Sometimes the best creative journeys begin when you least expect them.
For Anne Stubbings, weaving began with a chance encounter during Aotearoa New Zealand's first COVID-19 lockdown. A rigid heddle loom appeared on a local Facebook page, advertised simply as "free to a good home". It needed repairing, came without instructions and there was no one to ask for help.
For many people, that would have been the end of the story.
For Anne and her husband Richard (the other half of Waiatarua Weavers), it was just the beginning.
"We spent the whole of lockdown working out how to repair and use the loom," Anne says. "We made a lot of mistakes, but through trial and error we learnt a lot and produced our first piece of fabric."
That first piece of cloth changed everything.
"Creating that first piece of fabric opened up a whole new world; there was enough to explore to keep me busy for the next 30 years."
More than five years later, Anne is still discovering new possibilities every time she sits at the loom.
Photo courtesy of Margaret Bray.
Teachers at heart
Long before weaving entered their lives, Anne and Richard were both teachers. As they slowly unravelled the mysteries of the loom for themselves, they naturally began thinking about how they would teach someone else.
"We're such geeky teachers, we couldn't help ourselves!"
They refined their weaving workshop with friends, improving it with every session until eventually partnering with Prosper Yarn to host weaving workshops in our Ponsonby studio.
Today Anne's workshops are a favourite for people who have always been curious about weaving but didn't know where to begin.
Why weaving?
If you already knit or crochet, you might wonder what weaving offers that those crafts don't.
"It's quicker than knitting or crochet," Anne explains. "You can easily make a scarf in a weekend."
But speed is only part of the appeal.
"Weaving is full of surprises. Colours and textures combine very differently from knitting."
That's especially true when working with hand-dyed yarn. Two colours that might feel bold —or even clash— in a knitted project can soften into something entirely unexpected once they're woven together.
"The simplest weaving technique can give the illusion of complex tweed," Anne says. "Colour combinations that might seem harsh or jarring when knitted together often soften into something quite magical when woven together."
A weekend of making
Anne loves seeing beginners discover they really can weave.
"People often start by feeling a bit nervous and dubious that they'll actually walk away with a scarf."
They do.
Before the workshop, Anne semi-prepares each loom using the students' chosen Prosper DK colour duo, allowing everyone to begin weaving sooner.
On the first day together, the class prepares one loom from scratch, so everyone learns the whole process from beginning to end.
Students receive detailed notes and can film Anne’s demonstrations if it helps them learn.
Then the weaving begins.
"By the end of day one everyone has found their weaving groove."
Day two focuses on finishing techniques and completing each scarf.
Everyone leaves with a finished scarf, but Anne believes that's only part of what makes the weekend memorable.
"There's a real sense of community sitting around the Prosper worktable. There's time to chat, share crafting tips and exchange phone numbers."
“Some people come for the experience, while others discover an unexpected new obsession and leave with a loom and a plan.”
Why a rigid heddle loom?
Anne teaches rigid heddle loom weaving because she believes it is the perfect place for beginners to start.
"It's a motivating way to start weaving because it's much faster to set up than a floor loom or even a four-shaft table loom."
A rigid heddle loom is small and simple to master, while still being capable of producing stunning scarves, shawls, tea towels, blankets and homewares.
For anyone considering buying a loom, Anne recommends thinking carefully about the kinds of projects you'd like to make, as well as where you'll store it.
"If you think you'd like to weave shawls, choose a wider loom. Also check that spare parts and accessories are easily available. In New Zealand, you can always rely on Ashford looms for this."
Working with Prosper Yarn
Anne believes Prosper DK is a perfect yarn for new weavers.
"It's smooth, strong and because it's squishy, it weaves up quickly."
The hand-dyed colours add another layer of magic.
Every scarf develops its own character as the colours interact across the woven fabric, creating richness and depth that often surprises even experienced makers.
Anne still has a favourite combination.
"Atomic Bubble Gum and Unicorn Farts," she laughs. "I was dubious at first, but it's become one of my favourite colour combinations."
Beyond your first scarf
Once you've finished your first scarf, the possibilities are almost endless.
Anne brings examples of shawls, throws, cushion covers, placemats and colourful tea towels to inspire students to keep exploring rigid heddle loom weaving.
Join Anne in the Prosper studio
If you've ever been curious about weaving, Anne's workshop is the perfect place to begin.
Designed especially for beginners, you'll learn how to set up a rigid heddle loom, weave your own beautiful scarf using your chosen Prosper DK colour duo and finish it with confidence.
Along the way you'll discover just how relaxing—and addictive—weaving can be.
Who knows? Your first scarf might be the beginning of a lifelong weaving journey.
