Content of Workshop: 3 days
Each student will bring along a loom, warped following the instructions sent over before the workshop begins. The number of techniques taught will depend on the number of students. (EG. if there are 16 students in the workshop, there will be two looms threaded in each of the eight techniques). Students will spend approx. 2-3 hours weaving each sample, moving from loom to loom.
If the number of students changes before the workshop begins, for example if I send over 16 threading instructions, (the 8 chosen techniques, 2 looms for each) and a student pulls out at the last minute, her loom must still be threaded and available for the class. Because 2 looms are threaded for each technique, the number of students must be an even number, e.g. 14,(7 techniques), 12 (6 techniques).
The woven techniques taught can be chosen from:
- Fleece weaving for rugs.
- Weft-face weaves.
- Pattern weft-face weaves.
- Supplementary wefts, including twill inlay, surface weave, reversible weave.
- Double weave, including pick up techniques.
- * Supplementary warps.
- Pick-up overshot
- * Eight-shaft block weave.
- Tartan.
- Theo Morman.
- Summer & Winter
- Crackle weave.
- * Eight-shaft network drafting.
* These require an 8 shaft loom.
I will have weaving instructions for each technique ranging from simple to complex. E.G. if a student hasn’t done double weave before, he/she can do simple double weave; if more experienced they can do pick up techniques. The samples will be 20cms (8in) wide and each student will have a portfolio of these weaves, with handouts to take home. Sessions on pattern drafting, design, end uses, and sample analysis will be included. This will be a relaxed workshop, with no rushing from loom to loom, and sample size will depend on the individual speed of each weaver, so some will do more than others.
I will send the organizer copies of the threading instructions, 1 month prior to the workshop. These will be marked from easy to complex, and the organizer will hand them out to each student, who will warp their loom accordingly.
Standard of students
Students should be able to warp and thread their own loom, and have done some basic weaving, such as tabby and twill.
Maximum number in class 16
Length of workshop 3 days. 6 hours per day.
Tutor Requirements table for display. There will be about 50 pages of photocopying for each student, which I will send over prior to the workshop. The organizers may decide to buy all the plastic files (marked * below), and fill them with the handouts ready to be handed out the first morning. The cost of these can then be included in the student fees.
Students should bring with them :
Four shaft table loom, warped as per instructions. After you have threaded your loom, weave a small heading of 6 picks, place a ruler across, and then you will be ready to begin weaving straight away.
Also bring: 4 stick shuttles, or boat / end delivery if you prefer, scissors, darning needle.
Clamps for clamping your loom to table, if you have them.
Copy of my ‘An Introduction to Weaving, The Four-Shaft Table Loom’, (or the newer version, The Ashford Book of Four Shaft Weaving) if you have a copy, as it includes some of the techniques.
*Clear file of A4 size.(approx 8 x 12 ins). This is a folder with clear plastic sleeves for mounting samples and handouts.
A4 blank pad. Pen and pencil. Roll of thin (1cm (1/2in) wide) masking tape for binding the sample edges.
Yarn: Some the yarn you used to warp with, in case of breakages The weft yarn, as suggested on the threading instructions, plus a grocery bag of small amounts of yarns of varying thickness, types, and colours; eg cotton, wool, etc.