep up with weaving for sales at Oran Crafts.

The idea is to trial these two, one day workshops, enjoy and learn from them, and grow organically while the actual weaving centre is built. Space-wise we can only take six people in the village hall on looms at a time . Kate,(Kate Rastall) is joining me to host the workshops. Kate is a friend from Wales I met about forty years ago. There was a long gap as we were getting on with our lives until last summer when we met up again, finding we had a great deal in common with our interest in weaving and creative textile work.

If any of you reading this would like to come along please respond early. And if you want to be on a waiting list for the future, make contact too, so we can keep you up with what’s going on.

I have a feeling this busy-ness is only just beginning! love and good wishes to you all.

Moya.x

February 2022

This photo taken yesterday, sums up the sort of weather we have been having for the last while. Very changeable, gusty winds, fluctuating temperatures……a strong start to the year for sure !

As you can probably tell from my blog writings, the weather has a great effect on me. Here on Iona the weather dominates so much of our daily life, and the light and colours changes so often. It is such a creative and inspiring location to be in. The colours of my most recent woven shawl were suggested by the stormy weather, and even the name of the predominate yarn was ‘storm’ , as I discovered afterwards.

I have been constantly busy through the autumn(fall) but not always weaving. Keeping contact with friends through letters / emails and crocheting more hats ,trying out new ideas (many of which end up as “experience”) researching and learning about other artisans and really trying to learn more computer and social media skills.(I think I would benefit from a hands-on workshop for the latter skills!)

So it is time to get down to some more focussed weaving to build up some stock for the summer months.

Please make contact if you are interested in any shawl or scarf. if it is not in stock at present, it hopefully will be soon.

May we all have a healthy ,creative and abundant year.

With love,

Moya.

August 2021

Well, here we are at the end of August already. The summer here on Iona has been great, but has taken it’s toll on my attention to the website. No excuses, I just did not find the time to keep it going as I would have liked. I have been busy all through the summer weaving and crocheting, and as soon as the items were made they have been going up to Oran Crafts where we have had a good constant stream of visitors all through June July and August, and I hope this will continue over the next months also.

I have a lot to do on the website and with stock pictures etc, so please bear with me.

If there is anything that you see and would like to order (I can take commission orders if item is showing out of stock at present) I will try to accommodate all orders as soon as possible.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding.

Moya.

2021 :- MAY

Where did April disappear to? On the island it was a busy changing month with big full moons, better (and worse) weather and things gradually opening up again to the late spring energies. Lambs, seeds in the ground and grass cutting. Lots more swimming and walking for those that do, and generally a seasonal uplift.

I took up my rota shift again at Oran Crafts which opened at the very end of April, and everything is feeling a bit more like it used to be, but of course with more safety measures in place. This is all great, but I still long to welcome back friends from abroad.

With a great deal more going on , I find it more difficult to put things into words, so forgive me for keeping this short, and I wish you all well.

With love Moya.

2021 :- March 30th.

March is almost through now and we are still in the midst of light changing and Spring presenting itself. There are such stops and starts going on. The clocks have changed to summertime mode a few days ago, but since then it has been cold wet and grey with little sign of the longer brighter days….but I know they are coming.

The island is buzzing with change, a natural shift at this time of year, getting ready for the Season (whatever it will turn out to be). There is positivity that this summer season will be an improvement on last, but I personally can not wait till my N.American and European friends can come over again.

This week I made a scarf in the ‘old style’ - a long striped scarf with a blending of blues and turquoise colours, and stocked up on some previously sold favourites. I continue to do a lot of research, both with wool and weaving product ideas and with future building. It is at this ‘opening up’ time of the year that I always seem to wonder why I did not use the winter months better. Hindsight is wonderful, but I also believe everything works in right timing, so as they say “we are where we are” !

I look forward to a good Season, to creating many new and inspired weavings, and to having great communication with you all.

Happy Easter to you all.

Love Moya.

2021 :- FEBRUARY 15th.

This is only the second blog note that I have made since 2021. It is incredible how the days and weeks are passing.

Today just added two more Stripey Scarfs into stock, and joyfully by this evening one of them had sold on line ! it is great to know the system still works ! It still always amazes me how the different warp colours dictate the overall tone and feel of the separate scarfs. - A light warp, as opposed to a stronger coloured warp, but using basically the same weft threads, creates a whole other character.

With Spring around the corner everything is already changing - the light, colour and length of days. Even with the recent really cold spell the colours are brightening and more vibrant life is returning. Hooray for Spring!

2021 :- JANUARY 24th

Almost a month into the 2021 New Year and January is galloping through at speed.

I am noticing the daylight hours lengthening each day and with that the promise of Spring. I also see a change in my urge for more colour in my weaving. The last Stripey Scarf (No. 6) is much more vibrant, with even a pinky/red warp running through it. That’s not to imply the earlier scarfs were more dull, I love them too, but the seasons and light really do make an impression when choosing what to express.

Yesterday we had our first little flurries of snow this year on Iona. Often winters go by and we do not see snow at all on the island, so when it comes, even to a small extent , there is great excitement. For instance, I immediately went outside with my just finished scarfs and photographed them in the sunshine with a background of snow.

Even the small things create Joy and days to remember !

SPECIAL ORDERS

As I am making Stripey Scarfs at present, I thought I would mention that if anyone would like to commission me for any particular colour combination (up to five colours)in the same style, to please make contact. If you suggest your preferred colours , I can then photograph the merino wool colours I have in stock, send for your approval and then set about making your own unique scarf.

(See on instagram page or in the ‘Shop’ section under ‘Scarfs’ for examples already made.)

DECEMBER -29th 2020

It has been over a month since I last wrote a blog, it just did not seem needed after the Thanksgiving one, which seemed to sum up what I was feeling.

With all the last minute Christmas rush, which is always inevitable, I sent off all the pending orders and presents just in time. Even though we could not all spend Christmas with friends and family, I found this year a greater closeness to everyone.

I thank you all again for your continued love and support.

Thinking of the coming New Year.

May it be a positive and uplifting new era for planet Earth, bringing in wisdom and healing to balance all beings in a harmonious and whole way.

Peace, Joy and good health be with you.

with love Moya.

NOVEMBER - 26th

Happy Thanksgiving Day!..And we all have a lot to be thankful for at this time of year. It has been a tough year for most, certainly different for us all. Hopefully we have found a new perspective on what is important in life and have found a new forward direction for ourselves and the Planet, large or small.

I feel very grateful for the opportunities given to me , and that I have taken this year and continue to learn and receive new skills and ideas.

I have today added a few new items of stock, trying to keep up with extra demand at this time of year.

Thank you all for your continuing support.

With Love, Moya.

NOVEMBER - 14th

A week of high winds and rain, with some transport disruptions, but even so there were still some rainbows!

I have been working on coloured, fine wool scarfs with a plain weave. With broad stripes of varying widths and colours, each scarf comes as a unique expression.

This is , I always find, a challenging time of year. I love Christmas, and have even ‘adopted’ the North American Thanksgiving too. I am always torn between trying to continue work as usual, and getting sidetracked into totally indulging in the seasonal mood. It happens every year, and every year loving the mood comes out on top and I just end up flowing with it all .

What a wonder-filled time to let ourselves enjoy.

Stay safe and warm wherever you are.

with love Moya.

OCTOBER 30th -

Already we are nearing the end of October. Full Moon tomorrow, and continuing wild and wet weather.

As usual, the weather dominates. From last week when it was still dry and bright, encouraging clothes drying and outside work, to several days of high wind , rain and greyness. Having said that there are sometimes “gaps” in the day. Two days ago I walked down to the beach in dryness and was very surprised not only to feel there was little wind, but it was fairly mild. But then standing by the seas edge there was such a contrast. it was just past high tide, but the sea was so “angry”….huge breakers as far as you could sea, a great roar of wind and rolling shingle…it was like being part of two worlds. Very dramatic and invigorating ! Walking back home I got caught in a short sharp, almost hail shower, and then this led to the most perfect vibrant rainbow spanning the pathway. Nature is amazing, so many very pure experiences in such a short space of time. So much to be thankful for.

I am currently working on a commission for a scarf made with a different colour combination, and a change of style than is usual, and it is great to work on this. It leads me into thinking of a whole lot of other ideas and possibilities. So , although it is a slow process, I am enjoying the difference.

So I hope you are finding “gaps” in your days too.

Stay well, safe and uplifted………I am off on a beach walk again.

With Love, Moya.

OCTOBER 18th -

Another week of big changes and upheavals. I am trying to balance all the Political and World changes going on with what is going on in my life, but this week there were a lot of family and close friends events that tipped things and I can feel I need to pay more attention to my own health system just now, to re-balance. One of my dear friends, Joan, who lived by the jetty in the village here on the island, died this week. It was unexpected . She was an inspiration, at 87 her mind and spirit were so alive and vibrant . I shall miss her.

I have continued weaving this week, and exploring ways to come up with a new poncho style shawl. I have also been doing some more gardening as the weather has been beautiful for several days. with the New Moon the tides have been very low, and there is that rare stillness without the wind. It heightens the sounds of the small birds perched along on the wires, and the calling of the geese as they fly over in their groupings.

Wishing you strength and hope for the coming days.

Moya.

OCTOBER 8th -

Oh my goodness the gaps in writing have extended! My blog contact was interrupted last week, and I think that was as a result of me getting used to the shift in the Season.

I embrace the Autumn /Fall Season, and love the changes it brings - the good and the not so good. There is a mellowness; there is reflection , contrasting skies and some very changeable weather.

I have been busy weaving shawls on my floor loom - photos to follow on instagram pics. The numbers of visitors to the island are now slowly reducing, but this is a natural turning in the year. I have applauded all those who have been able to come this year, and mourned with those others who have been unable to make their often annual journey to our beautiful peaceful landscape. Now there is a sense of the resident islanders getting set for the coming Winter.

Ordering :-

For those of you are thinking of purchasing any of my products for the coming Season, please place an order ASAP. I am not able to hold large levels of stock, (most of the items are unique one-offs,) but I can take commissions, so please give me as much notice as you can.

I wish you all health and strength, and a good dose of humour especially over the next month or so.

With love

Moya.

SEPTEMBER 12th -
Today is Saturday. For the last couple of days we have we have been having exiting strong winds, and showers that seem to come from nowhere.
I always find September to be very busy, and somewhat unpredictable - and at the same time, it is a time to detox (probably on many levels.)
There is always so much to do each day and not enough time to do everything. I am trying something different on my floor loom this week, and crocheting with a totally different type of alpaca and wool yarn - feeling the need to try new things.
I hope you are having a good week too.
Stay safe and sane wherever you are on this beautiful planet.
Love Moya.

SEPTEMBER 3rd -

September is here, and yesterday brought the Full Moon. The weather is so changeable now, and it is clearly heading for Autumn /Fall. I do love this time of year, it “keeps you on your toes” - one minute bright warm sunshine, perfect to put your washing out, and the next a heavy squally shower!

I took myself out for a quick walk this morning, and was struck by how beautiful everything was. There seemed to be an extra aliveness after all the rain of yesterday. The sea was a piercing turquoise and blue with in places the purest white of windblown waves skimming across the surface.

I was thinking on how I write so much about the weather, but it is the weather and colours in the landscape that give me my inspiration, so I suppose it follows. I am working on another scarf today, that is similar to the last one but with more green and earthiness about it. Hope you like it when you see the pictures.

Have a great week.

With Love,Moya.

AUGUST 29th -

My goodness, it is the end of the week already, and very nearly the end of August ! What a week too, many changes, some great new ideas and possibilities flowing through, but also the shock of a close friend’s partner dying, and realising the fragileness of life. I feel the need for a deep breath and a slow exhale.

With the changing weather showers, sunshine, the first real difficulty with midges this summer, and down- pours, we have had it all this week! I did have a lovely walk though, taking two of my scarfs out for a photo shoot on the rocks and heather near the Machair. (see the instagram pics.)

So it has been a full week, and time to focus back on my weaving now.

All the best, Moya.

AUGUST 19th -

It is Wednesday, and there is a New Moon today. I have been told that it is a good time to make a wish - so, delving deep I have made one. Of course I can not let you know what it is, as with all great wish making.! “Love” and “Abundance” are huge overall elements that I want in my life, and even have these words written on my Floor Loom , just to remind me while I weave.

Today we have had another day of sunshine with a freshening breeze. It feels like an added gift of a day - as change is definitely coming. I have been warping up my small loom, and now taking a wee brake to write the blog and go plant some more parsley seeds in my garden.

Have a great week , all of you.

With love Moya.

August 13th

Well it is almost the middle of August already, and it has been a wonderful August here on Iona. - Sunny and warm, we have been lucky to avoid all the lightening and downpours this week. I usually find that when the skies are blue and bright I am inspired to work more. So I have just finished a second shawl this week, whilst enjoying doors and windows open and feeling very in touch with the outdoors. As time goes on and I am getting to know more of you who follow me on instagram or contact me through the website, I am appreciating all your comments and support. I love sending weavings out around the world, I feel humbled that my work is enjoyed and used in so many different places.

Thank you all.

AUGUST - 6th

We have had the Full Moon this week, and some accompanying dramatic weather changes. One day sunny and still, the next huge down pouring rain all day long and now today the temperatures are rising, but with a fairly strong wind, but a warm wind! It is great to be adaptable, especially here on the island.

I need to get back into the studio again and get weaving in a more focused way. I am always busy, but this week doing wool stock take, clearing out some old paperwork (I am trying to clear at least a little each day),and catching up with some of my emailing. Time goes!

I went out to my garden, which is mostly wild, during the week after the rain, and was struck by all the amazing colours around. I just had to photograph them and put some on instagram, but all the time I was thinking of colour combinations for future shawls and scarfs.

JULY 31st - another month has sped by, and the last couple of days here have had a lot of rain. It is almost like the island (and probably the whole west coast) is being cleansed, certainly my windows have had a good cleaning down!

Some friends who are Astrologically minded have said to me that this August is a perfect time to let go of things; To have a good clear out, both inside and out, creating the best environment that you can now before the autumn/fall and winter come. It makes sense to me, and I am really going to try and tackle some of my clutter.

I have persevered with the home video this week, getting a little stuck on the editing still. Also have been weaving a little and crocheting, as you will see with the new stock items in Scarfs and Accessories.

The island cooperative, ORAN CRAFTS, where I sell some of my work is opening up again next week on reduced times and days, and I have been preparing, labelling and pricing stock for that. Since some restrictions have been lifted, visitors are returning to the island, be it in much less numbers. I am still very glad to have created this website, and hope to build it up to help support me through the winter and beyond.

I know a lot of you are experiencing extreme heat temperatures at present. I totally admire your coping mechanisms! and give thanks for myself that I am where I am.