My name is Marie, the hands behind the weaving studio Marie Handwovens. Based near Leiden, a city rich with textile history and located between Amsterdam and The Hague in the Netherlands, I create one-of-a-kind handwoven textiles for people who value quality, color, and true craftsmanship.

Growing up in France, I was surrounded by handmade things. My mother was a quilter, and both my grandmothers were knitters. I tried my hand at almost every craft imaginable (I’m embarrassed to say how many), but once I discovered weaving, I knew I had found my calling.

Working with all these crafts — especially quilting — taught me to understand color and design long before I ever sat at a loom.

When I lived in England, right across the road from a sheep farm, I bought my first drop spindle. I kept dropping it (and no, that is not why it is called a “drop spindle”) and eventually joined the North Herts spinning, weaving, and dyeing guild for help.

Thanks to a workshop organized by the guild in 2015, I discovered my love for weaving, and I have been weaving ever since. I began on a small table loom and later moved on to my Saori floor loom.

After moving to the Netherlands, I completed a year-long professional weaving course in Rotterdam with Sytze Roos from Ambachtelijke Weverij (a nicer way to try to learn Dutch). Shortly after, I bought my second loom: a 16-shaft Toika Liisa.

Today, my Toika loom (also known as “the big loom”) is equipped with a computer dobby. I chose this setup so I could explore complex patterns without being limited by the number of treadles. It allows me to create intricate structures that would be nearly impossible otherwise.

I use it for everything from complex technical weaves to simple, meditative designs. Even though I enjoy weaving advanced structures, I regularly set up projects focused purely on color and texture — a practice I first learned through Saori weaving and still enjoy today.

Over the years, I have become a devoted natural-fiber lover and am always looking for high-quality yarns, including eco-friendly and locally sourced fibers when possible. Using high-quality materials ensures that my handwoven textiles can withstand everyday use.

For example, I use my own handwoven napkins daily; they have survived eight years of use with three kids - enduring everything from ketchup to chocolate.

Whether it’s a hand-painted scarf or a sturdy cotton towel, my textiles are made to be used and loved for years, not tucked away. They are meant to age well, carrying the time and care invested in them.

My designs are inspired by personal experiences and a deep love of color. I was never fully satisfied with the colors available on the market, which led me to start dyeing my own fibers to ensure my work was truly unique.

I enjoy playing with unexpected color combinations and experimenting with asymmetry to bring energy into my textiles. While weaving is rooted in tradition, I value the freedom to innovate, ensuring that every piece is as individual as the person who owns it.

I am rarely without a project. If you see me out and about, I will likely have my inkle loom — making shoelaces, key fobs, or bag straps — or a rigid heddle loom for scarves and blankets.

I often do weaving demonstrations at local markets, where I am always happy to answer questions, whether from a curious child or an adult interested in the craft. What I love most about weaving is that there is always something new to learn, and I share this passion through workshops in the Leiden area.