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 have impacted and shaped the course of their lives.

Like an individual time capsule, the weaver will create a piece of organic art that represents facets of their unique lived experience. Making meaning and metabolizing loves and losses, heartaches and triumphs through the medium of weaving is part of the process.

No weaving experience is necessary.

** If you must miss the first class, please wait for another opportunity to register.**

This class is for those aged 60 and above.

NOTE: no class April 22

The Receiving Bowl is a sculpture brought to form by tugging, pulling, and adjusting certain threads of a woven piece. It is a project designed to invite the weaver to consider self-beliefs, personal narratives, and is an invitation to look at these themes with fresh eyes.

This is part 2 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 the Receiving Bowl is a meaningful way to usher in spring, a time of new life, new ideas, and fresh energy to nurture ourselves with love and compassion.

Part 3 will be offered in later spring, and part 4 over the summer. They do not all need to be taken to enjoy their benefits.

No weaving experience necessary to enjoy this class.

Included

Once a weaver has learned the basics in tapestry weaving, it’s a natural next step to learn how to apply them to designs. Project planning, yarn choice, technique application… all of this and more will be covered in this class.

Each week a different weaving topic will be covered, and each student will have the opportunity to explore their weaving plans with the instructor and their group. In addition, small projects will be suggested for students to practice techniques that will take their weaving to a new level.

This is a class that can be taken as many times as one wants, as new issues and questions arise with any tapestry project a weaver takes on. There is also great camaraderie that forms amongst weavers as we expand into this art form.

Pre-requisite: Introductory to Tapestry Weaving or commensurate experience.

Materials needed for this class:

Tapestry loomPreferred warp yarnPreferred weft yarnWeaving tools

If you are building your supplies stash and would like some suggestions on what to purchase, please reach out to fiber@shelburnecraftschool.org

Borrowing from the studio is also an option depending on availability.

NOTE: no class May 25

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!

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

Color theory, color harmony and developing color palettes will be explored using the Zollie Palette Scout Color Cards and Tool Kit. This hands on interactive class will inspire and give you the confidence to develop unique and eye catching designs. This class is appropriate for those using yarn, fabric and other fiber in their work.

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.