Jane Starnes — Weaver & Crafter

Oral Histories — Crafty Sew & Sows

Jane Starnes is a prolific crafter, a passion that grew after receiving her first Sear’s Children’s Loom before the age of 10. Jane has tried and excelled at many crafts including weaving, jewellery making, basket weaving, lace making, dying fabrics and crochet. In this interview, Jane focuses largely on her weaving practice, talking about her inspirations and how her skills have developed over the years. Jane also illustrates the process of weaving and the many benefits of crafting. Jane’s insights about the history of the cloth trade illuminate the events and industrial practices that led to important changes regarding child labour and education policies in the UK. Jane Starnes was interviewed by Ruby Wallace, Jack Sugg and Grace Wordsworth-Clarke at Swaffham Primary School. This oral history was recorded as part of the Crafty Sew and Sows Project in Cambridgeshire. Led by the charity Red2Green, funded by the HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND and delivered in partnership with Swaffham Primary School and Bottisham Village College. Michael Snodgrass from Red2Green managed the Crafty Sew & Sows project. Kulwant Dhaliwal of Hi8us Midlands collaborated with project participants to produce this oral history with support from Michael Snodgrass and staff at Swaffham Primary School, Swaffham Bulbeck.