About
Hello — I'm Anita Lomas.
From my small garden studio in South Manchester, I weave handcrafted pieces from natural fibres, many of them grown in my own garden. Working with materials so closely connected to the place I call home brings a sense of connection and calm. I love transforming these overlooked fibres into objects of beauty and meaning that would otherwise complete their journey back to the earth.
How it all started ...
After many years working as a graphic designer, I found myself increasingly drawn back to the natural world and the satisfaction of making things by hand. What began as a few short basketry courses soon became a passion, leading me to study for the City and Guilds qualification at Westhope College in Shropshire under Eddie Glew of Blithfield Willowcrafts, the renowned "Weaving Dreams" basketmaker.
I completed the course with distinction in 2018 and initially worked exclusively with willow. Then, while building my garden studio, my willow supplies went into storage just as lockdown began. Eager to keep weaving, I turned instead to the plants growing around me. That unexpected challenge transformed my practice, opening up a world of soft, natural fibres and inspiring a new direction in my work.
I continue to develop my craft through study and experimentation. In 2024, I joined Form to Freedom, Harriet Goodall's acclaimed online programme exploring contemporary natural fibre techniques, and was delighted to have my work featured in the exhibition book Nurturing Revolutions.
Alongside my own creative practice, I am a member of the Basketmakers' Association, for whom I design and produce The Journal three times a year, and I'm a member of the Peak District Artisans, a group recognised for excellence in contemporary craft.
Materials
The fibres I work with are often those hiding in plain sight: daffodil, daylily and iris leaves, English rush, willow bark and other plants gathered from my own garden and the surrounding area.
Each material is harvested at the end of its natural growing cycle, allowing the plants to regenerate and flourish again the following year. This gentle, time-honoured approach to basketry works in harmony with the seasons and leaves a light footprint on the landscape.
Once gathered, the fibres are carefully dried and stored until they are needed. Before weaving, they are rehydrated and allowed to mellow, restoring their flexibility and preparing them for the slow, mindful process of making.
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