In a Harris Tweed weaving workshop

While driving around the village of Shawbost, I noticed sheds in the gardens of many houses. These are the weavers’ workshops that make the Harris Tweed. The manufacture of this fabric is regulated by the law. Harris Tweed is to be woven at home, only in the Outer Hebrides Archipelago, with local wool.

Catherine and her husband are English. In search of a life in the wild, they fell under Lewis’ spell. This is where they learned to weave. It’s a physically demanding job, as I’ve seen. The looms (machines) only work with the strength of the calves. Catherine’s tool is a hundred years old.

Some weavers work with the companies of the archipelago. Others like Catherine, sell their Harris Tweed directly. If you go through Shawbost, do not hesitate to visit her, she will talk to you about her work with pleasure!