Besides an impressive array of machinery, we have an even more impressive team of textile specialists. Look around to see which of our specialists can help you during your working period in the TextielLab.
During your time in the TextielLab’s weaving department, you will work closely with a product developer who enjoys nothing more than the challenge of pushing technological boundaries to translate your ideas into textiles. Curious about our master weavers? Get to know them here!
Stef Miero, product developer weaving
Stef, who has worked at the TextielMuseum for 33 years, specialises in computer-controlled weaving techniques. He is passionate about transferring his knowledge to a new generation of (textile) talent. The loom is his canvas. Memorable projects he has worked on include the development of the gigantic textile walls for the LocHal in Tilburg and the Qatar National Library, both designed by Petra Blaisse of Studio Inside Outside. He has also worked with makers such as Jaime Hayon, Jan Fabre and many others.
Lotte van Dijk, product developer weaving
Lotte graduated from ArtEZ in Arnhem in 2017 with a master’s degree in fashion design. She first came to the TextielLab as a maker to develop part of her graduation collection with Marjan van Oeffelt. This experience inspired her to learn more about computer-controlled weaving. After graduating, she did a six-month internship in the TextieLab’s weaving department. The internship soon turned into a permanent position as creative support and product developer. Besides working in the lab, Lotte is also an independent textile designer. She has a keen eye for colour and material combinations, which she can adapt seamlessly to the maker’s visual language. She has worked with Kiki van Eijk, Aliki van der Kruijs and Bas van Beek, among others.
Marjan van Oeffelt, product developer weaving
Marjan studied technical-commercial textile science at the Hogeschool Enschede. She then developed woven plaids for AaBe Textiles, the biggest textile factory in Tilburg. Since 2008, she has been working as a product developer in the TextielLab’s weaving department, where she translates the ideas of professional makers into unique fabrics. Marjan is in high demand with makers for her broad technical skills, her eye for detail, extensive knowledge of unusual weaves and her creative solutions to special fabric requirements. She has worked with Rafaël Rozendaal, Laurence Aëgerter and Formafantasma, among others. In 2019, she developed a series of 60 woven silk panels with Carlos Amorales for the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.
Judith Peskens, product developer weaving
Judith graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in textile design from ABK Maastricht. After working for three years as a pattern designer for various clients, she did an internship at the TextielLab and subsequently joined the permanent team. Judith is decisive, has an eye for detail and is not afraid to try new things during the development process. She excels at making special weaves that, in combination with the right yarn, produce countless different structures. She has worked with Studio Drift, Wouter Paijmans, Aiko Tezuka and Mae Engelgeer, among others.
Michel Leermakers, technical specialist weaving
Michel’s job title perfectly describes his expertise. He has worked at various weaving mills over the past 30 years, gaining an enormous amount of knowledge and experience. Since 2012, he has applied his expertise in the TextielLab, ensuring that technically challenging projects run smoothly. He is an excellent sounding board for makers’ ideas and enjoys pushing the looms to their limits to achieve the intended result. He has broad knowledge of materials and machines and is always looking for innovations in material use. Projects he has worked on include the development and production of the gigantic textile walls for the LocHal in Tilburg and the Qatar National Library, both designed by Petra Blaisse of Studio Inside Outside. He also supervised the technical development of Samira Boon’s woven origami structures.
During your time in the lab, you will also collaborate with our weavers Alonso Muenala, Frans Verbunt, Perry van den Hout and Ron van de Pol. They ensure that the weaving machines are always in perfect working condition. Besides technical maintenance, they also set up the machines for you. For example, they warp the looms and produce the samples and final fabrics that you create during your working period in the lab.
