FOR the first time, a weaver has displayed her wares at the highly successful Trowbridge Weavers Market.

Judith Gilchrist, of Loomin Marvellous in Warminster, brought her 16-inch wide Kromsky Rigid Heddle Loom and her Loueterica four-shaft table loom to the market on Saturday (October 8).

She set them up at Emmanuel’s Yard to demonstrate her weaving skills and to allow visitors to have a go themselves.

“From a selling point of view, it wasn’t hugely successful, but I did meet lots of people and that was really good.

“Five to six people wanted to learn how to weave, which was lovely, and I met a lady who wanted me to give a talk to her WI group.

“I also had a request for my business card with a view to taking my loom to the Trowbridge Museum,” said Ms Gilchrist, 50.

The former British Airways cabin crew flight attendant took up weaving during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns after learning how to crochet during long 29-flights.

“However, I developed a really painful right thumb and had a huge stash of yarn left so my partner bought me my first loom to use as a Christmas present last December.

“Since then, I haven’t looked back and when BA asked me to go back to work, I told them I could earn more from weaving.

“With every piece I weave I learn something new and I have learned from my mistakes. The best part is being able to lose myself. It’s a very gentle craft.

“I love being around people and for me it is lovely to talk weaving all day at events such as the Weavers Market.”

Ms Gilchrist is planning to attend the Trowbridge Apple Fair at Emmanuel’s Yard on Saturday (October 15).

Everything she produces is handwoven from locally sourced yarns, designed and created with function and beauty in mind.

She is also helping to support Yarn for the Soul in Warminster, Pins and Needles in Devizes, Beaker Buttons at the Weyhill Fairground Craft Centre near Andover, and Jules Delight in Pewsey.

Other exhibitors at the Trowbridge Weavers Market included Joseph Quibell, who has turned his foraging hobby into a business called Sweet Forager; and canal boat dweller, Maria Johnson, who found she had time on her hands and started her Quirky Felting business making felt animals.

Another first timer at the Weavers Market was Amba Mistry-Roderick from Bradford on Avon with her Spice Burst Business.