Come Raku your pots! Bring 2-4 peices of bisqueware that is raku ready.

Rigid Heddle Looms are known for their simplicity and portability. In this introductory workshop, students will learn the basics of weaving as well as several weaving techniques to achieve a variety of textures, looks and designs. Other skills learned will be:

* dressing a rigid heddle loom* preparing yarn for weaving* finishing techniques

The completed project will be a sampler showcasing the various techniques demonstrated which will give each weaver plenty of ideas and inspiration for their next project!

Come learn the marvelous art of wet felting while making a beautiful, one-of-a-kind birdhouse.

Students will learn how to make 3-D forms with wool, balloons, soap, water, and some elbow grease.

This will be a delightful way to spend a spring day at the craft school!

Please bring two bath towels you don’t mind getting wet along with a garbage bag to transport home.

Many of us have a beloved clothing item with a hole or a stain that we can’t bear to throw away and don’t know how to mend. Many of us also don’t want to create more waste and add to overflowing landfills. In the past, wearing mended clothing was not acceptable but with the right skills mended clothes can be beautiful. This class is for anyone who wants to learn the basics so they can mend their own knitted items like socks, gloves, hats, sweaters, and more. Learn to repair a hole or snag in a knit item by darning, a simple woven type of mending. Learn how to inspect and assess a knit (or woven) item that needs repair.Learn how to select a needle, select yarn/thread, and tie a knot.

Learn running stitch, the backbone of mending! (If time and interest, backstitch (sesame seed) or blanket stitch).

Learn how to start, weave and finish a basic darn square with one or two colors using a mushroom or embroidery hoop.Practice or start darning an item that is ready for some attention!

Students can bring an item they would like to learn how to mend by darning.

All other materials included.

So often when newer and even more experienced weavers consider starting a new project, they must gear themselves up to begin the process of planning and winding a warp, dressing a loom and sampling. These are the things that can feel daunting and laborious, and often deter weavers from doing what they love, which is to weave!

This class is a must for any weaver that has to push themselves to start a new project because of the intensive preparation required for most any project. Lausanne, with her decades of experience with handweaving, has gathered tips, tricks, energy and time-saving techniques, and wisdom that will help any weaver transform the process of starting a weaving project from overwhelming to not just manageable, but fun!

Weavers can expect to learn:~ how to streamline the decision making process of warp planning~ various methods of making a warp and how to know which is preferable for any given project~ time saving tips and essential disciplines that save time when dressing the loom~ warping with multiple strands and how to use a paddle to warp with many strands at once~ threading techniques that offer greater speed and accuracy~ strategies for keeping handy notes and essential weaving records~ how to cultivate the habit of sampling before beginning a project for sett, shrinkage and desired hand~ use of a trapeze to make solo loom dressing a breeze~ ways to troubleshoot problems or mistakes that come up at the loom~ Motivated students will also be welcomed to weave their own projects if they have the time and interest during this 6-week course!

Any weaver who wants to be a more productive weaver and take on projects with increased ease and confidence will benefit from this class.

Weaving Your Story is a unique and personal way to tell your story using yarn, looms, and your imagination. And new to this program, this class will be online!

Row after row, or round after round, participants will use color, texture and material to represent people, memories and specific key events or milestones that impacted and shaped the course of their lives. Like an individual time capsule, the resulting artwork will become a piece of organic art entirely unique to each person.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Will This Work?

Participants will meet via Zoom each week in our online classroom. A few days prior to each Zoom class, videos will be sent out with instructions, how-to’s, and other details that will be useful to each weaver.

Who Can Take This Course?

This course is open to:~ Vermont residents~ individuals 60 years and older~ clients and caregivers of Age Well, our partner in this program (not required).

How Do I Register?

Register for this course as you would any course at Shelburne Craft School.

*** You are not registered for the class until you receive a confirmation email from The Shelburne Craft School indicating that you are enrolled.

*** If you must miss one or both of the first two live Zoom classes, please wait to register for another offering of the program.

*** Registration Closes for this class on Friday, May 1, in order to allow enough time to prepare the materials to be sent to each participant.

Do I Need to Know How to Weave?

No!!

What Kind of Internet/Computer Do I Need?

~ You do need a computer that has both video and audio capabilities.~ High-speed internet is necessary.~This course is compatible with Mac or PC, and works on iPads.~ Videos are offered through Vimeo.

Materials:

Each weaver will be sent one frame loom, necessary tools to weave with, and an assortment of yarns. Particpants are welcome to use yarns and other materials from their own stash as well.

NOTE: no class June 10

Learn macra-weave, a combination of macramé and weaving. In this beginner-friendly workshop, we’ll cover basic knots, how to build a rope-based warp and simple weaving techniques to create a textured and colorful wall hanging.Students will leave with a finished piece and the skills to continue exploring this versatile fiber art form. All materials are provided, but if you have special yarns or fabric you’d like to incorporate, feel free to bring them along.

Dolls are symbols of life and have potential to hold personal story, imagined qualities, hopes, fears, and love. In this workshop, participants will learn how to weave their own dolls, creating a sculpture that will be entirely unique and meaningful.

This is part 3 of a 4-part series that will include projects from Susan Barrett Merrill’s The Art of Weaving a Life. Bradie is a Weaving a Life leader having studied with Susan back in 2017.

Weaving one’s own doll is a powerful practice in contemplation and expression. As we enter the season associated with extroversion and cultivation, the doll will help us find our footing and identify our chosen path.

Part 4 will be offered over the summer. They do not all need to be taken to enjoy their benefits.

Weaving experience is not necessary to enjoy this workshop.

Materials Included

Note: this class is scheduled to be held upstairs in the fiber studio. If stairs present a barrier that would interfere with being able to take the class, please write to fiber@shelburnecraftschool.org to let us know.