Resources

Studio visits

I'm so excited to be able to welcome you into our working studio and shopfront which is located at the back of our home in Lambton, Newcastle.

You are welcome to come and visit the studio to shop in person, or just to have a chat about my products while we sit and have a cup of tea. Starting early 2023 I will be offering workshops, one-on-one lessons and informal make and meet sessions where you can bring along a project and get crafty with like-minded creatives.

For privacy reasons, studio visits are by appointment only. Please call or email me for our address and to arrange a suitable time.

Call: 04 313 86 990

Email: rainie@theunusualpear.com

Lessons & Workshops

Welcome to our beautiful, light filled studio in Newcastle, NSW where we spin, weave, dye and get muddy with clay.

We are so excited to be able to welcome you into our creative space and invite you to learn a new skill, take some time out for yourself and unwind with some mindful making. We hope to create a respectful and inclusive environment where you can feel safe to express yourself through the art of making.

Lessons are one-on-one with you and workshops are intimate and limited to 6 guests.

We can't wait to meet you.

Rainie & Beynon x

Workshop | Beginner Weaving - January 2023 - The Unusual Pear

Coming Soon

Workshop | Beginner Weaving - April 2023 Coming Soon

Lesson | Intermediate Weaving - The Unusual Pear

Coming Soon

Lesson | Intermediate Weaving Coming Soon

Workshop | Drop Spindling - January 2023 - The Unusual Pear

Coming Soon

Workshop | Drop Spindling - April 2023 Coming Soon

I wrote a book!

Everything you need to know about weaving looms and tools, warp yarns and weft yarns is in this book. I wrote extensive guides on warping the loom, various weaving techniques and how to create perfect tension in your work.

What's more you ask? I also created 18 beautiful projects to adorn your home with, plus how to make a DIY weaving loom.

The Woven Home

Online classes you can access 24/7

Lindsey has generously given me an exclusive discount for all my beautiful customers to use with her coveted online Foundations Weaving Class, which is a culmination of all the foundational techniques every tapestry weaver needs to know - no matter where you are on your weaving journey - to improve quickly, and be ready to take on advanced projects.

Learn More

Weaving Resources

Choosing the right reed for your rigid heddle weaving project

by Rainie Owen November 23, 2022

If you are following a pattern for your project it will generally tell you what dent reed you need and at what epi (sett). However, if you are designing your own pattern or just like to work with some lovely yarn you have already, here is a table of what works well together.

Wraps Per Inch ~ WPI

by Rainie Owen November 23, 2022

Wraps per inch is commonly used by weavers, but it can be helpful for all yarn users to identify the weight of yarn if its label is missing. To measure yarn in wraps per inch (or WPI) you need a ruler, and something to wrap the yarn around that has a consistent circumference, like a pencil.

Choosing a Weaving Loom

by Rainie Owen September 21, 2020

If you are new to the world of weaving and looking to purchase your first loom, I'd love to help you find the perfect one for you.

When choosing a weaving loom, it's important to think about what kind of projects you are wanting to create. At The Unusual Pear, I offer a few different styles of weaving looms including

Rigid Heddle Weaving

by Rainie Owen September 21, 2020

From assembling the rigid heddle loom, to warping and weaving. A collection of videos from Ashford to get you started!

View All Weaving Resources

Spinning Resources

Thick and Low Twist Yarn

by Rainie Owen June 14, 2022

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I have been spinning for a little over 5 years and have never once spun on a traditional spinning wheel with treadles. I’m sharing with you my favourite spinning methods on an e-spinner to create thick and low-twist yarns. These types of yarns are wonderful to incorporate into your fibre art as they are quick to weave up due to their thickness and they create beautiful texture as well.

Bamboo Fibre

by Rainie Owen November 05, 2021

I had a lovely customer of mine named Jane ask about spinning bamboo and I thought I'd experiment and do a blog post for others who may be interested as well.

Bamboo fibre compared to wool is much silkier, softer and lighter. I would consider this to be a more intermediate to advanced fibre to spin on it's own due to its slippery, silky nature. The staple length is approximately 10cm long.

Super Jumbo Wheel Videos

by Rainie Owen September 21, 2020

A compilation of videos to introduce you to spinning on the Super Jumbo e-spinner - including core spinning, plying, spinning with batts and more. Very helpful for those considering purchasing or looking for some tuition.

Carding - Art Batts & Rolags

by Rainie Owen September 21, 2020

A compilation of videos from Ashford on how to card fibres with the blending board, hand carders and drum carders.

View All Spinning resources

The Travelling Loom

The Joy of Sampling

by Michelle Robinson December 13, 2022

Michelle Robinson of Woven Glow walks us through her sampling process in this instalment of The Travelling Loom, using the loom like a sketchbook to flow through ideas for a larger project. Fine, hand dyed mohair contrasted with chunky core spun alpaca and icord ~ eventually stumbling on an idea mid project ~ I love the way Michelle has written this like a private journal entry, allowing us into her mind as she creates ❤️

Colour and Texture

by Shan Chin November 09, 2022

Although weaving is a very ancient form of craft dating back many centuries, at the time, it was a craft I had never stumbled across upon. I was fascinated by the rhythmic motions of the weft travelling back and forth across the warp and the various weaving techniques which could be used to create a woven piece of art. It was then that I decided that this was a craft I really wanted to learn. With its meditative and therapeutic benefits, it has been something I have often turned to when life gets too hectic.

Spontaneous, Abstract Weaving

by Clare Burton July 18, 2022

Come along for the ride as Clare from Jade and Frankie takes us on an adventure of fluid and spontaneous weaving. "I feel it’s important to point out that I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to do things when it comes to weaving. While there are basic techniques to learn, as you grow in confidence many people develop their own styles and methods of arriving at the same point. That’s one of the best things about this craft - the freedom to do things your own way."

Three Dimensional Weaving

by Kate Noppert June 14, 2022 2 Comments

In this instalment of The Travelling Loom with Kate Dick, we are deep diving into three dimensional weaving to create organic pods. These pods are hand woven as flat shapes in soft colours, which Kate morphs into three dimensional pieces by hand stitching and shaping, before over-dyeing in deeper colours. The process is fascinating to follow as each pod changes and evolves in shape and colour.

View All Travelling Loom Articles

I'M HERE TO HELP ❤️

We have all been beginners at something before. If there is anything at all I can help you with, please send me a message and I will respond as soon as I am able to. If you find it easier to talk on the phone, please also leave your contact number and I will call you back.

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Kaayi - I acknowledge the Awabakal and Worimi ancestors and their descendants as the Traditional Custodians of Mulubinba on which I live, work and play. I celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders (past, present and emerging) of all communities who also work and live on this land.

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