Looking to improve and add something extra to your weaves? Then look no further because today I am here to show you some extra techniques ..read more

Getting Ready with My Bridesmaids As my wedding day approached, I reflected on the incredible support I received from my bridesmaids and ..read more

Calling all small business owners! It was the beginning of the new tax year on the 6th of April. As someone who's been through the highs and lows of running a small business, I know how overwhelming tax season can be. But fear not! I'm here to share some tips to help you breeze through your tax return and keep your accounts in tip-top shape. Here we go: 1. Stay organised:  Set aside dedicated time each month (or every two weeks if you have time) to update your financial records. Keeping track of your income and expenses regularly will save you a ton of stress when tax time rolls aro ..read more

Hey, lovely readers! Siobhan here, reflecting on the rollercoaster ride that was 2023. As we step into the new year, I wanted to share the highs, the almost-there moments, and the unexpected victories with all of you. What I Almost Achieved in 2023 Hitting 3000 sales on Etsy: Oh, the Etsy hustle! While I didn't quite hit the 3000 mark, it felt exhilarating to come so close. Your support has been my driving force. Investing in new equipment:  A new laptop and loom were on the wishlist. Did I get them? Well, maybe this year. Fingers crossed for upgraded weaving adventures! Consistent ..read more

Weaving is one of the oldest and most important crafts in human history, dating back thousands of years. From simple hand-weaving techniques to advanced industrial methods, the history of weaving is a fascinating story of innovation, creativity and cultural exchange. Today we will be taking a journey through this rich history of weaving and showing a timeline of important dates to this craft! 5000BCE The earliest evidence of woven textiles dates back to this period in Egypt. The Ancient Egyptians used flax fibers to create linen fabrics which were used for clothing, household items and ceremon ..read more

When it comes to designing any space, it’s important to keep environmental sustainability in mind. Climate change and pollution are big concerns all across the world right now, so implementing sustainable design practices into your spaces is one way in which you can help to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some tips and tricks for creating eco-friendly and sustainable interiors: Using recycled materials By choosing materials that have already been used and can be recycled again, you are helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This can include upcycling vintage ..read more

Are you a beginner weaver interested in learning the art of frame and tapestry weaving? Then look no further because in this post we will provide you with a brief history of weaving and give you all the tips that you need to get started with weaving on a frame loom! A Brief History Did you know that weaving is one of the oldest crafts known to humankind? Historians believe that weaving dates back to the Neolithic era. That’s around 12,000 years ago! Ancient people used weaving to create clothes, textiles and even shelters. Over the years, weaving has evolved in different societies, from simple ..read more

The textile industry is one of the largest and most polluting industries in the world. In fact, around 1.75 million tonnes of clothing and textile waste is created in the UK each year. From this about 1.2 million tonnes of it ends up in landfill where they will take up valuable space and release toxic chemicals into the soil.  The impact of textile waste on the environment is staggering! But don’t worry too much because there are steps that we can take to help mitigate this problem: Donate clothing Instead of throwing away your unwanted clothes, consider donating them to a charity shop ..read more

As the festive season approaches, the familiar hum of excitement is accompanied by the bustling chaos for small businesses – it's the Christmas rush! However, this dynamic landscape comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when contending with the colossal Black Friday sales that have transformed from a single-day to a weekend-long affair and now, a full Black Friday month. For independent brands like Shiv Textiles, this period can feel like a tightrope walk. The squeeze is real, and the competition is fierce. Your unwavering support and dedication to shopping small during this fes ..read more

Weaving is a centuries-old craft that weaves (pun intended) the warp and weft thread together to create intricate and unique textiles. As a lover of all things fabric and design, I have developed a passion for weaving and woven textiles. In this blog post, I explore some of the reasons why I love weaving and the end products that are created. 1. Versatility One of the things I love most about weaving is its versatility. It allows for the creation of various textile designs, including rugs, cushions, blankets, scarves, shawls and even clothing in a range of colours, textures and patterns. With ..read more