CraftSanity Podcast Episode 196: A conversation with Australian fiber artist Maryanne Moodie

By Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood

With studio space in New York and a home base in Australia, Maryanne Moodie has quickly become a household name among weaving enthusiasts around the globe. But many may be surprised to realize that the Australian artist who recently published On The Loom: A Modern Weaver’s Guide ($27.50, 144 pages) stumbled across her first loom only about five years ago.

Before she left her job teaching elementary art, Moodie—awaiting the birth of her oldest son—sorted through old art supplies and spotted a box containing a rigid heddle loom from the 1970s. “I didn’t even know what weaving was,” she recalled. But she was intrigued by the contents of the box and took it home. She took out the loom weeks later and decided to give it a whirl. “But then I realized I didn’t have any yarn,” she said. “I wasn’t like that type of crafty person. I had nothing.”

Undeterred, Moodie grabbed the jute and neon wax cord she had on hand and dove into her first weaving project.

Read the rest of the story I wrote about Maryanne and her handmade business in the Craft Industry Alliance Journal and listen to my conversation with her below. You can find out more about Maryanne’s book, tapestries, online tutorials and weaving kits here.

Artist Inspiration: Check out the work of L.A.-based artist Tanya Aguiñiga, a creative force who has inspired Maryanne.

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Let’s Weave Together! Michigan listeners are invited to come to the first CraftSanity workshop on my new Kindred Loom Collection on April 1.

The workshop is open to weavers of all experience levels and the cost is $40. Supplies will be provided along with looms to use during the class that will cover hat, headband and mini-cowl weaving techniques.

Space is limited is this introductory workshop that will cover the continuous weaving technique I use to weave hats, headbands, cowls, blankets and rugs. Reserve your spot in the workshop below. Questions? Email me.

* Note: A CraftSanity Loom discount will be offered to attendees who place loom orders the day of the workshop.