I attended and absolutely loved James’s weaving course in March 2022. He is a wonderful, patient and inspiring teacher who took us through the process of setting up the loom and weaving. Being able to take the looms away for a few weeks afterwards to finish off our own scarves meant that we could carry on with everything he showed us. I’m a designer/maker and really appreciated James’s thorough but clear teaching which has made me very keen to do more and wondering why I hadn’t tried it before. I’m hooked! Thank you James.
Gail
Gail
The weekend of weaving was the most wonderful distraction from the cares of the world. From the moment of arriving at the doors of James’ studio there was a creative and purposeful atmosphere, full of expectation about what could be achieve and the joy of making. James, ever patient and positive, quickly got the process of setting up the looms started, and was always there and willing to demonstrate, answer questions, reassure and sort out muddles. There was plenty of time to talk about all our options and the many complications and possibilities, and I left full of confidence that I could finish the beautiful piece I had started. Thank you.
-Jemima
Jemima
Maggie
I cannot speak highly enough about the evening classes in weaving that I have attended in PickOne Studios over the past two years, under the warm guidance of James Donald, a fantastic, positive and highly experienced teacher. He is possessed with a meticulous eye for the process, in all its fine stages and detail.
As a complete novice, I was able to produce a colourful and beautiful Shetland wool scarf in one term. I then went on to try a less structured process called Saori, from Japan, using fine mohair yarn and recycled textiles, producing something both vibrant and eclectic. I cannot wait to return to this colourful, friendly and welcoming place as time allows.
- Maggie
Lesley
I started on the PickOne weekend course as a curious novice, amazed that I could produce a woven scarf in just two days. Now, after a few of James’ inspiring 11-week evening courses, I’m proudly designing and weaving beautiful shawls as gifts for friends and family. James is such an experienced and gifted weaver as well as a great teacher - his patient, knowledgeable, creative and encouraging guidance has allowed me to explore, experiment and develop my own style. The PickOne studio is well equipped with 4-shaft, 8-shaft and 16-shaft looms, weaving text books for inspiration, and a multitude of colourful cones of merino wool, tantalisingly ready for the next warp and weft. I’m hooked!
- Lesley
Callum
James is a great teacher. He's incredibly patient and guides you through every step of the weaving process. The classes provide a friendly environment to meet other weavers. The studio is full of resources and yarn in almost every colour you can think of. I didn't have to worry about buying the right stuff - it was already there! I enjoyed my experience so much that I began a second set of classes immediately after finishing my first. I wholeheartedly recommend learning to weave with James. Learn new skills, meet great people and make something you will treasure.
- Callum
Margaret
James is an excellent and extremely knowledgeable teacher who introduces students to the full weaving process in his welcoming studio in Leith. His weekend class is a great introduction, and his evening classes allow for progression at your own pace. I’m not the only student who became completely addicted and ended up needing their own loom.
- Margaret
Lynda
Attending the weave studio has given me the opportunity to revisit skills I learnt during my degree and has allowed the space to explore new approaches with the support of an experienced weaver. James is amazing at supporting and teaching at all different levels - patiently guiding students through the technical and creative challenges of weaving. The social, supportive aspect of the studio is also really important - with everyone helping to motivate and inspire each other.
- Lynda
Susie
If you’re a complete beginner or just wanting to gain confidence in interpreting weaving drafts and developing your own patterns, then I can recommend evening classes with James at Pickone Weave. James tailors tuition to your individual needs. The delicious collection of yarns, sample weaves and working alongside other students all working on different projects is inspiring. The atmosphere in the studio is convivial and ‘mistakes’ are always seen as serendipitous and an opportunity to learn from each other.
- Susie