Classes and Programs

Sedona, Arizona 2011

WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS AND PROGRAMS

I started teaching weaving on a local level in 1976, long before I knew much about weaving, and I’ve offered classes and programs for guilds, conferences, craft schools, shops, and other venues since 1986. For me, teaching is about sharing. When something exciting happens while I’m weaving, I just can’t wait to share it with other weavers! I am thrilled if I can pass along my enthusiasm and see someone go on to create something far finer than I have done myself. My workshops are not round-robin; you work at your own pace on your own equipment. I take up to 20 people in a class.

Workshops:

Shimmering Colors: The Magic of Iridescence

Fabrics that appear to change colors as the light and orientation change seem almost magical! Despite the restrictive “rules” you might have heard, these fabrics are easy to weave, and it doesn’t take gossamer silk or just plain weave to do it! Learn the many factors that influence the results: hue, value, luster, weave structure, and more. You’ll weave a plain-weave color sampler with a limited range of warp colors and up to 24 weft colors in pearl cotton. You’ll then analyze the sampler and choose two effective weft colors to make a second sampler on the same warp, experimenting with a variety of weave structures and color variations. Dozens of fabric swatches, both handwoven and factory-produced, will be available for your study. Multicolor iridescence and iridescence in black and white are some of the amazing possibilities! 4-shaft looms; all yarn supplied, 2-3 days For all experience levels, including beginners who are familiar with their equipment and basic weaving techniques

Weaving a Transparency

Using a variety of inlay techniques, create pictorial patterns on an open-weave background. Transparencies have the pattern diversity of tapestry, but are easier, faster, and more economical. A transparency’s interaction with light gives added dimension. You’ll weave two introductory samplers on a linen warp to try numerous inlay techniques and build confidence in conquering common design challenges. You then design and weave your own patterns (no artistic skill required). Unorthodox materials and methods are demonstrated/discussed in class, and in longer classes, you may choose to try overshot inlay, a fishing-line warp, or start a wool scarf in transparency technique. 4-shaft looms, 2-3 days For all experience levels, including beginners who are familiar with their equipment and basic weaving techniques

Transparencies to Wear!

Traditional linen transparencies are usually used as window or wall hangings or screens. You can make the same techniques more practical by using wool to weave beautiful, lightweight scarves and shawls! On a prewarped loom, you’ll design and start weaving a scarf using your own inlay designs (no artistic talent needed). 4-shaft or rigid-heddle loom, 1 day For all experience levels, including beginners who are familiar with their equipment and basic weaving techniques

Twined Rag Rugs

This once-popular technique makes extremely durable and beautiful rugs using fabric for both warp and weft. Twining on a simple frame produces an astonishing variety of patterns not found in most other rag rugs. In longer classes, you’ll learn to twine circular or elliptical rugs (or baskets) without a frame. Help preserve this vanishing folk art while mastering twining techniques that can also be applied to other materials. Making hot-pad samplers in class will give you the expertise to design and create full-sized rugs. No loom required; frame supplied, 1-5 days For all experience levels; no weaving experience needed

Creative Overshot

Often thought of as a coverlet weave, overshot is a versatile structure suitable for many uses. Explore some of the exciting pattern possibilities using traditional and lesser-known adaptations, with interesting yarn and color variations. We’ll also investigate other weaves and imitations possible on an overshot threading. Learn how to alter patterns and design your own! 4-shaft looms, 2-3 days Beginning to intermediate; basic beginner’s skills needed and familiarity with the loom

Programs/Seminars:

Shimmering Colors: The Magic of Iridescence

Weaving a Transparency

Twined Rag Rugs

Something Old, Something New: Creative Overshot

Weaving with Space-Dyed Yarns

Weaving Wrinkle-Resistant Fabric

In addition to these topics, I am an experienced keynote presenter and love to give humorous and inspirational talks based on a conference theme.