After many years of handspinning, plant dyeing and knitting, I was still struggling with the basics of dressing a loom. James's videos were and will be the best preparation for dressing a loom I can imagine: step by step, clearly defined processes, these films are the ultimate tool in mistake-proof guidance!
The course was delivered empathetically, and at a good pace. My acquired habit of beating too firmly was corrected consistently until 'the penny dropped'.
James is very good at keeping the students focused on the task in hand, but giving freedom in choosing all their materials, both of which were fun.
The studio was inviting, well-lit, comfortable, and warm.
All the other looms and woven samples were inspiring , as was the other studio.
I think James's course and films have finally helped me to master the basics of weaving, and I feel confident as I have the films as a resource.
If future courses will fit in with my Projects, I would certainly like to do another course in Leith with pickOne studios. The recommendations I had from two of my former weaving tutors were certainly right when they said: James will certainly teach you how to dress a loom, and I am grateful to all three of them.
Margareta November 2024
Margareta November 2024
Almost exactly a year ago I attended my first weaving weekend workshop with James Donald at PickOne in Leith. Before the class, we were sent a series of videos to watch and this gave me a helpful insight into what the weekend would involve. Over the course of two days we learned to wind a warp, warp up the loom with a straight draft, and weave basic twill structures. We were able to take the loom home with us to complete our projects. I watched various bits of James’s videos during this process, particularly when it came to finishing and hemming my scarf and taking it off the loom.
I returned in April to do a second workshop, which consolidated what I had learnt in the first one and introduced me to pointed drafts and bird’s eye structures. By now I was hooked and decided to buy my own table loom and warping mill. I have just taken my first unsupervised warp off the loom - two scarves and various sample pieces. I rewatched James’s videos throughout the warping process and at various points during the weaving. They are split into sections so it is easy to find the bit you need at any given point.
Obviously, there is no substitute for in-person teaching, but James’s videos are well presented, very instructive and clear. They are an invaluable resource and I am sure I will refer to them many more times in my weaving journey.
Becky October 2024
Becky October 2024
James was very patient and very clear which made me feel way less vulnerable when learning; simple, non technical, instructions as part of a warping surgery - I never felt embarrassed if I hadn't quite picked up what I was to do.
J. September 2024
J
I have been taking PickOne´s lessons since October 2023 and consider myself a lucky person having had the opportunity to get James expert advice for all my weaving projects regardless of complexity. The space has always been open for me to experiment and learn new techniques based on my personal interest in using "3D weaving techniques" and material explorations.
Also, within this inspiring and colourful creative space, I have had the opportunity to meet amazing people from the broadest range of backgrounds expanding my local community and feelings of belonging.
I will definitely keep taking more workshops and lessons as long as there is a space for me!!
Laura July 2024
Laura
Attending a workshop with James Donald at PickOne studios has been a fantastic way to start my weaving journey. James shares his extensive expert knowledge in a relaxed and generous style. Over the 2 days I was able to choose my colours, warp up a table loom and start weaving a scarf. A highlight of the weekend is being allowed to take the loom home and finish your scarf with the help of some great instructional videos which James provides for you to keep.
As a complete beginner weaver the workshop was a joyful learning experience, great value for money and I am really proud of my finished scarf.
Flora June 2024
Flora
Having only woven on small fixed frame looms before, I found James' 2 day course all of useful, fun and absorbing. In a mixed class we worked at a pace to suit all and James struck a good balance of keeping a watchful eye on us, letting us move on at our own pace and being there to help when we were floundering. All in all very useful and enjoyable.
This has set me up to thread my own loom and get weaving. I also have a smart (ish) scarf to show for it.
Robert April 2024
An inspirational weekend at Pick One’s weaving workshop. Two full days immersed in weaving passed in a flash and I learned so much. James is an exceptional weaver and excellent tutor - enthusiastic, encouraging, patient, very knowledgeable and highly entertaining. His studio is an Aladdin’s Cave of colour and creativity - loads to inspire. Over the weekend we covered the whole weaving process, from colour selection, warping through to weaving. If you love and appreciate textiles I’d would definitely recommend a Pick One workshop. The classes are small - three folk in ours - so you’re guaranteed lots of attention and support. James’s instruction is clear and he’s always on hand to help out. You’ll never again underestimate a woven fabric, and also have a beautiful handwoven scarf to show off. Thank you James.
Lesley February 2024
Lesley
I had completed a little weaving but was at a point where I was going to sell my loom as I struggled with warping up. I signed onto this 2-day course, where no prior knowledge is expected or needed, and it was completely worth it. Small group sizes mean everyone has James’ complete attention. His studio is amazing, very well stocked with looms and yarns, situated in a great area, so I treated it as a bit of a holiday too. The enthusiasm James displays is infectious, and he keeps everything simple and straightforward. Looms are provided and you learn how to warp up the loom before weaving, and then you can borrow the loom to complete the project if you wish.
Well produced videos provide back up to the teaching, and I recommend this course to anyone, it was thoroughly enjoyable
Penny February 2024
Penny
This was my second weaving workshop with James. I had enjoyed the first one so much that I couldn’t wait to come back and spend another couple of days in the warm, colourful, creative atmosphere of the PickOne studio. Once again I loved it. The class was very small so there was plenty of time and space for James to spend with each of us. He has a real gift of working out what each one of us needed or was struggling with, leaving us able to get to know each other and to have a real laugh. He is endlessly patient and very tolerant if we made the same mistakes over again. I felt this time that I had progressed under his watchful eye and feel more confident about my creation. My problem now is to find time to finish my piece - I’m constantly trying to fit in ‘one more pick’!
Caroline October 2023
Caroline
Had a fantastic weaving experience at Pickone Studios with James. The weaving weekend was informative AND good fun. I learned so much! James is friendly and professional and guided everyone through the weaving process from setting up the loom to making a final weave. Classes are small and it felt like 1-1 tuition, which made the learning more intense. I would highly recommend the Pickone weekend weaving classes. 5 stars.
Lesley October 2023
Had a fantastic weaving experience at Pickone Studios with James. The weaving weekend was informative AND good fun. I learned so much! James is friendly and professional and guided everyone through the weaving process from setting up the loom to making a final weave. Classes are small and it felt like 1-1 tuition, which made the learning more intense. I would highly recommend the Pickone weekend weaving classes. 5 stars.
Lesley October 2023
I attended the PickOne Weave Taster Class run by James, on 2nd September 2, and found it definitely lived up to its title, being, in my opinion a great starter workshop, and an excellent way to get a taste of trying out weaving.
James's knowledge was superb, and his clear speaking, patience and teaching skills made everything plain and easy to understand, with plenty of necessary information given. I liked the fact that he gave us notes that we could take away, along with our swatches!!
I found it really helpful that the loom was set up as we could get straight down to the weaving, and if you wanted to, learn to set up the loom , in another of James ' workshops.
I would highly recommend the Weave Taster Class.
Alison September 2023
Alison
PickOne’s Weekend Weaving Course offers a great opportunity to learn how to weave. All equipment and tuition is provided and students choose from a large selection of colourful, high quality yarns. James introduced the basics of weaving, supported us to choose our individual projects and taught us how to set up and use our looms. By the end of the weekend we were well equipped to borrow a loom to complete our weaving project. James is a great tutor, full of enthusiasm and knowledge. The small class sizes allow James to spend time with each student to suit their interests and level of experience.
Stephen July 2023
Stephen
Li
I really enjoyed the weekend workshop I attended along with 3 other students. We were all at slightly different stages in our weaving journey, but James is a good teacher, very patient and managed to juggle us all to ensure we got the support & guidance we needed. It was exciting to have access to such a wide range of yarn colours to choose from. I am already planning my next course !
Linda July 2023
This was an exceptionally good workshop taking participants from preparing a warp to producing a scarf over the course of a weekend. The small numbers meant that everyone received a high level of individual attention. The sessions were very well paced so that we all progressed at a good pace in a really relaxed environment. James is a very skilled, knowledgeable and patient teacher, and the accompanying videos were of an exceptionally high standard which meant that we continued to have support as we finished our projects at home. I have now been bitten by the weaving bug and will definitely be back to learn more.
Jacqui April 2023
An excellent introduction to the world of weaving! James is a friendly, patient teacher skilled at sharing his passion and knowledge of weaving. The taster session involved three students using three table top looms which James already prepared to make the the weaving experience as rewarding as possible. As a complete beginner, with James’ guidance I was able to produce impressive samples of woven cloth, learning how to use a table loom, appreciate designs and yarns at the same time. Highly recommend the taster course and have signed myself up for more courses.
Stephen April 2023
James friendly and supportive teaching technique taught me how to warp a 4-shaft loom - something I have feared for many years!
The workshop is extremely well stocked providing a vast array of yarn colours to choose from and is also in an excellent location being well served if you want to treat yourself for lunch or have a lower cost option. The entire process was conducted with fun discussion and excellent practical guidance. James has even created instructional videos in case you need a wee reminder when you get home.
Joanne March 2023
Joanne
Rhian Hughes
James' weekend course was an inspirational learning experience. By the end of the first day, we had transferred the warp from the mill onto a four-shaft loom and threaded the heddles. During the second day, we tied on the warp and were off and away with our weaving. James provides samples of different twills (plus the draft) and the videos he provides of each stage are fantastically clear to reinforce everything we learned. James has a real gift of making everyone feel included, confident and relaxed. The course was sheer fun. And … he lets you borrow his loom to finish your project. How neat is that?
Rhian November 2022.
James' weekend course was an inspirational learning experience. By the end of the first day, we had transferred the warp from the mill onto a four-shaft loom and threaded the heddles. During the second day, we tied on the warp and were off and away with our weaving. James provides samples of different twills (plus the draft) and the videos he provides of each stage are fantastically clear to reinforce everything we learned. James has a real gift of making everyone feel included, confident and relaxed. The course was sheer fun. And … he lets you borrow his loom to finish your project. How neat is that? Rhian November 2022.
Sarah moodie
I absolutely loved this weekend of weaving. James is a skilful teacher with the patience of a saint! It is hands on with your own table loom, fairly fast paced (but you wont be left behind) and by Sunday afternoon you will not be wanting to stop.
Learning through doing at its very best👌
Sarah Moodie October 2022
Wren.
I attended an amazing weekend class in September 2022. The atmosphere in James’s studio was welcoming and inspiring, James is an encouraging and accommodating teacher who answered all of my questions and provided me with an in depth understanding of weaving. I loved learning how to weave and how to warp up, it is such a mindful process! The online videos are great, they are super detailed and gave me a taster of weaving before the class. I love the pattern and colours of my scarf, it was great to see all the samples and books in James’s studio as they provided so much creative inspiration! Thank you James
- Wren. September 2022.
I attended an amazing weekend class in September 2022. The atmosphere in James’s studio was welcoming and inspiring, James is an encouraging and accommodating teacher who answered all of my questions and provided me with an in depth understanding of weaving. I loved learning how to weave and how to warp up, it is such a mindful process! The online videos are great, they are super detailed and gave me a taster of weaving before the class. I love the pattern and colours of my scarf, it was great to see all the samples and books in James’s studio as they provided so much creative inspiration! Thank you James
- Wren. September 2022
I attended the weekend weaving class in September 2021 and again in May 2022. The atmosphere over the weekend is extremely relaxed and you can go at your own pace but the amount you learn is incredible. I was a complete novice at the beginning and now feel confident enough to tackle weaving on my own. The class size is small so you really get to know your fellow weavers and it’s simply a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a weekend.
-Sarah
I attended the weekend weaving class in September 2021 and again in May 2022. The atmosphere over the weekend is extremely relaxed and you can go at your own pace but the amount you learn is incredible. I was a complete novice at the beginning and now feel confident enough to tackle weaving on my own. The class size is small so you really get to know your fellow weavers and it’s simply a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a weekend.
Sarah