Elka reviews

12 Sep 19'

Paula Bedford reviewed: 6 hour introduction to frame loom weaving at Whitchurch Silk Mill

"This was an amazing course and we learnt so much in a short time. There were loads of threads for us to try and Ellie gave us loads of individual time and ideas. Explanations were clear as were demonstrations. It was a lovely theraputic thing to do and although I didn't finish my piece I didn't mind as I had the confidence that I could finish it off at home. Plenty of tea and coffee, plus the Silk Mill at Whitchurch was a lovely venue to be in. Plus it was lovely to be with such a nice crowd of people. A great day out and worth every penny."

Elka responded:

"Hi Paula, thank you so much for the lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day. It was a pleasure to have you on the workshop. Best wishes, Ellie"

12 Sep 19'

Jackie Epps reviewed: 6 hour introduction to frame loom weaving at Whitchurch Silk Mill

"Ellie Fisher's introduction to frame loom weaving was first class. She covered all the basics of getting the loom ready for weaving, introduced some different techniques and had an amazing array of fibres for us to experiment with. She also demonstrated that it is possible to enjoy simple weaving without a big cash outlay - using a fork as a beater, for example. Most of the class managed to finish a small wall hanging or table mat in the day, which was very satisfying and it was interesting to see how different each piece of work turned out. Ellie's passion for weaving shone through and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day."

Elka responded:

"Hi Jackie, thank you so much for the lovely review and thank you for coming on the workshop. It was great to meet you. I'm so glad you had a good day. Best wishes, Ellie"

11 Sep 19'

Jo White reviewed: 6 hour introduction to frame loom weaving at Whitchurch Silk Mill

"A well organised day, with good quality equipment and an interesting assortment of yarns. Ellie made learning a new skill, interesting and enjoyable. Whitchurch Silk Mill was a beautiful place and it was lovely to see the silk looms still weaving beautiful fabrics."

Elka responded:

"Lovely to meet you Jo and thank you so much for the review. I'm very glad you had a good day. Best wishes, Ellie"

9 Sep 19'

Lucy Allen reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"Really fun and relaxing day in a really peaceful and gorgeous setting. It was really easy to ask questions and open a dialogue about natural dyeing and the range of shades it can create. Nice small group so there's enough space in the workshop and time with the teacher for everyone. We all got to leave the course with a sample sheet full of different fibres, dyed with different plants in an array of colours. We also got given information sheets that we can refer back to in future for own practice."

Elka responded:

"Hi Lucy, thank you so much for coming along, and for the lovely review. Best of luck with your next term at uni, can’t wait to see what you create!"

24 Aug 19'

Fi Horseman reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"What a great day and fab venue. Ellie and Claudia made us feel very relaxed and welcome. Nothing was too much trouble. The day was informative and fun. Learning about the amazing colours nature has given us was completely amazing. The day was well balanced with information and hands on experience of natural dyes. I'll definitely be signing up for the weaving course and would highly recommend the natural dyes course as an informative and inspirational day."

Elka responded:

"Hi Fi, thank you so much for the lovely review. Its was great to have you on the workshop and we're so glad you enjoyed the day. Really look forward to seeing you again sometime in the future!"

18 Aug 19'

Freya reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"Having done an Elka course (Beginners Weaving) earlier this year with Ellie, I was excited at trying out another workshop offering with Natural Dyeing taught by Ellie's mum Claudia. Having read a bit about dyeing processes before and found it a bit confusing, this workshop was wonderful and perfect for beginners. Claudia is a knowledgeable and friendly teacher, happy to answer any questions, and gives clear instruction. Having a small class size meant a relaxed and friendly atmosphere which allowed time for extra help when required. The location was also lovely at Turner & Thom, with a nice outdoor picnic spot for lunch amongst the trees, and teas and coffees throughout the day. I feel I have enough knowledge now to have a go at home with more confidence than before. Definitely recommended - a lovely way to spend a day!"

Elka responded:

"Hi Freya, It was such a pleasure to have you on another workshop and thank you so much for the lovely review! X"

18 Aug 19'

Sarah reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"Had the most wonderful day on this course. A beautiful calming location. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the process of natural dyeing. I felt fully supported, informed and confident that I can start natural dyeing at home. Thank you!!"

Elka responded:

"Hi Sarah, thank you so much for coming along and for the lovely review! We're so glad you enjoyed the workshop :)"

18 Aug 19'

Joanna Brown reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"Fantastic day in a stunning location! Relaxed and friendly tuition and lots of hands on practice. I learnt everything I needed to begin my own natural dye journey!"

Elka responded:

"Hi Jo, thank you so much for coming. We're so glad you enjoyed the day :)"

29 Jun 19'

Chantelle Lindo-Davies reviewed: Introduction to table loom weaving, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury - Two day workshop

"Such a great workshop! Ellie is an excellent teacher and the quality of the products were fantastic. I would love to do this course over and over again."

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review :) Great to have you at the workshop. Loved your weaving! Xx"

4 May 19'

Sheila Hentall reviewed: Woven Plant Pots

"Thank you for a totally absorbing day learning to weave. The materials provided were beautiful and all ethically sourced. I had a great time and would thoroughly recommend the workshop to others."

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review Sheila. It was great to meet you and i'm so glad you had a good day! Best wishes, Ellie"

11 Apr 19'

Petina Simner reviewed: Introduction to table loom weaving, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury - Two day workshop

"A really lovely way to spend an evening. Right from the start the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxing which made learning fun. Ellie's care and attention to detail (such as the baskets with resources and equipment) indicated that the course was well thought through and professional. There was no pressure to finish the weaving which enabled everyone to work at their own pace and to their own level of satisfaction. I left feeling inspired to learn more."

Elka responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Petina! It was great to have you on the workshop, i'm so glad you enjoyed it. Very best wishes, Ellie"

1 Apr 19'

Tina McFarland reviewed: Woven Plant Pots

"Thank you for a great day, I'm really looking forward to trying out my new loom :)"

Elka responded:

"Great to meet you Tina and thank you for the review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day. Happy weaving!"

31 Mar 19'

Debbie Rudd reviewed: Woven Plant Pots

"Really enjoyed the frame weaving course today. Learned lots of techniques and had access to a wide range of yarns including some unusual options like wire. Very pleased with the wall hanging I made & will definitely be making more now that I've got my own loom!"

Elka responded:

"I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop Debbie. Great to meet you and many thanks for the review. I hope you really enjoy working on your new loom!"

25 Mar 19'

Ros reviewed: Table Weaving Taster Day, Julia Davey, Bath

"It was good to be introduced to a new skill in a relaxed, friendly and supportive setting. We were given lots of ideas and materials and encouraged to be creative. Having no experience in any craftwork I could have done with a little more teaching on the very basics. But all in all a very enjoyable day and I would recommend the course. Thank you Ellie"

Elka responded:

"Hi Ros, thank you for the review. It was great to meet you and have you on the workshop. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day overall. I appreciate your feedback, have taken it onboard and will be more aware in future. Very best wishes, Ellie"

20 Mar 19'

Betty Page reviewed: Table Weaving Taster Day, Julia Davey, Bath

"A very comprehensive introduction to weaving - Ellie was very approachable and helpful, the course was well organised and she had a wealth of resources for us to plunder. I would like to attend another of her courses in the future."

Elka responded:

"Thank you for the review Betty. Great to meet you and i'm so glad you enjoyed the day. Best wishes, Ellie"

20 Mar 19'

Christine Rixon reviewed: Table Weaving Taster Day, Julia Davey, Bath

"I really enjoyed the course. Excellent teaching and great selection of materials to try. I was so glad to be able to complete my piece of work at a comfy pace knowing that Ellie was on hand to help and advise. I was unsure what to expect from the day, but I would definitely recommend this course. I’m looking forward to joining another course in the future."

Elka responded:

"Great to have you on the workshop Christine. Thank you for the review. I'm so glad you had a good day. Best wishes, Ellie."

18 Mar 19'

Kate reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving, Crawley Village Hall, Hampshire

"Really useful step up from the beginners workshop. Ellie endlessly patient and helpful. Small group so all the attention one needs. I really appreciate the range of materials to choose from."

Elka responded:

"Hi Kate, thank you for the review. Great to see you again . I'm so glad you found the workshop useful. Best wishes, Ellie"

18 Mar 19'

Cynthia Russell reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving, Crawley Village Hall, Hampshire

"Small group, so plenty of one to one help. We were guided through the process learning a variety of tapestry skills and there were excellent resources. A stress free very productive day. Ellie is an excellent tutor with a solid background in textiles willing to share all her experience. Bonus. Ellie is a cheerful, supportive and encouraging lady. Thank you. Cynthia"

Elka responded:

"Hi Cynthia, Thank you for the review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Great to see you again. Very best wishes, Ellie"

18 Mar 19'

Lorien Cadier reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving, Crawley Village Hall, Hampshire

"Very happy that I attended the intermediate weaving course with Ellie yesterday and learnt new skills in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Ellie offered her expertise and a great selection of sustainable yarns in fabulous colours. Would highly recommend."

Elka responded:

"Great to see you again Lorien and thank you for the review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop. All the best, Ellie"

6 Mar 19'

Nicky Anderson reviewed: Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Crawley, Hampshire

"Ellie was very welcoming and friendly. Lovely venue. After demonstrating the basics and introducing us to our little personal baskets of tools and beautifully printed instruction leaflet over a cup of tea, we were let loose on a range of gorgeous fibres plus to weave with; chunky yarns, beautiful natural fibres which I would never have guessed were made from banana, rose plants etc, hand spun and hand dyed yarns, wire and even glittery fibres and pompoms. We were shown examples of previous makes and it was left to us to decide whether to weave a wall hanging, coaster or just weave and see what happened! I originally planned to make a coaster, but thought the opportunity to try out such lovely and unusual fibres available was too good to miss, so strayed a bit and just experimented with making shapes, very patiently guided by Ellie; and changing colours and fibres adding in a little fringe on the way. I was pleased to learn how to warp the loom and to take the piece off and finish it as I had only worked on a previously set up loom. Our creations were all very different and I think we were all pleased with what we had achieved. The three hours flew by. I very much enjoyed and would certainly recommend the workshop."

Elka responded:

"Hi Nicky, thank you so much for the review. Wonderful to meet you and i’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop. I loved you woven piece. Very best wishes, Ellie"

6 Mar 19'

Lizzie reviewed: Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Crawley, Hampshire

"Such an enjoyable workshop last night. Ellie is very patient and so inspiring, a lovely lady. I came away with a finished wall hanging which I love. The yarns I used were beautiful and there was so much to choose from."

Elka responded:

"Hi Lizzie, thank you so much for the review. Really great to meet you. I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Very best wishes, Ellie."

7 Feb 19'

Roz Chapman reviewed: Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Crawley, Hampshire

"As I suffer with severe rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in my hands and arms, I approached this course with some trepidation. But I needn't have worried. Ellie was wonderful and so helpful and understanding enabling me to fully participate. The course was inspiring, so many interesting ideas so that each of us could work on our own ideas and produce a piece of work to our own tastes."

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much Roz for the review. It was a pleasure meeting you and i’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Very best wishes, Ellie"

30 Jan 19'

Kate reviewed: Woven Plant Pots

"I enjoyed this so much. Felt I'd really learnt everything I needed to get going - and have since done so! Elka is a great teacher and very encouraging."

Elka responded:

"Hi Kate, thanks so much for the review. It was a real pleasure to meet you. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the workshop and that you've started weaving at home, fantastic!"

30 Jan 19'

Cynthia reviewed: Woven Plant Pots

"Excellent teacher, allowed own pace working and gave support when needed. Would recommend to a friend."

Elka responded:

"Hi Cynthia, thank you so much for the review. I look forward to seeing you again on the Intermediate course in March! Very best wishes, Ellie"

30 Jan 19'

marilyn gibbs reviewed: Woven Plant Pots

"Great fun day - no question too silly - very clear instruction - friendly environment. Would recommend course to anyone."

Elka responded:

"Thank you Marilyn! I'm so glad you enjoyed the day. It was a pleasure to meet you :)"