Hem

Nell Swift, Hope Valley, Peak District, UK. Contemporary handwoven textiles inspired by mountain and sea.

Natural fibres, antique looms, ethically sourced fibres. www.folksy.com/shops/HemHandwoven www.instagram.com/hem_handwoven Twitter

13/09/2026

Day two of the and the weather is beautiful! Come say hi- I’m i the Town Hall with a fantastic array of pals

12/09/2026

All set up for the weekend Wirksworth Festival . I’m in the Town Hall, so do say hi if you’re around.

10/09/2026

Day 4 catching up with seam collective . Caring.
I’ve always been practical- soft skills, not useful in a crisis. When I taught myself to weave it felt empowering- whatever happens in the world, I can keep my family warm. But back in February 2022 I felt as powerless as I’ve ever felt. Full of rage and with no way of helping Ukraine I regretted not training as a medic. Until May, when a chance post announced the formation of UNITED24 , President Zelenskyy’s fundraising platform. I’d found my cause. Three days later I became their first external fundraiser, auctioning my work. Countless weaves later (about 70) and £30,000 to the good I’m still fundraising. Still caring. I knew way back then that this was my cause and it would be my cause for the rest of my life. Having spent a little time in Ukraine, the place and the people have got thoroughly under my skin. I can’t wait to go back. I look forward to the day that victory comes, the skies filled with storks not drones. When I can help rebuild and restore everything. Until then, I’ll keep on weaving, keep on talking about Ukraine.
Все буде Україна 🇺🇦

09/09/2026

Day #3 of trying to catch up with seam collective .
Colour.
Mu practice is all about colour. The colour of place, held in our memory, triggered by sounds and smells. Sometimes years later. My pieces ar small meditations on the palette that makes a place distinctive- Staithes wig it’s magical light, the greens of ancient woodland, moorland land management drawing patchwork in the heather. I create textiles that move, are fluid, with colour that moves and shifts. I want a fabric that is dramatic, that shifts and changes with wearing, is never the same. My warps are complex, hand wound with multiple colours and shades, often taking many days to wind and involving more than 50 shades. My favourite pieces are the ones with most variation: created thread by thread, individual picks placed by eye, painting with yarn. My favourite will always be blue, infinitely varied in mood just like the North Sea which will always be my muse.
Come see my latest work at the wonderful Wirksworth Festival this weekend. I’m in the town hall with a selection of wonderful craftspeople.

05/09/2026

Day two of catching up on seam collective and the question is hand or machine?
Recently, due to failing ng knees and an grant I made the move from my entirely manual, custom built loom to a massive dobby loom. The sounds have changed but most remains the same: still the land wound warps, threaded and sleyed by hand. Shuttles thrown by hand, tension still judged by fingertip, drafts designed by albeit creaking brain. The machine does the heavy lifting, following my instruction, allowing me to continue to create and hopefully staving off the near inevitable joint replacements heading my way. These looms are a good example pf machine following the hand, not leading it.

04/09/2026

Day 1 of seam collective
I’m Nell, a weaver from the Peak District. I’m catching up with work after a short trip to Ukraine as a guest of United 24, President Zelenskyy’s fundraising platform. I have been raising money through my Ukraine-themed pieces since their foundation and I got to meet fundraisers and ambassadors from around the world (and very briefly, the president, and hear him speak- inspiring, funny and very twinkly!
I weave my memories- landscapes and seascapes, snapshots of special moments and feelings. I’ve recently moved into my first studio and knocked together my large dobby loom. It’s a learning year for me as my practice expands. I’m doing more shows than ever, making special memories and translating those experiences into my work. Expect to see me weaving Ukraine into my blankets. I can’t wait to go back.

22/08/2026

One of the reasons I’ve been quiet on here is because I’m in Ukraine. A truly life-changing experience as a guest of UNITED24 in Kyiv. An inspiring day, opening with a speech from President Zelenskyy, followed by panel discussions from ambassadors, and the most inspiring Ukrainians. Honoured to be a guest in such company as we are all allies and fundraisers for United24. I was their first external fundraiser, launching my efforts when they were 3 days old. Still here, £30k later, and will be for the rest of my days. Please support UNITED24 and if you can, visit Ukraine. A truly inspiring European country, beautiful, cosmopolitan, truly the most wonderful country and people. Все буде Україна! Герогм слава! 🇺🇦

16/08/2026

The most gorgeous week. Took my Mulgrave scarves back where they were born. Four zero waste designs, four special landscapes. These are in my shop now. Show season kicks off so grab these unique pieces before the Christmas buyers come along. Only a day’s changeover before taking my Tryzub scarf back to its birthplace, Kyiv. New blanket design will be finalised after a visit to Perchersk Lavra. They all find where they need to be.

11/08/2026

Delighted that my Summer Meadow has been selected for the The Harley Foundation Harley Open. Five years ago, when I learned to weave, I set out on this unexpected artistic journey. I never imagined I’d find myself here I such good company. Please consider voting for me in the People’s Prize.

Address

Bradwell

Telephone

+447713831013

Website

http://www.hemhandwoven.co.uk/

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