IWC has added virtual workshops between conferences to our offerings. The IWC Zoom Workshop Proposal Form can be seen at this link: IWC Zoom Workshop Proposal Form Email the Proposal Form and the other requested information to [email protected].
IWC 2025 Workshops
IWC is offering 3-day workshops, 1-day workshops and half day seminars. The 3-day workshops are Wednesday through Friday. The one-day workshops and half-day seminars are on Saturday. Registration for the 2025 workshops will open on 10 Jan 2025 at 7 AM MT.
A PDF document with all of the workshop information and workshop images can be downloaded:
Ms + Os is a traditional 2-block design on 4 shafts that depends on thread distortion. This gentle, undulating personality can be carefully developed and expanded into exceptional designs. We will study the traditional pattern blocks and explore new ways to use these characteristics to create outstanding responses to our warp and weft. Adding different yarns can also create delightful color and texture effects. With a fresh understanding of this structure, we will investigate a variety of treadlings on your threading to reveal a patterned system of repetition, rhythm and logic far beyond 2-blocks on 4 shafts. This is a fun, exploratory workshop that has many Aha! moments. Ms + Os is often shown as a monotonous linen weave. This workshop proves otherwise.
Experience level: Must be able to read a draft and understand terminology.
Materials students need to bring:
•a pre-warped loom (10") •Shuttles/bobbins of similar threads •Weaving notions (including thread weights) •pencil and paper for notes •Willing to experiment and have fun attitude
Instructor will provide: Color handouts, copious samples, unusual materials for exploration, weaving notions to ensure student success. Materials fee: $15. Color Handouts (with drawdown/treadlings/notes), sewing and extra weft materials to support student success.
Elizabeth Buckley, Hachures in Contemporary Tapestry
This workshop demystifies the why and how of hachures as a technique category from the French and Flemish tapestry traditions. Many Gothic and Renaissance tapestries exemplify their use in the drape and folds of fabric, depictions of animals, and botanical details. Contemporary applications of hachures can seamlessly blend colors, shape and shade three-dimensional forms, or create transparency and illusory space. We will examine different types of hachures and how to incorporate them in tapestry design, be it representational, abstract or somewhere in between. Each weaver will choose one application of hachures to explore more in-depth. Students can expect to begin weaving a study, and get far enough along to finish at home. Experience level: Intermediate. Students need to have a working knowledge of basic tapestry techniques, of how to weave by shape-building, and be able to warp their own loom. This is not a beginning level workshop.
Materials students need to bring: •Sketches, your own photos of ideas you have for hachures in tapestry •Examples of your work (2 or 3 pieces) •Sketchpad •Notebook •A few colored pencils, regular pencils or pens •Scissors •Glue stick •Sharpie markers •Awl •Yarn needle and curved needle •Hand beaters •Bobbins, if you use them •portable table lamp for better lighting while weaving •Warped portable tapestry loom, 8 inches wide, 8 - 9 epi with 12/9 or 9 – 10 epi with 12/6 cotton seine twine: Recommended looms: Shannock, Mirrix, Hagen, Copper Pipe. It is best to have a loom with a shedding device, or a loom that requires hand picking only one shed
Instructor will provide: --Handouts and visual aides --Art supplies for designing and cartoons --weft yarns to be used in weft bundles --prepared slide PowerPoint presentations
Materials fee: $35
Myra CHang-Thompson, Bound Weave
Using a Figurative Boundweave technique, students will be able to create loom controlled figures that are both fun and easy to weave. No drawing skills are necessary. It is a highly creative technique that requires the use of a floor loom.
Students will view samples of figurative bound weave, demonstrations on how figures are created and how they relate to the weave structure, and draw the designs on graph paper using colored pencils. Using the drawings, the students will be able to "read the blocks of design" to create their figures. Limitations of the weave structure will be discussed and other weave structures suitable for bound weave will be explored.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: graph paper (5 squares/inch), color pencils, an eraser, ruler for drawing figures. Linen rug warp or a good quality cotton rug warp or a wool rug warp, rug weight yarns in a variety of colors and novelty or hands-on yarn. Students will also need to bring scissors, measuring tape, note taking materials and other items to make their weaving time comfortable (cushion, bench, extra clip-on lighting.) Wind a warp of rug linen, cotton or wool sett at 6 ends per inch. The width should be 12" and the length of the warp should be 2.25 yards long. The pattern will be sent to students upon registration.
Instructor will provide: I will provide additional rug yarns in a variety of colors to supplement those the students bring. I will also supply novelty yarns of a variety of fibers and colors for students to audition in their pieces. All items needed to fix broken warps, tapestry needles, crochet hooks. Materials fee: $5.00 for the cost of printing the detailed handout, references and citations. Any additional material needed for weaving the project- spare shuttles (boat and stick), additional bobbin winder, ball winder and swift.
Cael Chappell, Waxed Linen Baskets
Learn how to weave baskets using waxed linen thread. Starting with making bases with patterns on them, to shaping and patterns on the sides of baskets, and finishing with ways to complete the rims of your baskets. Everyone will weave at least one basket and will be able to learn additional techniques or make additional projects from my 150 page book on the topic. Ability to weave small is good. Size, colors, patterns will vary for each student.
Experience level: All levels.
Materials students need to bring: Scissors.
Instructor will provide: Waxed linen thread, any other supplies for optional projects, as time permits. Materials fee: $30
Karen Donde, Plaited Twills
Plaited Twills: The Double Two-Tie Connection: Plaited twills are patterns in which sets of parallel diagonal twill lines intersect with sets of lines going in the opposite direction so they appear interwoven. On a straight twill threading, they require more than 8 or 12 shafts for all but the simplest designs. However, when plaited twills are woven on a double two-tie twill threading, the design possibilities on fewer shafts expands dramatically. This workshop explains how to weave plaited twills on a double two-tie twill threading, how to design those plaited twill patterns and how careful material choices open the door to vastly different designs from the same warp when woven as turned supplementary weft weaves.
Experience level: Intermediate. Warp and weave on 8 shafts, experience with several weave structures, good knowledge of weave drafting.
Materials students need to bring: •Pre-warped 8-shaft loom: minimum width = 10”. Draft will be provided in advance. •Reed: 10 dent (8 or 12 works). A few 10 and 12-shaft drafts are available on request •Yarn: 5/2 cotton or similar, about 820 yds. each of two contrasting colors •1 shuttle with a few bobbins or pirns •Bobbin winder (may be shared) •Graph paper-3 sheets, 4 or 5 squares/inch •1 or 2 colored pencils •Small ruler •Pencil & eraser •Usual weaving supplies and gadgets (scissors, broken-warp weights, pins, measuring tape, hooks, etc.)
Instructor will provide: •Warping instructions & drafts in advance of workshop. •Digital handouts emailed a week prior to workshop. •Samples for viewing. Materials fee: No materials fee if students print their own handouts (preferred). $20 if student needs me to print and bring complete handout.
Julie Drogsvold, Spinning for Sheep to Shawl
The Sheep to Shawl competition is a mainstay of Fairs and Festivals around the world. Have you and your friends ever wanted to enter but felt like you weren’t ready? Here is your opportunity to go over the steps of the competition, polish your skills and then go through a trial contest without as much of a time pressure (although there will be some). You will then be set to enter the next Sheep to Shawl you participate in.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: •Hand carders •Flick cards •Wool combs •Spinning wheel (e-spinners are typically not allowed, but if an e-spinner is best for you, bring it.)
Instructor will provide: •Raw fleece •Wool washing supplies •Drum carder •Bobbin winder Materials fee: $25. Presentation board and art materials. Fiber for class use. Loom warp.
Molly Elkind, Landscape for Tapestry
Many of us are inspired to weave by the beautiful and meaningful natural places we know, by landscapes that move us at home and on our travels. How can we convey in tapestry the experience of being in a particular place? What does it mean to weave a landscape at this moment in history? In this workshop we will study tapestries inspired by landscape and look closely at various approaches to the subject. Realistic, stylized and fully abstract interpretations will be considered, as well as the textural and conceptual impact of unusual and mixed materials such as plastic and dried grasses. You will bring your own inspirational photos and sketches and be guided through the design process by questions, exercises, samples and group sharing. Tapestry techniques will be discussed as they relate to specific design purposes.
Experience level: Beginner. Some familiarity with the basics of tapestry weaving in order to follow the techniques and concepts discussed. Not for absolute beginners.
Materials students need to bring: Inspirational photos and sketches; sturdy blank paper or sketchbook (at least 8.5 x 11”); tracing paper; pencils, color pencils or markers; black fine-line marker; ruler; any of your preferred design tools including digital ones. For optional samples and woven studies: strips of matboard or index cards for making yarn wraps, small tapestry loom, warp and weft yarns, your favorite weaving tools.
Instructors will provide: A selection of warp and weft yarns and mixed media materials will be available for sampling. Materials fee: $5
Donna Foley, Texture on Rigid Heddle
In this introductory workshop we will explore the many textured weaves that are possible on a rigid heddle loom. We will be direct-warping our looms, consider some color and weave effects in tabby and then move to a variety of wonderful finger-manipulated lace weaves that are just wonderful additions to any weaver’s toolbox. In addition, we will learn how pickup sticks work in order to create even more options for texture. Experience level: All levels. No experience necessary.
Materials students need to bring: A sturdy Rigid Heddle loom (No Bekka looms as they are too lightweight) at least 10" wide, with a 10 or 12 dent reed. Warping pegs and clamps, heddle hook, medium size crochet hook, stiff paper to wind the warp on, scissors, tape measure and 3 -4 colors of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece yarn ( 80% cotton, 20 % wool, 215 yds/100 gr skein).
Instructors will provide: Handouts of all the techniques will be provided Materials fee: None
Geri Forkner, Weaving Cloth for Nuno Felting
Fabulous textures can be created by laminating wool fibers to cloth with nuno felting. This class combines two of fiber arts’ best techniques to create new textures that no other method matches. We will begin by breaking all the weaving rules to create a delicate web of cloth. We’ll take cloth off the loom, add luxurious merino wool fibers, then wet felt everything together for a scarf sized work of art.
Experience level: Beginner. Able to warp a loom independently, felting experience not needed
Materials students need to bring: Students will need a floor or rigid heddle loom min. 15" weaving width. Yarns and tools necessary to warp and weave the base cloth, scissors. Bubble wrap 16 to 18" wide, 3 yards min. length, towel, open container 6 - 8 cup size, stocking legs for ties, note taking supplies
Instructors will provide: Felting wools, misc tools, plastic cover cloths. Directions for the specific warp needed for the class will be sent ahead of time. Materials fee: $40. Covers the cost of the wool and misc supplies.
Connie Lippert, Wedge Weave
In contrast to most weaves which are woven in a plane horizontal to the loom, wedge weave is woven on the diagonal. This results in a weft-faced weaving with many distinctive characteristics and exciting design potential. Work on your own prewarped loom to explore wedge weave through hands on experience as well as with detailed handouts and images.
Experience level: Intermediate. Must be able to warp your own loom.
Materials students need to bring: Warped looms, weaving yarns, beater, scissors, ruler, pencil, tapestry needle. Instructors will provide: Handouts. Materials fee: None
Jennifer Moore, DOubleweave Diversity
Learn all about the magic of doubleweave! Participants will weave a sampler that explores weaving two independent layers of cloth, double-width cloth, tubular weaving, color effects, pique, quilting and doubleweave pick-up. Students with 8-shaft looms will also be able to weave samples in a variety of 2-block doubleweave techniques. These techniques can then be taken home to create clothing, sculptural pieces, decorative hangings and whatever else the imagination can dream of.
Experience level: Intermediate. Must be able to set up a loom according to provided instructions.
Materials students need to bring: •A 4-shaft or 8-shaft table or floor loom with a 9" weaving width set up from provided instructions. •800 yards of 5/2 perle cotton in a light color and an 800 yards in a dark color •An 8-dent reed •Three shuttles and two bobbins •A pick-up stick or double-pointed knitting needle, at least 10" long •Small amount of thick, soft yarn, such as worsted weight •Sticky notes
Instructors will provide: Class notebooks with instructions for all the techniques that will be taught Materials fee: $10 for the class notebook and miscellaneous supplies
Martha Owen and Elizabeth Johnston, Exploring the Gifts of Wool
Gain inspiration and skill at matching different fleece for different types of yarn for diverse end products. Prepare and spin some lovely strong, smooth long wool for warp for weaving or embroidery and a plump woolen for Fair Isle knitting or a weft! And in between! It may all come from one sheep/fleece! Create a truly hand spun textile to share that shows the gifts that wool has to give. Touch on spinning styles/methods, wheel set ups, lessons in consistency, fabric finishing, fulling, blocking, raising the nap and more.
Experience level: Students must have the ability to happily spin a continuous yarn on their spinning device, wheel or spindle. A further textile creation skill that can be carried out independently: knitting, weaving, embroidery, etc.
Materials students need to bring: •Spinning wheel in good working order (or spindle) plus maintenance tools •hand cards and combs if you have them or can borrow them (do not go out and buy) •A braid or coil of top or roving from your stash: dyed or solid •Tools you like to use to make a fabric: knitting needles, crochet hook, small loom
Instructors will provide: Different tyles of home-grown wool fleece washed and some naturally dyed Shetland fleece. Handouts.
Materials fee: $20.
Information about the workshop leaders: Elizabeth Johnston grew up and lives in Shetland which was described in Piecework magazine as “one of the world’s most amazing fiber communities.” Recognized in her community as an outstanding artisan, she was selected to be the Patron of Shetland Wool Week in 2018 and her knitting patterns appear in most of the Wool Week Annual publications. She teaches and lectures on natural dyeing, spinning and knitting lace and fair isle patterns in Shetland, the UK, Europe and the US. Elizabeth is featured in the video: “50 Tips from Shetland Knitters;” and she co-authored the book: “The Warp-Weighted Loom.” One reviewer described fabric woven by Elizabeth on the standing loom at Old Scatness in Shetland as “exquisitely fine.” Find her on Instagram @shetlandhandspun and on Ravelry as “Shetland Handspun.”
Martha Owen learned to spin in 1978 at the John C. Campbell Folkschool in Brasstown, NC where she is now a resident artist. Martha has been teaching since 1984 on spinning, knitting, feltmaking, dyeing, and surface design. She has co-taught classes with Elizabeth several times since meeting her on a tour of Shetland in 1995. She raises sheep and is also a banjo-player and story-teller. Martha’s articles about shepherding, knitting, and the dying garden appeared in “Spin Off” magazine. Find her on Instagram @marthaowenwoolens and on folkschool.org
Marcy Petrini, Combining Colors in Twills
Twills provide fabrics with wonderful drape and, if used with shiny yarns, light movement. We will review the various classes of twills and then we will learn how to combine twills to obtain a desired effect using a single treadling appropriate for the twills chosen (not a twill blanket!), We will then match the twill repeats with the number of threads for the fabric: a scarf in our case.
Experience level: Beginner. Be able to do a drawdown, dress the loom and weave.
Materials students need to bring: Students will bring a loom with a warp, but not threaded or slayed. The student will bring a warp of one color and a weft on another. Some way to do a drawdown, either manual or by computer. The instructor will provide directions of how to warp the loom in the class.
Instructors will provide: Monographs about twills and handouts about designing. And graph paper Materials fee: None
Deborah Silver, Split Shed Weaving
Break out of blocks with split-shed weaving. Weave curves and blend colors using continuous wefts on a 4-shaft loom with no special equipment. Students will weave multiple combinations of structures using a straight threading. Weave combinations of twills, summer and winter, Han damask, taqueté, double weave, piqué, and more! Weave samples using continuous, complementary, and supplementary wefts, as well as wefts which combine to produce shading (color-blending) for pictorial weaving. (This is the same process Deborah Silver uses to create her art.) Students will also learn to make a cartoon on cloth that will advance with the warp and will not wrinkle when beating. Although students will not be able to complete all of the samples in class, they will leave with the ability to complete them at home. Four-shaft table, direct tie-up or jack looms may be used.
Experience level: All levels. Must be able to warp a loom and follow a basic 4-shaft draft.
Materials students need to bring: Pre-warped 4-shaft loom. (8/4 cotton carpet warp @15-16 epi.) Table, jack and direct tie-up looms are acceptable. Two 14"-18" flat or low-profile shuttles, and one shuttle of their choosing. Students will bring a variety of wefts from their stash suggested by instructor. Warp a loom in a straight threading: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
Instructors will provide: Instructional handouts, all cartoon-making materials, extra weft yarns and shuttles, if needed. Materials fee: $15. Instructional handouts, all cartoon-making materials, extra weft yarns.
Meg Stump, Pin Loom Weaving, A to Z
This workshop is intended to guide the pin loom weaver, experienced or inexperienced, through a series of fun projects to build techniques and skills with pin loom weaving. There is a strong emphasis on experiencing weaving as an enjoyable, social activity rather than simply a solo activity.
Experience level: All levels. Just understand the concept of weaving.
Materials students need to bring: Each student will need to bring their own 4" pin loom. Acceptable looms include but are not limited to the Schacht Zoom Loom, vintage Weave-It looms and the Hazel Rose 4" Multi-Loom. As an option, students can bring favorite yarn samples (dk or worsted weight) for use during class. Instructors will provide: All needed yarn, written instructions for all projects, 2" looms for use in class as needed, embellishments and other supplies (crochet hooks, tapestry needles, bag flooring, etc.) for constructing the Eclectic Art Bag.
Materials fee: Materials fee - $15.00. This covers all needed yarn, written instructions for all projects, 2" looms for use in class as needed, embellishments and other supplies (crochet hooks, tapestry needles, bag flooring, etc.).
Emily Trujillo, Chimayo Weaving using tapestry and non-tapestry techniques
Come learn about weaving culture in the Rio Grande valley and weave a piece of your design using some of the techniques and designs you learn about at the beginning of class. Depending on your skill level, this can include the tapestry joins dovetail and/or fast angle, and non-tapestry design techniques jaspes, piquetos, alternating rounds, and paladar. This is a weft-faced weaving class.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring:
•Students will need a warped at 8 epi two-harness loom or four harness (or more) loom warped through only two harnesses (walking, table loom, or floor loom, preferably not rigid heddle). High tension loom is preferred. Selvedge warped on opposite sheds (one selvedge should go up as the other goes down). The two most important things are having two sheds and getting good tension.
•At least a yard of weavable warp available to them. Use 2 ply 12 weight wool suitable for warp. (fingering weight) Approx 2800 yds/lb. •Worsted weight yarn of their choice (at LEAST three colors, one for background and others for design), pre-made spools of background color (if possible), shuttles (if they use them), scissors, and if possible, a tape measure or ruler, a sharpie, and a metal tapestry needle (for finishing work). •If possible, a device to watch Youtube videos from "A Chimayo Weaver's Guidebook." •Must acquire a copy of "A Chimayo Weaver's Guidebook" before class, which you can get from chimayoweavers.com. •Extra warp material for emergencies.
Instructors will provide: Hands on learning materials to view in-class, pieces for viewing, and educational textbooks for additional knowledge. Portable spool winder, swift, and spools for people unable to pre-make their spools or run out of pre-made spools. Materials fee: None
Elizabeth Buckley, Drawing for Tapestry
This seminar focuses on the relationship between drawing and tapestry: how the pencil can be a way of putting thoughts on paper in a manner that assists in tapestry design. We will explore making different kinds of lines and marks, how to add shading to create volume. Discover how observations with the intent to draw sharpens the eye to see in terms of shapes, angles, curves, shadows, texture, and contrast; all of which relate to tapestry technique and design. At the end, we will examine a variety of tapestries, especially noticing their use of line, shape, value, and techniques. This is a playful class. No previous drawing experience necessary. Come see what your pencils can do!
Experience level: All levels
Students need to bring: •9” x 12” Sketchpad of medium weight (60-65 pounds), lightly textured, (good brands are: Strathmore, Canson) •pencils: 2B, 4B, 6B, ebony pencil •erasers: white polymer and kneaded •pencil sharpener •portable table lamp to be used as a light source for creating shadows •Come with curiosity and a sense of play
Instructor will provide: •Handouts and visual aides •Oversized paper •Paper: gray scale, textured •Extra drawing supplies •White pencils •Wipes for cleaning hands Materials fee: $10
Myra Chang-Thompson, Dorset Buttons
Students will be able to design and create a variety of different woven buttons. They will learn to make a plain and fancy Dorset button, a Leek button and a Death's Head button. The techniques, although similar, produce very different buttons. Students will learn a variety of techniques to needle weave the buttons.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: Students will bring 3 blunt tapestry needles, a needle threader, scissors, note taking materials, measuring tape and a bag to hold supplies
Instructors will provide: Embroidery floss- cotton rayon, metallic, examples of competed buttons types, handouts for historical information, references and further study. Samples of how the buttons may be used. Materials fee: $10
Cael Chappell, WAXED lINEN pENDANT
Twining and/or Reverse Twining in waxed linen thread to create a necklace/pendant. A great project for beginners, or if you want to make a pendant to match an outfit or earrings. Ability to weave small is good - but if you haven’t woven this small before, this is a good opportunity to try your hand at it. Size, colors, patterns will vary for each student.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: Scissors
Instructors will provide: Waxed linen thread to make at least 2 pendants, felt backing, fabric glue. Materials fee: $15
kAREN dONDE, dESIGN cHALLENGE
Spice Up Your Weaving--A Design Challenge: This interactive, collaborative workshop demonstrates how weavers can venture beyond the recipe to create their own weaving designs. The morning lecture and hands-on exercises will provide a little historical perspective on modern weaving design, help participants identify their preferred weaving styles, explain design elements as they relate to weaving and present tools to help guide their weaving design challenges. Before we break for lunch, I will encourage students to visit vendor hall to find an inspirational yarn or other treasure to bring back to class. We will spend the afternoon working through the design process as a group, using individual inspirations as jumping off points.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: Sketchbook, pens, pencils, colored pencils, 2-3 magazines or calendars with lots of pictures, paper scissors, scotch tape, small balls of miscellaneous yarns to share, color wheel, calculator. Optional: Tablet/laptop computer for accessing online design tools.
Instructors will provide: Digital handouts for student printing, including exercises, tools & resources. A few design tools for sharing or borrowing. Materials fee: No materials fee if students print their own handouts. $15 if someone needs me to print and bring the handouts.
jULIE dROGSVOLD, cOTTON sPINNING
Learn how to adjust your wheel for short staple fibers and how the long draw works best for spinning cotton. Students will spin cotton from the seed, card ginned cotton into punis to spin and then spin natural-colored cotton sliver. We will also cover plying, blending color and other fibers into your cotton to produce wildly unique yarns as well as tips for care and use of your handspun cotton yarns.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: Spinning wheel or e-spinner, ideally flyer-driven with scotch tension. Carders – cotton hand carders preferred but wool will do. Lazy Kate and 3 empty bobbins.
Instructors will provide: Cotton lint, cotton silver (Upland and Pima), seed cotton Materials fee: $20
mOLLY eLKIND, uSING pHOTOGRAPHY IN tAPESTRY
Most of us carry a smartphone everywhere and we take lots of photos that inspire us. But how can we turn those images into tapestries? It’s not as simple as printing out the photo and saying “there’s my design” (if only!). Discover how to use your own photos as springboards for weave-able tapestry designs—and also learn what pitfalls to avoid (ask me how I know). Learn how to distill the essence of the photo you love, to convey the mood or idea that’s important to you. Make choices that ensure your weaving will be fun and successful. Leave with at least one design cartoon for a tapestry, ready to weave. Optional: bring a small loom and yarns for the photo you want to work with and begin a sample weaving for your project.
Experience level: Advanced beginner and up. Not a class for brand-new tapestry weavers.
Materials students need to bring: 3-5 photos to potentially develop into a tapestry design; tracing paper; pencils, sharpie, color pencils, sketchbook or blank paper, glue stick, scissors for paper, ruler. Optional weaving supplies: small tapestry loom (no pin or Zoom looms), warp and weft yarns; your usual tapestry tools (scissors, needles, sewing thread, fork or beater, optional bobbins.)
Instructors will provide: I will provide vellum for cartoons and matboard cropping L's. Materials fee: $5
gERI fORKNER, eLECTRONIC tEXTILES
Light up your weaving project with LEDs for a bit of attention-getting glitz using conductive yarn to add a simple LED circuit to an off loom woven pouch. Time permitting, we will make a quick beaded diffuser to enhance the LED and how to use snaps as on/off switches. Class will include an introduction to the endless possibilities of the exciting new world of electronic textiles.
Experience level: All levels. Basic sewing skills.
Materials students need to bring: Yarns to weave a small pouch. Scissors, note taking supplies.
A chipboard loom offers the ultimate in portability and an easy way to use up bits of leftover yarn to make something special. Gain an understanding of how chipboard looms can be formed into many different sizes and shapes to make small take along weaving projects. Then weave a pouch on a chipboard loom.
Experience level: Beginner
Materials students need to bring: Pencil, ruler, scissors that can cut paper.
mARTHA oWEN AND eLIZABETH jOHNSTON, 7 wAYS TO kNIT
Go find your yarn and needles-we are going to start knitting! Curious knitters of all experience levels, examine several ways to carry and tension yarn for knitting. Martha began collecting knitting styles as a way to give tired hands a break, as a way to carry more than one color, or as best use of a needle but also as a way to become friends with knitters she has met. She found Elizabeth who has been knitting longer than reading and writing! Not exactly a how to knit class but a technique class that may improve your knitting experience and interest.
Experience level: Beyond beginner. Students must be able to knit, any style.
Materials students need to bring: A few balls of yarn (your handspun efforts?) both light and dark, 4-5 double pointed needles and circular (or whatever needles you like best) suited to yarn size. Cast on 40 stitches and begin knitting. When choosing an appropriate needle, double the yarn and see what size it “looks” like. Start with that size.
Instructors will provide: Some yarn and needles to work for those without, a Shetland style knitting sheath to try with needles. Materials fee: $5
Information about the workshop leaders: Elizabeth Johnston grew up and lives in Shetland which was described in Piecework magazine as “one of the world’s most amazing fiber communities.” Recognized in her community as an outstanding artisan, she was selected to be the Patron of Shetland Wool Week in 2018 and her knitting patterns appear in most of the Wool Week Annual publications. She teaches and lectures on natural dyeing, spinning and knitting lace and fair isle patterns in Shetland, the UK, Europe and the US. Elizabeth is featured in the video: “50 Tips from Shetland Knitters;” and she co-authored the book: “The Warp-Weighted Loom.” One reviewer described fabric woven by Elizabeth on the standing loom at Old Scatness in Shetland as “exquisitely fine.” Find her on Instagram @shetlandhandspun and on Ravelry as “Shetland Handspun.”
Martha Owen learned to spin in 1978 at the John C. Campbell Folkschool in Brasstown, NC where she is now a resident artist. Martha has been teaching since 1984 on spinning, knitting, feltmaking, dyeing, and surface design. She has co-taught classes with Elizabeth several times since meeting her on a tour of Shetland in 1995. She raises sheep and is also a banjo-player and story-teller. Martha’s articles about shepherding, knitting, and the dying garden appeared in “Spin Off” magazine. Find her on Instagram @marthaowenwoolens and on folkschool.org
lAURA sALAMY, pUNCH nEEDLE
Students will learn how to use the punch needle to make a small project that can be hung on a wall or used as a “mug rug” The basic skill set gained will allow students to move on to larger projects like table runners, pillows, and rugs with confidence.
Experience level: Beginner
Materials students need to bring: A pair of embroidery-type scissors.
Instructors will provide: Frames, punches, foundation fabric, yarns, copious handouts – pretty much everything needed. Materials fee: $40. Includes handouts, foundation fabric, yarns for the project (enough to finish the project). Frames and punches are not included (to keep the fee lower) but will be available to purchase after class. Additional punches, hooks and other items may also be available.
eMILY tRUJILLO, uSING jASPES AND pIQUETOS TO dESIGN cHIMAYO wEAVING
Learn how to design and execute a Chimayo weaving with just horizontal lines and dots, using non-tapestry design techniques (Jaspes and Piquetos) to make a design and execute it.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: Students will need a warped at 8epi two-harness loom or four harness loom warped through only two harnesses (walking or table loom, preferably not rigid heddle). Selvedge warped on opposite sheds (one selvedge should go up as the other goes down) At least a yard of weavable warp available to them. Worsted weight yarn of their choice (at LEAST two colors, one for background and others for design), premade spools of background color if possible, shuttles if they use them, scissors, and if possible, a tape measure or ruler, a sharpie, and a metal tapestry needle (for finishing work). Extra warp material for emergencies.
Instructors will provide: Hands on learning materials to view in-class, and educational textbooks for additional knowledge. Portable spool winder, swift, and spools for people unable to premake their spools or run out of premade spools.
Materials fee: None
Susie Ballenger, Renegade Treadlings
Weaving is like an architecture - you design and build it one line at a time. Ms and Os, Huck-a-Back, Rosepath, and Swedish Point are traditional weave structures that can offer weavers the opportunity to explore new possibilities for towels, clothing, and accessories. We will learn how to break from established treadlings to individualize the design of woven cloth. Choose the fibers; identify a warp structure; discover a rhythm and sequence; and then, repeat. Throw out the rules and prepare to explore! This is fresh and innovative way to expand a treadling vocabulary to create new patterns.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: Laptop with Drawdown program (I use PCW-Fiberworks), pencil and graph paper
Instructor will provide: Color handouts and drawdowns Materials fee: $5
Donna Foley, Instroduction to Natural Dyes
In this introductory class we will go over the steps needed to create beautiful natural color on fiber. we will discuss mordants and their allies and howto safely use them, how to gather local plants responsibly and learn about the wonderful world of natural dye extracts. There will be many naturally dyed samples available to peruse.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: None
Instructors will provide: Handouts of mordanting techniques, indigo vat and more Materials fee: None
Jennifer Moore, Fractals
A fractal is a visual design that breaks down into self-similar shapes at varying scales to create seemingly infinite designs. Although this may be somewhat daunting from a mathematical perspective, we can take a visual and intuitive approach to this concept with amazing results. We will learn some basic techniques for generating fractal designs and create a few of our own in both two and three dimensions, including a fractal pop-up.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: •Mechanical pencil/eraser •Straightedge – 12” or longer •Set of colored pencils/markers •Scissors •Scoring tool such as a bone folder or knitting needle Glue stick •Crisp $1 bill •Exacto knife •Cutting surface – an 8.5 x 11 sheet of cardboard is fine
Instructors will provide: All materials that are used in the exercises, folder for materials Materials fee: $10
Marcy Petrini, Turning a Draft
A draft is turned either to switch warp and weft, especially multiple wefts, or to change the number of shafts and treadles. While computer software may turn some drafts, the results are not always consistent because the starting point is important.
Experience level: Beginner
Materials students need to bring: Pencil. Bring a favorite draft you want to turn.
Instructors will provide: Handout with directions and graph paper. Materials fee: None
Meg Stump, Weave a Jackalope, Pin Loom Weaving
This course opens a creative outlet for pin loom weavers. With just a few squares you can create your very own jackalope. You can build techniques to create a pin loom animal menagerie or other three-dimensional constructs. This course expands on basic pin loom weaving techniques to share Margaret's approach to creating three-dimensional woven animals, in this case, a small jackalope.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: Students will need to bring their own 4 inch pin loom. Examples of pin looms include Schacht's Zoom Loom, Hazel Rose 4 inch Multi-Loom, vintage Weave-It looms as well as other makers. Looms need to be fashioned with the traditional 3-pin pattern. The instructor would be happy to assist with further information if there are any questions. You are also encouraged to bring your own 2-inch pin loom if you have one, but there will be 2 inch pin looms available for use.
Instructors will provide: All yarn and other tools and materials for creating the jackalope, the use of 2" looms by the students as needed. Complete printed instructions for weaving and constructing a jackalope. Materials fee: $15
Donna Foley, Stock Solutions
This is an overview/demonstration of the process of creating stock solution of natural dye extracts for use in dyeing yarns and fiber in a reproducible way. We will go over depth of shade (DOS), weight of fiber (WOF) and other terms used in this process as well as go over the tools needed.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: Paper and pen, calculator
Instructors will provide: Items needed for demo including digital scale, mason jar, tarp Materials fee: None
Liz Gipson, TRanslating Drafts To the Rigid Heddle
Curious about how drafts relate to a rigid-heddle landscape? Would you like to learn which muti-shaft structures are in easy reach of the rigid-heddle weaver? Join Liz Gipson for this half day seminar that will include about a 90-minute talk about how the rigid-heddle landscape works, basic drafting for the rigid-heddle weaver, and tips for translating structure to the rigid-heddle loom. Included will be time to complete a brief worksheet to put your know-how to practice and a multi-heddle warping demonstration. This seminar is geared towards weavers who have a basic understanding of how a rigid-heddle loom operated and weaving terminology. No shaft loom experience necessary.
Experience level: Basic understanding of rigid-heddle loom operation and weaving terminology.
Materials students need to bring: Paper and pen for note taking and completing a worksheet.
Instructors will provide: A robust handout and worksheets. Materials fee: $5
Jennifer Moore, Tesselations
Tessellations are interlocking shapes that fill the surface plane, a component common to weaving and other textile media. We will learn how to create tessellations with both geometric and organic Escher-type shapes. You will be amazed at how your design possibilities will expand by learning a few basic and fun skills.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: •Mechanical pencil and eraser •Set of colored pencils or markers •Scissors for paper •Sketchbook, at least 9" x 12" •Scotch tape
Instructors will provide: All materials that are used in the exercises, folder for materials Materials fee: $10
Marcy Petrini, The Way We See Color
The famous “Coca Cola Red” experiment by Albers makes us realize how different each one of us sees colors. We will study how our eyes and brains interact to determine how we see colors.
Experience level: All levels
Materials students need to bring: A cone or skein with their favorite solid color. And another cone or skein, also solid, that you would match with the first. These yarns are NOT to be used up, only looked at.
Instructors will provide: A monograph on how we see color. Materials fee: None
Meg Stump, Weave a Cactus Flower, Introduction to Pin Loom Weaving
This course opens a creative outlet for pin loom weavers. With just a few squares you can create your very own cactus flower. You can build techniques to create a pin loom animal menagerie or other three-dimensional constructs. Students will learn to weave on a 2 inch and 4 inch pin loom and then create a cactus flower from their own woven squares.
Experience level: Beginner
Materials students need to bring: None required. Students are encouraged to bring their own 2 inch or 4 inch pin loom if they have one.
Instructors will provide: Fee covers all pin looms (4 inch and 2 inch) for use in each class, all yarns and other weaving materials needed for creating the cactus flower. Printed instructions for making the cactus flower and bonus instruction material for weaving a cactus. Materials fee: $10