Custom Weaving Process

If you’re looking to have a custom piece made by me, the first steps are to make sure you like my style by checking out my Instagram gallery for completed pieces so you can decide whether my style is a good fit for your idea. Next, check out the chatter group on Facebook to check if there are any current spots available for customs or semi-customs. Finally, feel free to message me or email me to inquire about availability and timelines for custom work.

I have been working slower since returning to university, so full custom slots are less available at this time than they have been in previous years, though I wish I could make them all. If you’re not on Facebook, feel free to e-mail me and I’m happy to reach out when an opportunity is available.

How spots are offered

Custom spots will be offered first in the Facebook chatter group, and may be chosen from an inspiration thread, fastest-fingers selection, or random draw depending on the circumstances.

I know that solid color budget warps are popular and I try to offer them yearly. These opportunities will always be listed in the chatter via sign-up forms until the maximum length is reached or until the window to sign up closes, which will be indicated on the form.

From custom slot to warp plan

Once someone is selected for a custom slot, we will discuss ideas and fibres and come up with a skeleton plan for the warp. Once the warp plan is created, we will open the warp to semi-customs to ensure that a minimum of 10m sold is met before proceeding.

This minimum length helps to ensure that I can be paid at least a minimum working wage for the time that it takes to thread and dress the loom, as that doesn’t change a lot when we’re working with a 1m warp or a 100m warp. If the minimum is not met, we will discuss options for next steps, which may include changing colorway or extending the timeline to advertise more thoroughly for semi-customs.

Deposits and payment

Upon sign-up for a custom or semi-custom slot, a non-refundable deposit of 30% is due within 24 hours to secure your spot and order yarn. If for any reason I am unable to complete your piece and I have to cancel the project, your deposit will be refunded within 24 hours of cancellation.

I am happy to accept payment plans — just ensure that you inform me of your plans first and communicate any changes, as this is my income and I also need to plan accordingly if payments are not going to be made on time.

Custom vs. semi-custom

Custom warp holders generally get to choose their warp fibre, weft fibre, length of piece, colors of both warp and weft, dye plan specifics, and weave pattern from available options. I have a 24-shaft loom and most patterns are possible, with some offering more options within a specific threading than others.

Semi-custom holders are able to choose their length of piece, weft fibre and weft color, and the weaving pattern from within the main threading options that will be provided before signing up.

Occasionally, I will offer a pre-dyed warp with all semi-custom spots where there is no custom holder involved.

During the process

When we start the process of creating your piece, we work closely together to discuss the particulars of your vision and to ensure that we are on the same page. Please let me know if you feel like I don’t understand, or if something is not going how you hope. The sooner I know about an issue, the more likely it is that I can change the plan or do something differently, and I’m happy to discuss options with you.

Sometimes dye work doesn’t go exactly as planned for either of us, and unfortunately that is something that we will need to be a bit flexible about.

Timelines and final invoice

Final invoices are due after you approve your sample on the loom once your weft is all ready to go. Pieces are woven in order, sometimes with multiple pieces in between cutting off and finishing, and I am happy to update you with an estimated timeline at any point in the process.

Timelines are flexible as I am working on my own and life happens. I will do my best to communicate any delays or specific timeline changes as I am made aware of them.

Useful pages

Custom Pricing — full breakdown of base pricing, fibre upgrades, finishing, and discounts
Cowl Sizing Guide — sizing examples for mini, full size, and hybrid cowls
Fibre Info — notes on choosing the right fibre for your piece
For US Customers — what to know if you’re buying a wrap from a Canadian weaver

To inquire about a custom slot, email paperstreetfibrearts@gmail.com.