CHRISTINE Brimer - designer, weaver After working in scientific research and in the not for profit sector I studied Textile Design as a mature student at Massey University’s College of Creative Arts in Wellington. Sustainable design considerations underpinned our exploration of materiality and processes. Weaving resonated with me and establishing a studio practice enables me to continue to focus on the potential of strong and undyed New Zealand wool in contemporary, sustainable design. I hand weave my designs on an AVL Compudobby IV loom, beautifully crafted in California from American Ash. It is a wonderful interface of mechanical and digital technologies. Like all looms, and the musical instruments they resemble, it requires care and tuning to play at its best. As I get aquainted with this beautiful machine, it has become an extension of my thinking and of my hands. With weaving I have found my niche - the place where I belong and can contribute from.

CHRISTINE Brimer - designer, weaver

After working in scientific research and in the not for profit sector I studied Textile Design as a mature student at Massey University’s College of Creative Arts in Wellington. Sustainable design considerations underpinned our exploration of materiality and processes. Weaving resonated with me and establishing a studio practice enables me to continue to focus on the potential of strong and undyed New Zealand wool in contemporary, sustainable design. I hand weave my designs on an AVL Compudobby IV loom, beautifully crafted in California from American Ash. It is a wonderful interface of mechanical and digital technologies. Like all looms, and the musical instruments they resemble, it requires care and tuning to play at its best. As I get aquainted with this beautiful machine, it has become an extension of my thinking and of my hands.

With weaving I have found my niche - the place where I belong and can contribute from.

HERO Yarns Fundamental to the quality of Niche's hand woven products is sourcing fine and strong yarns processed in New Zealand from the fleece of naturally coloured New Zealand sheep. My hero yarns are from Corriedale sheep, raised and mill spun by Anna Gratton Ltd in Fielding, Manawatu; Romney lambswool from Palliser Ridge near Pirinoa in South Wairarapa, and yarn spun in Milton with wool from Romney sheep raised by Sue and Stuart Albrey at Fine Fibre Farms near Waimate, South Canterbury - their homemade blackberry jam is almost as good as their wool.

HERO Yarns

Fundamental to the quality of Niche's hand woven products is sourcing fine and strong yarns processed in New Zealand from the fleece of naturally coloured New Zealand sheep. My hero yarns are from Corriedale sheep, raised and mill spun by Anna Gratton Ltd in Fielding, Manawatu; Romney lambswool from Palliser Ridge near Pirinoa in South Wairarapa, and yarn spun in Milton with wool from Romney sheep raised by Sue and Stuart Albrey at Fine Fibre Farms near Waimate, South Canterbury - their homemade blackberry jam is almost as good as their wool.

MY Village Niche Textile Studio has begun to flourish with expertise and support from many people including; My little family - Paul, Elise and April for their love and patience; and my wider family too Noel Brown - mentor. As a thinker, wordsmith and sounding board Noel has generously, patiently and skillfully guided Niche to market in a way that is empathetic to the handweaving process. Friends for walks and pep talks; especially you, Constance Tutors and classmates from the School of Design, Massey University, Wellington Emma and Daniel of The River , Newtown Russell Kleyn and Anna Briggs for utterly gorgeous photos Josh at Nine Sixty for helping to craft this website and mesh it with an artisan practice Sean at The Black Garage Press , for sublime letterpress

MY Village

Niche Textile Studio has begun to flourish with expertise and support from many people including;

My little family - Paul, Elise and April for their love and patience; and my wider family too

Noel Brown - mentor. As a thinker, wordsmith and sounding board Noel has generously, patiently and skillfully guided Niche to market in a way that is empathetic to the handweaving process.

Friends for walks and pep talks; especially you, Constance

Tutors and classmates from the School of Design, Massey University, Wellington

Emma and Daniel of The River, Newtown

Russell Kleyn and Anna Briggs for utterly gorgeous photos

Josh at Nine Sixty for helping to craft this website and mesh it with an artisan practice

Sean at The Black Garage Press, for sublime letterpress