In 2021, during his first year at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA), Ryan McDonald’s Introduction to Department: Textiles and Fibre Arts class set in motion what would become a deep affection for weaving. Armed with prior knowledge of working with yarn and thread, it was not difficult for weaving to capture his interest.

Guided by Laura Jones, head of the Applied Arts department and senior lecturer in the Faculty of Textile & Fashion, he was exposed to the basic principles of weaving. The developed skills aided in the creation of his first project, three 8 x 12 inch swatches of varying techniques using a plain loom. “My motivation to continue weaving is exploring and seeing the different dimensions and possibilities that the craft has to offer,” McDonald tells Tuesday Style Fashion (TSF)
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His preference is floor loom as he can produce three yards of fabric in two to three days. This, he explains, commences with a sketch of the design he plans to execute. Utilising the design as a guide, he begins collecting yarn, threads, a weaving shuttle, tapestry needles, and bobbins. Thereafter, he outlines the size for the project and measures the length by spinning yards of thread on a warping mill.

McDonald confesses that he was initially underwhelmed with the fruits of his labour though the results were far from substandard. Recognising he was content with creating his own fabric, he eventually decided that the most important thing to him was ensuring he had clean selvedge to prevent fraying when manufacturing his pieces. His advice to those interested in weaving is to try. “I was not naturally talented, but succeeded simply by trying,” he shares.

All set to enter his third year at EMCVPA, McDonald will major in fashion design with a minor in jewellery making.

There are a few pieces available for purchase, he tells TSF.