The Story of Thread Collective

Hello, I’m Nicky, the founder of Thread Collective, a business that was born from a love of weaving, an unshakeable passion for textiles, and, if I’m being honest, a little frustration. Today, I’d like to invite you into my world to share with you the story behind Thread Collective and how I went from being a weaver and textile artist to the owner of Australia’s largest range of weaving looms, yarns, and accessories. But more importantly, I’d like to take you on the journey that turned a dream into a business that supports makers like you every day.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a love for the tactile, for the feel of fabric, yarn, and fibres. There’s something magical about working with fibres, about watching colours and textures come together, strand by strand, to form something entirely new. As a young adult, this fascination only deepened, and I found myself drawn to weaving, in particular. There’s a beautiful synergy between the loom, the yarn, and the weaver—a dialogue that takes place as the threads cross and twist until a pattern emerges, often something far more beautiful than what you first envisioned.

But it wasn’t always easy to pursue this passion, and that’s where my journey to starting Thread Collective really began.

A Weaver's Frustration: The Beginning of Thread Collective

When I first started weaving more seriously, I encountered a problem that I know many weavers and fibre artists face in Australia: access to materials. Weaving was my creative outlet. As a mother to beautiful, energetic children, weaving was my way of finding peace, my time to connect with something that was purely mine. But I started to feel limited by what was available locally. The selection of yarns and fibres just wasn’t enough, and I found myself scouring the internet, looking at overseas suppliers, dreaming of the day when I could get my hands on the kinds of high-quality materials I knew I needed.

The process was frustrating. I’d spend hours comparing different suppliers, trying to figure out shipping costs, and then wait weeks—sometimes months—for my orders to arrive. And when they did, there was always that uncertainty: Would the yarns be what I expected? Would the colours match? Would the textures work? I realised that while I was passionate about weaving, I was spending more time navigating logistics than actually creating. It seemed crazy to me that in a country as vast and rich in creativity as Australia, local weavers and textile artists didn’t have access to a diverse, high-quality range of materials.

That’s when I started to wonder: Why couldn’t we have that here? Why should we, as artists, be held back by a lack of local resources? These questions stayed with me for months, and eventually, I realised that if I wanted access to the kinds of materials I craved, I wasn’t alone. Other weavers, other fibre artists, must be feeling the same frustration. And that’s when the seed of Thread Collective was planted.

In 2015, I made the leap. I decided that instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, I’d do it myself. I wanted to create a space where weavers and fibre artists could access a wide variety of high-quality yarns, looms, and tools without having to deal with the hassle of importing from overseas. I wanted to give Australian makers the chance to focus on their art, not the logistics of tracking down materials.

Sourcing the Best: Curating a Collection of Excellence

Thread Collective started small, but the mission was clear from the beginning: to offer the best weaving and textile materials to artists across Australia. I began by reaching out to suppliers and brands that I had come to love and trust through my own weaving practice. My goal wasn’t just to stock any yarns or tools; it was to curate a collection that was both diverse and high-quality, a selection that would inspire creativity while meeting the highest standards of craftsmanship.

It wasn’t easy. In the beginning, there were a lot of late nights spent researching suppliers, making connections, and learning the ropes of running a business. But each time I found a new partner—a brand or manufacturer that resonated with my vision—I felt a little thrill of excitement. Thread Collective quickly grew from a small online shop to a go-to destination for weavers and textile artists across Australia.

Today, I’m proud to say we offer Australia’s largest range of weaving looms, yarns, and accessories. We work with brands that are known and loved in the fibre arts world, including Louet, Venne Colcoton, Harrisville Designs, Schacht Spindle Company, AVL Looms, Maurice Brassard, Leclerc Looms, Swiss Mountain Silk, ITO Yarns, and Ashford. Each of these brands shares our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, which are at the heart of everything we do.

But sourcing materials from around the world is only part of the story. From the start, I've been committed to ensuring transparency in Thread Collective’s supply chain, even as we work toward sourcing more locally in the future. While we aren’t fully able to offer an extensive local range yet, we carefully select and partner with ethical suppliers worldwide, ensuring the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Every product we offer comes with a traceable story, whether it's a yarn from a family-run mill or a loom crafted by skilled artisans. As we grow, our focus remains on supporting local producers and continuing to share the journey behind our materials with our customers.

Building a Community: Nurturing the Craft

As Thread Collective grew, so did my connection to the weaving and fibre arts community here in Australia. One of the things I love most about this industry is how supportive and connected everyone is. Whether you’re a beginner just starting to explore the world of textiles or a seasoned weaver who’s been practising for decades, there’s a sense of shared passion that brings us all together.

That sense of community is something I’ve always wanted to nurture through Thread Collective. It’s more than just a business for me—it’s a space where we can share knowledge, resources, and inspiration. I believe that creativity flourishes when we come together, and that’s why I’m so passionate about being involved in the wider fibre arts community. I’m incredibly proud to serve on the board of Queensland Spinners, Weavers, and Fibre Artists, where I get to work with other artists to promote the craft and advocate for its growth. Through my role, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many talented weavers, spinners, and fibre artists, each with their own unique stories and experiences.

One of the things I’ve learned along the way is that weaving isn’t just about the end product—it’s about the process. There’s something deeply meditative about working with your hands, about watching the yarn move through the loom, row after row. It’s a practice that connects us to the past, to a tradition that spans cultures and centuries. And at the same time, it’s a way of expressing ourselves in the present, of creating something entirely new and unique. I want Thread Collective to be a place where that tradition is celebrated, where artists can find the tools and materials they need to bring their visions to life.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Thread Collective?

As I look to the future, I’m excited about the possibilities for Thread Collective. We’ve come a long way since those early days of late-night research and small orders. But there’s still so much more I want to do. One of my goals is to continue expanding our range of locally sourced materials. I believe in the importance of supporting local manufacturers and growing our industry here in Australia. It’s not just about providing high-quality products; it’s about fostering sustainability and creating a business model that reflects our values of ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.

I’m also committed to continuing to build our community. Over the past few years, I’ve participated in workshops and events, and have collaborated with other Australian fibre artists. These have been some of the most rewarding experiences for me personally, as I’ve had the chance to connect with so many passionate and talented weavers. In the coming years, I hope to create more opportunities for learning, collaboration, and creativity.

At the heart of it all, though, Thread Collective remains true to its roots. It’s about supporting weavers and fibre artists, about providing the tools and materials needed to fuel your creativity. Whether you’re a beginner picking up a loom for the first time or an experienced artist looking for something new and inspiring, Thread Collective is here for you. We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re excited to continue this journey with you, one thread at a time.

Thank you for being a part of our story, and for sharing in this incredible journey. I can’t wait to see what we create together.

With warmth and gratitude,

Nicky