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Elka

Contact name: Ellie Fisher
93
Total bookings
Rating
(139)
about 7 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

ELKA is a weaving and natural dye studio based in Hampshire. Ellie spent a large part of her childhood living abroad and travelling. The vibrant markets of the Middle and Far East triggered her passion for colour, texture and pattern and this influence is expressed through her textiles. She completed both her BA in Textile Design, specialising in woven textiles, and MA in Design for Textile Futures at Central St Martins College of Art and Design, graduating in 2006. After graduating, she moved back to Winchester to set up her weaving business which she has been running full time since 2015. In 2018 Claudia (Ellie's mum) started working with the business to produce naturally dyed yarns for Ellie to weave with, and to sell on our website. If you are too far afield to join us on an in-person workshop, we have a growing range of online self-paced courses which have been designed to get you confidently weaving and natural dyeing from you home.

Courses, kits & gifts

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An Introduction to Natural Dyeing with Starter Kit. A self-paced online course.
97 items left
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An Introduction to Natural Dyeing. A self-paced online course
96 items left
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Frame Loom Weaving Starter Kit with Online Beginner Weaving Course
86 items left
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Frame loom weaving: A comprehensive guide to becoming a weaver - a self-paced online course
9 items left
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Frame loom weaving: A comprehensive guide to becoming a weaver - a self-paced online course PLUS kit
16 items left
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Hand Woven Scarf 'F*** It #5'
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Hand woven scarf 'F*** It #6'
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Hand woven scarf 'F*** It #8'
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Hand woven scarf 'F*** It #9'
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Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury, Wiltshire
6 hours
Next date: 27th Sep 2025
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Introduction to frame loom weaving: beginners guide - a self-paced online course PLUS kit
99 items left
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Introduction to frame loom weaving: beginners guide - a self-paced online course
97 items left
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Introduction to Inkle Loom Weaving Workshop, Salisbury
6 hours
Next date: 21st Nov 2025
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Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire
6 hours
Next date: 27th Sep 2025
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Introduction to Natural Inks and Paints
6 hours
Next date: 13th Sep 2025
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Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Salisbury
6 hours
Next date: 26th Sep 2025
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Introduction to table loom weaving, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury - Two day workshop
2 days
Next date: 12th Dec 2025
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Rainy Days Wall Hanging Fibre Pack (Materials & E-book)
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Rainy Days Wall Hanging Weaving Kit (Loom, Materials & E-book)

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews
19 Jul 25'

Sue reviewed: Introduction to Inkle Loom Weaving Workshop, Salisbury

"Had a great day learning on the Inkle Loom with Ellie and 7 others at Fisherton Mill in Salisbury. Ellie is a very good teacher and supplies all you need to make a band of your choice. I learnt how to design and choose my colours plus learning about different fibres to use. Ellie is very ‘hands on’ and there was plenty of time for her to help all the students when needed. We received a great hand out and were able to take home our newly made bands. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend."

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review Sue. It was a pleasure to meet you and i'm delighted that you enjoyed the day. You weaving was beautiful!"

15 Jun 25'

Amy Large reviewed: Introduction to Inkle Loom Weaving Workshop, Salisbury

"Ellie was an extremely.knowledgeable and engaging instructor. The class was fantastic and you felt you'd achieved a lot over the course of a day. The venue is beautiful. Would not hesitate to book lots more classes both at Fisherton Mill and with Ellie."

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review Amy! X"

19 May 25'

Deborah Evans reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"An excellent introductory day to natural dyeing. Lovely welcome and an immersive day. It can be quite technical but don't let that put you off - you need to understand the basics in order to get the best results."

Elka responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Deborah! It was a pleasure to meet you. Best wishes, Claudia x"

18 May 25'

D.S.Taylor reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"Natural Dyeing Course taught by Claudia was informative and creative. I left with clearly written handouts and samples of items for reference. I am definitely inspired! Thank you. "

Elka responded:

"I'm so glad that you enjoyed the workshop and are feeling inspired! Thank you for the lovely review. Best wishes, Claudia x "