I have always been interested in fiber in one way or another, starting with Inkle loom weaving as a child.
String art, knitting, crochet and cross-stitch all occupied my mind and scarce time. A four-shaft table loom entered my life at around the same time as my youngest child, and was unfortunately set aside.
After retiring to Western North Carolina, and having to sell my loom for the move and down-sizing, I went back to knitting. The biggest surprise, however, was a well-kept secret that my husband schemed: for our 30th anniversary, he bought me an 8-shaft floor loom. Other than Inkle instruction to get me started those many years ago, I have been self taught.
I am loving the complex patterns and color interactions, and the changes that textured yarns can bring. Exploring different weave structures is a joy, especially when seeing beautiful things emerge in the negative spaces between what you expected. I have been weaving scarves, table runners, baby blankets, shawls, place mats, and bags. I am still exploring possibilities, and loving it!
Materials
I usually use Rayon / Tencel, as the feel and drape of the resulting fabric is so luxurious. I also use cotton, and some novelty yarns (which may include blends, some nylon, and metallic threads). No wool for me: allergic!