Why I do what I do

I rarely put me in front of the camera as my work is important. However, for those who wonder, this is me, Neil, on a visit to the Falkland Islands in 2019.

I count myself lucky to live in the UK for many reasons, and to have so many wonderful countries to visit so nearby, but the islands got under my skin 2005 and they feel very much like ’home’ in my heart.

I live by the motto (stolen from a Falkland Islander) ‘it is good to be an Islander, but never to be insular‘.  I’m proud to be British, fascinated by people’s stories, people’s histories and people’s culture. Easily irritated by rudeness and a lover of weaving, travel and peace.

I started weaving in early 2013. I had been made redundant from an office job and was pondering what I wanted to do and whilst pondering developed ulcerative colitis which literally floored me for several months & ultimately took three years to get it as under control as it can be. 

Not being one who likes to be idle and I like to pay my way, I decided to purchase a hand loom to have a go at weaving.  I have always been fond of natural fibres, in particular wool, so this seemed the ideal hobby.

The loom seemed to like me, and as illness dragged on I realised that there was a possibility I would not be a good employee and therefore need to need to come up with some form of employment.

Just Wool Textiles was born.

Over time, this is proven to be the right decision to make as I also developed arthritis, which makes me even less attractive to potential employers!

However, what all this has done is harden my resolve to not waste a minute of life & try to be as kind (and remind people who aren’t!) as I can to all those I encounter.

These nuisances can be make it a challenge to weave, especially on my biggest loom, weaving 55 inch wide pieces takes lots of effort to set up and weave, but the joy of seeing the fabric form and the smile that it gives to the recipient makes it very worthwhile.

I welcome questions, it doesn’t have to lead to a sale, as British Telecom used to say in the 90’s, ‘It’s good to talk’.

Neil.