What do you make?
As a handweaver, I produce bespoke textiles to enhance everyday objects, from wearable accessories to home decor. My creations range from scarves to gift items like eye pillows, sleep masks, and pouches. I partner with a micro mill in Bristol to produce limited editions of merino wool scarves and snoods. Currently, I'm weaving a collection of cosy merino wool lap blankets and exploring opportunities in interior design.
How long have you been running your independent creative business?
I returned to handweaving after purchasing my first table loom in 2014, and By Cecil officially came to life in January 2018. I joined the Muswell Hill Creatives in April and undertook my first markets by the autumn of that year, marking the beginning of a happy partnership with the group.
As a handweaver, I produce bespoke textiles to enhance everyday objects, from wearable accessories to home decor. My creations range from scarves to gift items like eye pillows, sleep masks, and pouches. I partner with a micro mill in Bristol to produce limited editions of merino wool scarves and snoods. Currently, I'm weaving a collection of cosy merino wool lap blankets and exploring opportunities in interior design.
How long have you been running your independent creative business?
I returned to handweaving after purchasing my first table loom in 2014, and By Cecil officially came to life in January 2018. I joined the Muswell Hill Creatives in April and undertook my first markets by the autumn of that year, marking the beginning of a happy partnership with the group.
What inspired you to start your creative business?
As a child, I was always creative and loved working with textiles. When I was 13, a trip to the National Gallery with my dad solidified my passion for art. Seeing Turner's paintings had a profound impact, and I knew I wanted to pursue something creative. Initially drawn to photography during my A-levels and early college years at Camberwell, my trajectory took a significant turn during my foundation course when I worked on a textile project on an old Harris loom. I fell head over heels in love with weaving, leading me to Central Saint Martins to study Textile Design. After a decade as a product manager, working extensively with factories in China, the urge to return to a more hands-on creative process was irresistible. I felt the draw of weaving tugging at my heartstrings again, so I attended a part-time diploma in 2013 at the Handweavers Studio and haven't looked back.
As a child, I was always creative and loved working with textiles. When I was 13, a trip to the National Gallery with my dad solidified my passion for art. Seeing Turner's paintings had a profound impact, and I knew I wanted to pursue something creative. Initially drawn to photography during my A-levels and early college years at Camberwell, my trajectory took a significant turn during my foundation course when I worked on a textile project on an old Harris loom. I fell head over heels in love with weaving, leading me to Central Saint Martins to study Textile Design. After a decade as a product manager, working extensively with factories in China, the urge to return to a more hands-on creative process was irresistible. I felt the draw of weaving tugging at my heartstrings again, so I attended a part-time diploma in 2013 at the Handweavers Studio and haven't looked back.
Do you work at this full-time on your creative business or alongside other work? Tell us about your other work?
I manage By Cecil part-time, which allows me to balance my business with raising my two boys, who were just 2 and 5 when I started. Although they are older now, they still manage to keep me busy. I've also recently joined the team at Ray Stitch, a haberdashery on Essex Road. It's a fantastic environment, surrounded by creative colleagues, and I've already picked up a new hobby in quilting. I've recently joined an online group called the No Rules Textile Society to encourage a more playful approach to creating new work. Every six weeks, there's a new prompt, with a weekly Zoom call as a source of accountability and inspiration. I'm treating it like an unofficial MA, something I have wanted to do for a long time.
I manage By Cecil part-time, which allows me to balance my business with raising my two boys, who were just 2 and 5 when I started. Although they are older now, they still manage to keep me busy. I've also recently joined the team at Ray Stitch, a haberdashery on Essex Road. It's a fantastic environment, surrounded by creative colleagues, and I've already picked up a new hobby in quilting. I've recently joined an online group called the No Rules Textile Society to encourage a more playful approach to creating new work. Every six weeks, there's a new prompt, with a weekly Zoom call as a source of accountability and inspiration. I'm treating it like an unofficial MA, something I have wanted to do for a long time.
How did you learn your craft - are you self-taught or did you attend courses - if so what and where?
During my textile design degree, I learnt how to weave at Central Saint Martins, specialising in constructive textiles. After stepping away from the loom for a decade, I refreshed my skills with a diploma from the Handweavers Studio. I continually challenge myself technically, diving into weaving books and experimenting with new techniques. Weaving involves a significant amount of mathematical planning and precision, and I dedicate a lot of time to sampling and refining details to achieve the perfect outcome.
During my textile design degree, I learnt how to weave at Central Saint Martins, specialising in constructive textiles. After stepping away from the loom for a decade, I refreshed my skills with a diploma from the Handweavers Studio. I continually challenge myself technically, diving into weaving books and experimenting with new techniques. Weaving involves a significant amount of mathematical planning and precision, and I dedicate a lot of time to sampling and refining details to achieve the perfect outcome.
What is it you love most about the creative process?
I'm fascinated by the transformation inherent in weaving. There's a phrase I often hear weavers use: ""turning chaos into order' and I find a deep satisfaction with creating a functional and beautiful piece of cloth from a tangle of yarn. It starts with designing a warp, organising yarn, calculating patterns, using maths to create a repeat, and slowly untangling the thread as it winds onto the loom. Weaving is a kind of alchemy, as so much can happen between the loom and the final piece. Washing and finishing can change a fabric so much.
Weaving is a series of decisions that reduce your choices, taking an idea down to just one or two options. Then, when you start to weave, they open up again in unexpected ways. I love the constraints of weaving—trying to create new work with small changes and working within the restrictions you set yourself. It's enormous fun to see where you can take it."
I'm fascinated by the transformation inherent in weaving. There's a phrase I often hear weavers use: ""turning chaos into order' and I find a deep satisfaction with creating a functional and beautiful piece of cloth from a tangle of yarn. It starts with designing a warp, organising yarn, calculating patterns, using maths to create a repeat, and slowly untangling the thread as it winds onto the loom. Weaving is a kind of alchemy, as so much can happen between the loom and the final piece. Washing and finishing can change a fabric so much.
Weaving is a series of decisions that reduce your choices, taking an idea down to just one or two options. Then, when you start to weave, they open up again in unexpected ways. I love the constraints of weaving—trying to create new work with small changes and working within the restrictions you set yourself. It's enormous fun to see where you can take it."
Is there another craft you are drawn to other than your own?
I've always had an appreciation for furniture, especially woodworking. The precision required and the influence of the material's inherent traits on the final piece resonates with me. Wood seems like a material that very much has its own personality and say in the end result. It demands respect for its natural properties and a mathematical, structured approach. However, at heart, I remain a devoted textile designer. Recently, I visited an exhibition at the Turner Gallery in Margate, where I was naturally drawn to works by former textile designers, reaffirming my passion for textile art.
I've always had an appreciation for furniture, especially woodworking. The precision required and the influence of the material's inherent traits on the final piece resonates with me. Wood seems like a material that very much has its own personality and say in the end result. It demands respect for its natural properties and a mathematical, structured approach. However, at heart, I remain a devoted textile designer. Recently, I visited an exhibition at the Turner Gallery in Margate, where I was naturally drawn to works by former textile designers, reaffirming my passion for textile art.
Where do you look for creative inspiration?
I often find inspiration in phrases that strike a chord with me, whether they emerge from everyday conversations, books, podcasts, or moments of reflection. For example, "stitch yourself together" resonated with me during the pandemic, and lately, I keep returning to "the stories we tell ourselves." I keep track of these ideas in a notebook and often notice recurring themes. I have a collection of weaving books that I enjoy flipping through, and I like to experiment with new techniques from my growing list of projects. I also want to design practical items, such as café-style net curtains for my home, turning everyday needs into creative challenges. I'm always seeking new courses to learn different methods and materials, as embracing unfamiliar approaches can shift my perspective on familiar themes.
I often find inspiration in phrases that strike a chord with me, whether they emerge from everyday conversations, books, podcasts, or moments of reflection. For example, "stitch yourself together" resonated with me during the pandemic, and lately, I keep returning to "the stories we tell ourselves." I keep track of these ideas in a notebook and often notice recurring themes. I have a collection of weaving books that I enjoy flipping through, and I like to experiment with new techniques from my growing list of projects. I also want to design practical items, such as café-style net curtains for my home, turning everyday needs into creative challenges. I'm always seeking new courses to learn different methods and materials, as embracing unfamiliar approaches can shift my perspective on familiar themes.
How do you find you benefit from being part of a creative collective?
Being a craftsperson often means working in isolation, which has its perks for focus but can feel quite solitary. Joining a makers' group has brought a valuable balance to my practice. There's a real comfort in the camaraderie and accountability that comes with being part of such a community. It offers a supportive network to share ideas, techniques, and feedback, enhancing our creativity through collaboration. Moreover, the friendships I've formed within the group are vital; they enrich my personal life and inspire and invigorate my professional work. This collective dynamic helps us grow and evolve as artists, demonstrating that creativity works best in a collaborative environment.
Being a craftsperson often means working in isolation, which has its perks for focus but can feel quite solitary. Joining a makers' group has brought a valuable balance to my practice. There's a real comfort in the camaraderie and accountability that comes with being part of such a community. It offers a supportive network to share ideas, techniques, and feedback, enhancing our creativity through collaboration. Moreover, the friendships I've formed within the group are vital; they enrich my personal life and inspire and invigorate my professional work. This collective dynamic helps us grow and evolve as artists, demonstrating that creativity works best in a collaborative environment.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists, designers and makers?
It's been an interesting year for me in terms of work, and I've been struggling to find inspiration and motivation. This has required patience and acceptance, but also listening to the advice that kept popping up from many sources: You can't wait for inspiration to strike; you just have to keep doing the work. Often, motivation emerges from the process itself.
It's crucial to trust your voice amid the noise. You'll receive plenty of advice, much of it conflicting. Learn to sift through it and find your path by picking what works for you and tuning into your instincts. Stay focused on your goals, and don't spread yourself too thin. Remember, creativity ebbs and flows; trust that it will return even during dry spells. You need input to create work, so read, explore, look, and listen to everything. Nobody creates in a vacuum.
It's been an interesting year for me in terms of work, and I've been struggling to find inspiration and motivation. This has required patience and acceptance, but also listening to the advice that kept popping up from many sources: You can't wait for inspiration to strike; you just have to keep doing the work. Often, motivation emerges from the process itself.
It's crucial to trust your voice amid the noise. You'll receive plenty of advice, much of it conflicting. Learn to sift through it and find your path by picking what works for you and tuning into your instincts. Stay focused on your goals, and don't spread yourself too thin. Remember, creativity ebbs and flows; trust that it will return even during dry spells. You need input to create work, so read, explore, look, and listen to everything. Nobody creates in a vacuum.
What is the biggest challenge of running a creative business?
One of the most significant struggles is simply the scarcity of time. As a small business owner, you must wear multiple hats - designer, marketer, salesperson, accountant and more - all at once, often in areas that are not your expertise.
Social media is a powerful tool for visibility and sales, but it also demands constant engagement and content creation, which can be incredibly taxing. It has been a tough year for many businesses in all fields. The phrase "running to stand still" has often felt relevant due to the immense effort required to maintain visibility and viability in such a competitive space.
Despite these challenges, I understand how lucky I am to be able to follow my passion. Weaving is my therapy, and I would not want to part with it in any way.
One of the most significant struggles is simply the scarcity of time. As a small business owner, you must wear multiple hats - designer, marketer, salesperson, accountant and more - all at once, often in areas that are not your expertise.
Social media is a powerful tool for visibility and sales, but it also demands constant engagement and content creation, which can be incredibly taxing. It has been a tough year for many businesses in all fields. The phrase "running to stand still" has often felt relevant due to the immense effort required to maintain visibility and viability in such a competitive space.
Despite these challenges, I understand how lucky I am to be able to follow my passion. Weaving is my therapy, and I would not want to part with it in any way.
When you're not working on your business, how do you like to spend your time? hobbies, pastimes etc
I frequently think about work even when I'm not actively working, but I recognise the importance of taking breaks occasionally. I'm passionate about sewing, particularly making clothes, and I recently started quilting, which has allowed me to explore new dimensions of fabric and design. For relaxation, I enjoy swimming at the pond - a wonderful space and community that rejuvenates my mind and body. I'm also an avid reader, often reading multiple books at once, mainly non-fiction covering a range of subjects. I also enjoy history-themed podcasts and unwind by watching sci-fi and fantasy TV shows as a form of imaginative escapism.
Head to the By Cecil website to shop for beautiful woven scarves, blankets and accessories and subscribe to the mailing list for fascinating insights into the creative world of weaving.
I frequently think about work even when I'm not actively working, but I recognise the importance of taking breaks occasionally. I'm passionate about sewing, particularly making clothes, and I recently started quilting, which has allowed me to explore new dimensions of fabric and design. For relaxation, I enjoy swimming at the pond - a wonderful space and community that rejuvenates my mind and body. I'm also an avid reader, often reading multiple books at once, mainly non-fiction covering a range of subjects. I also enjoy history-themed podcasts and unwind by watching sci-fi and fantasy TV shows as a form of imaginative escapism.
Head to the By Cecil website to shop for beautiful woven scarves, blankets and accessories and subscribe to the mailing list for fascinating insights into the creative world of weaving.
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