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Elka

Contact name: Ellie Fisher
99
Total bookings
Rating
(141)
over 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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6 Hour 'Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving' at Seeded in Southsea
6 hours
Next date: 27th Feb 2026
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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: 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
15 items left
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Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving Workshop, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury
6 hours
Next date: 30th Jan 2026
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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, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury
6 hours
Next date: 31st Jan 2026
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Introduction to Inkle Loom Weaving Workshop, Seeded, Southsea
6 hours
Next date: 14th Dec 2025
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Introduction to Natural Dyeing Workshop, Mere, Wiltshire
6 hours
Next date: 28th Feb 2026
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Introduction to Natural Inks & Paints Workshop, Mere, Wiltshire
6 hours
Next date: 21st Mar 2026
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Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury
6 hours
Next date: 24th Mar 2026
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Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Seeded, Southsea
6 hours
Next date: 19th Apr 2026
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Introduction to Table Loom Weaving (Two-Day) Workshop, Seeded, Southsea
12 hours
Next date: 26th Jan 2026
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Introduction to Table Loom Weaving Workshop (Two-Day), Fisherton Mill, Salisbury
2 days
Next date: 23rd Feb 2026

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews
22 Nov 25'

Sue P. reviewed: Introduction to Inkle Loom Weaving Workshop, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury

"I attended Ellie's workshop yesterday. What a wonderful experience. Non stop tuition and help. I'm so excited to carry on using my Inkle loom which had previously sat on the shelf. Looking forward to working with Ellie in the near future. "

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovey review Sue! It was an absolute pleasure to spend the day with you, your weaving was beautiful and I'm so glad you're excited to continue with it :)"

18 Nov 25'

Jenny reviewed: Introduction to Natural Inks & Paints Workshop, Mere, Wiltshire

"Really enjoyed (another) day with Claudia. The natural pigment and paint making course was very well designed and structured for a manageable in a day. A small group is always a plus especially when they are such a lovely bunch. Claudia is a wonderful, knowledgeable and calm tutor. We learnt a lot, came home with many samples, an informative booklet and a goodie bag.what’s not to love! "

Elka responded:

"Thank you Jenny for taking the time to leave this lovely review! I'm so glad you enjoyed the day and got a lot out of it."

19 Jul 25'

Sue reviewed: Introduction to Inkle Loom Weaving Workshop, Fisherton Mill, 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, Fisherton Mill, 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"