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.

This three-day workshop offers an opportunity to weave with abandon, following the directions of instinct, whimsy, and one’s own uniquely creative expression. Do you have sticks, stones, fabrics, or papers you’ve been hanging onto because you know they’d be beautiful in something? This is the class where they might find their place!

Students need not have any weaving experience to explore the boundaries of warp and weft. We will be using a variety of frame and circular looms to create one of a kind pieces that embody the weaver and this “once in a blue moon” moment. The only requirement will be to come ready to play and break some rules.

How will this workshop be organized?

Each day we will meet from 10am - 4pm. We will be able to work both inside and out (weather depending). Weavers can bring lunch/snacks each day or can access the local markets/restaurants or the Shelburne Farmer’s Market on Saturday that runs from 9am - 1:30pm. Lunch breaks will hover around 12:30. There is a refrigerator, microwave, and tea kettle available for use.

On Sunday, we will roll into our third day of weaving together with the Full Blue Moon energy as our guide. There will be also be some time of reflection on how we’d like to harness our creative energy throughout the summer months.

Soak up the sights, sounds, and warm summer breezes at Shelburne Farms in this three-day immersive tapestry weaving workshop. Participants will be inspired by the many landscapes and elements of the environment all while playing with color, texture and image in tapestry.

Each day, participants will meet at the famed Farm Barn on the Shelburne Farms property. From there we will walk or drive to a different spot on the farm and spend some time drawing and photographing anything that inspires. We will talk about working images into weaving plans for very small format tapestry studies. 

These tapestry studies can be used to plan for future larger tapestry projects. 

Built into the day will be time for lunch and time to weave.

Other details:

Pre-requisites: Introduction to Tapestry Weaving or commensurate experience. You are welcome to contact Bradie at fiber@shelburnecraftschool.org with any questions.

Things to consider bringing:  

Artist Notebook
Colored Pencils/Watercolors
Pens for notetaking
Portable chair or blanket for sitting
Water bottle
Walking shoes
Preferred yarn
Scissors
Needles

Materials: Small hand-held looms will be available for each student that they will have for the duration of the class; students can also supply their own looms if desired. The instructor will have some yarn available for students to use, but participants also encouraged to bring their own in colors that speak to them and reflect aspects of the landscape most appealing to them.

** Yarn should be appropriate for a loom warped at 8 ends per inch. **

Have you always wanted to weave or fit more weaving into your day but struggle to find the time? Using simple frame looms and other "unique weaving frames" this class will present several easy, elegant, and fun projects that can be made in a day. 

Small projects using various weaving techniques will be explored. You will go home with your project and hopefully be inspired to continue your weaving journey. 

Class is appropriate for beginners and experienced weavers.