Who is AJW?
"I have always had a passion for traditional crafts and for keeping them alive, and when I make something, I want it to come to life for the owner. Creating is also about educating others on just how vital keeping deep-rooted methods alive is to the future of fashion. My business is as fully transparent as possible. I am sustainable in my practices, from the material I source to the packaging I use, to ensure that buying one of my products has positively impacted the world around you."
It all began with Nan
My childhood was mostly spent at my kitchen table, painting, drawing and making, just letting my imagination be free. My Nan soon introduced me to the world of textiles by teaching me how to knit. My first project was a new scarf for my penguin teddy bear (that I still have today). In secondary school, I picked textiles at GCSE level, and my Nan was always by my side to help me with any questions. I spent many hours using Nan's much loved Singer sewing machine and completed a beautiful dress for my final exam. My hobby quickly became a passion as I progressed to studying textiles as an A-Level. By now, I knew that more than a recreational pursuit, this is where my future career would be.
Nothing makes me happier now than showing off my latest creations to the woman who helped me realize my dreams. Thank you, nan, for everything you have taught me.
Creating my dream job
My natural progression was to head to university to fulfil an undergraduate degree in textiles.
On my first day, we were asked to make a collage of things we liked, and on seeing the neat, controlled layout of mine, the tutors all shouted ‘Weaver!’, and my weave journey began.
After receiving my degree, I found an advert in a local shop from a talented crafter looking for a test knitter, giving me invaluable production knowledge.
My passion for learning more meant that I continued my education to a Masters level, delving deeper into the technicalities of weaving whilst learning all about digital machinery. During this time, I also worked as a seamstress, understanding how to bring fashion and fabrics to life. But I knew that, ultimately, being my own boss would be the only way I would have time and freedom to concentrate on my ideas.
Taking the leap
Requests for bespoke commissioned items soon came flooding in, including baby clothes, bedding, cushions and gifts. Through all the knowledge gained and my boosted confidence in my capabilities, my business grew organically. I started working on more designs to begin 'alicejoanwoven', selling my very own handcrafted products exclusively. I was accepted as a retailer on 'Not On The High Street' and never looked back, with constant inspiration for designs. What began as a dream had grown into a successful career, allowing me the creativity to grow as a company and as a weaver. Being my own boss gave me time and space to think about my collections and where I wanted to go with my business.
And this is where we are today; thank you so much for taking the time to read my story; I hope you enjoy my creations as much as I have loved making them.
Inspired by the wonders of outer space
With my Master's degree came inspiration carried throughout my collections. After careful thinking, I had several options for where my creations would originate. It was a difficult decision, but I was drawn to science's 'artist' side as my partner is a professional scientist. I decided to research outer space, seeing its artist potential, one we see through paintings, drawings and images of galaxies and nebulas, with all their beautiful colours and textures. Space, which has provided humans with mystery and excitement, gave me a canvas to create many patterns and textiles, integrating my unique artwork with a magical area of scientific research.
What the future holds?
My business's future is an ongoing transparent, sustainable practice helping to continue to raise awareness of timeless traditions. I want to ensure that each of my unique handmade creations becomes a treasured piece in the homes of my valued customers, and in doing so, I become a name recognised for my craft. The future of my designs is inspired by more colours and patterns from space imagery as well as other aspects of our beautiful natural world.
