Collapse Weave: The Magic of Wool
Length of workshop: Two or three days
Content of Workshop.
This workshop will cover techniques that, when the fabric is washed, cause puckering, pleating, folding or bending of the fabric in various ways. This collapse is cause by the inter-action between different types of wool or lycra yarns, some active, some passive. Students will work on their own looms for the entire workshop. Weaving is basic, using mainly twill and plain weave structures. The warps provided are 11ins (28cm) wide and 15 feet (4.6m) long.
Two day workshop:
Before the workshop the warps and instructions will be sent to the students, who will then thread their looms and bring them to the workshop. Either four or eight shaft looms can be used, eight shaft looms allowing more freedom in design. An 8 dent to the inch reed is recommended.
On the first workshop day, samples will be woven, using weft yarns that I will provide. These samples will be cut off and washed.
The second day we will analyze the samples to understand what has happened to the fabrics. Yarns will be chosen for the scarf that will be woven on the end of the warp or the students can continue sampling.
Three day workshop:
On the first day, students will warp their looms with pre-wound warps I will supply, threading from back to front. Either four or eight shaft looms can be used, eight shaft looms allowing more freedom in design. An 8 dent to the inch reed is recommended.
On the second day, samples will be woven, using weft yarns that I will provide. These samples will be cut off and washed.
The third day we will analyze the samples to understand what has happened to the fabrics. Yarns will be chosen for the scarf that will be woven on the end of the warp or the students can continue sampling.
Standard of students.
Students should be able to warp their own loom and have done some basic weaves such as tabby and twill.
Students should bring with them:
Two day workshop:
Loom, warped as per instructions, darning needle, 3 shuttles, scissors, waterproof tags for naming samples. (cut up tyvek envelopes with punched holes are great). Tape measure. Old towel. Hair dryer, (optional). Ball winder (optional) 2 rulers. Clear file with plastic sleeves for notes and samples. Paper and pen. Pins.
Pick counter (also called a linen tester) if you have one .(available from www.linentester.com LT-5IL is an excellent one with a light) I will provide all the weft yarns, however, you may like to bring some very fine wool/cotton yarns to try out, especially if you think they may be over-twisted.
Three day workshop
Clear file with plastic sleeves for notes and samples.
Four or eight-shaft loom, 3 shuttles, scissors, waterproof tags for naming samples.(cut up tyvek envelopes with punched holes are great)
12 feet of wallpaper in roll, or brown paper to roll on with the warp.
2 rulers. 2 cross sticks (smooth dowels the width of the loom, with holes in each end), old towel.
Reed hook, threading hook (if you use one).
Paper and pen. Pins. Tape measure. Darning needle.
Raddle if you have one (tutor will have spare ones).
Hair dryer, (optional). Ball winder (optional)
Pick counter (also called a linen tester) if you have one. (available from www.linentester.com LT-5IL is an excellent one with a light)
I will provide all the weft yarns, however, you may like to bring some very fine wool/cotton yarns to try out, especially if you think they may be over-twisted.
Maximum number in class: 18
Material fees. US$40, NZ$35, UK £20
Items included in this fee. Pre-wound warps, weft yarns, spare raddles, handouts and postage.
Tutor will need:
Buckets (1 for every 2 students), detergent and access to hot water. Table for display. Set of scales for weighing wool.
Electric kettle (to steam wool samples)