Makers Dozen - Q & A with Sarah Beadsmoore
Welcome to the Makers Dozen. We ask a Guild member a dozen quickfire questions about their life as a maker.
We spoke to handloom weaver Sarah Beadsmoore. Based in Cirencester, Sarah hand-dyes the silks for her soft, lustrous yarns before weaving them into scarves.
How long have you been a maker?
Forty years!
What’s the best part of your process?
Unrolling the beam of finished scarves – maybe six of them – and being pleased as to how they look.
What’s the hardest part of your process?
Dyeing the yarn and trying to get the colour you have in your head.
Do you have a favourite book about your craft?
The Structure of Weaving by Ann Sutton – very inspirational.
What are you reading?
Just finished 'Tell Me Everything' by Elizabeth Strout. First book I’ve read of hers – and very happy to have found a new author.
What’s your favourite film?
A Month in the Country - based on the book by J L Carr. A lovely pastoral film starring a young Colin Firth and Kenneth Branagh.
What do you listen to in your studio?
Just got back into the Archers – after a five year break! Otherwise radio 3, and podcasts – often about food.
What one thing would improve your life as a maker?
More time.
What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
Don’t give up.
What’s the question you are asked the most?
How long does it take?
Life as a maker can be challenging, what keeps you going?
I love the process of the ‘making’ – sitting at my loom and the methodical rhythm of throwing the shuttle.
Thank you, Sarah!
You will find more about Sarah's weaving practice here