Wednesday 3 September, 6-7 p.m. (BST): Online Talk: Crafting with What the Land Offers with Shannon Nelson of Traceable Textiles

This online talk offers a close look at the thoughtful, place-based approach to wool and weaving at Traceable Textiles in Edmonton, Alberta. Founded by master weaver Shannon Nelson, the studio works directly with small local farms to source wool from sheep typically raised for meat rather than fibre. Breeds like Dorset, Finnsheep, and Black Welsh Mountain produce fleeces with character—often overlooked by the global market but full of potential when carefully blended and spun.

Rather than beginning with a fixed design and importing materials to suit, the process here begins with the land and the wool it offers. Each fleece is assessed by hand, then prepared and spun at one of the last woolen-spun mills in Canada. Colour is introduced through natural, plant-based dyes, and every blanket is woven in-house with an eye to texture, durability, and finish.

Join us as we share our process, from raw fleece to finished piece, and reflect on how material, place, and practice can shape design in meaningful ways.

Shannon Nelson has been weaving in Alberta for over 20 years. She completed her Masters in Weaving at Old’s College, where her final project was to determine the viability of developing weaving yarns from locally sourced and processed wool.  She has built a production house that sells handwoven blankets using handlooms. She is also very involved in the Edmonton Weavers’ Guild and has taught a number of weaving courses. 

With over 20 years of experience in the art of weaving, Nelson is a skilled artisan and entrepreneur based in Alberta, Canada. Holding a Master’s in Weaving from Olds College, Nelson's pioneering work explored the feasibility of creating high-quality weaving yarns from locally sourced and processed wool.

In addition to her production work, Nelson is a key member of the Edmonton Weavers’ Guild, where she actively shares her knowledge through teaching and mentoring. Her courses are highly regarded, helping to foster a new generation of weavers while keeping the art form alive in the community.

All online talks during London Textile Month are 40 minutes long, followed by a 20-minute Q&A. A PDF with the Zoom link will be sent to you upon booking. A recording will be sent out in case you are unable to attend the live talk or would like to rewatch it.

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