upcoming workshops
jan 12 (sun) 1pm-4pm: project planning and weaver notes
beginner level
Do you have trouble project planning — where to start? — or how to keep your weaving notes organized? Join me for an afternoon of textile design, project management and studio practice tips and tricks.
Students will learn the basics of how to plan their own projects and determine specifications such as: warp and weft yarns, warp width and length, epi, reading a harness draft, etc. They will also learn about using a sketchbook to record project notes, how and why to sample, labeling samples and general studio practice knowledge. Each workshop participant will have the option to purchase a weaver notes: project planning notebook to get them started on their weaving journey– how to use this notebook will also be covered in the class. I will also show examples of my project notebooks, weavings & samples, and tour students through my personal studio.
feb 7/9 (fri-sun) 10am-4pm: exploring shape through overshot
advanced beginner level
Overshot is a complex and multi-faceted weave structure that once “unlocked”, can lead to many different pattern variations and designs. I have been weaving with overshot for over a decade, often utilizing the structure to create a special textile language of line and shape. By manipulating supplemental yarns and the ground tabby pick required for overshot, I am able to “draw” different shapes within one piece of woven cloth.
In this workshop, students will learn how to read an overshot draft, weave with two shuttles, track multiple picks while weaving, and explore special material combinations in the warp and weft. They will also learn how to create multiple patterns from a single weave draft. Students will choose from several overshot patterns, to create a sampler (trialing different pattern variations), or work towards a finished project (table runner, scarf etc.), or art piece.
march 2 (sun) 1pm-3:30pm: painting the woven grid
beginner level
Join me for an afternoon of exploring the woven grid through watercolor painting. Students will work with embossed watercolor paper to create unique woven patterns. A lesson in basic watercolor techniques will be covered, and no previous painting or weaving experience is required.
Watercolor painting is fun and meditative, and this afternoon will be an opportunity to relax and unwind. I will share examples of my painted grid works, along with tips and tricks for working with watercolor paints. Watercolor was the first medium I learned to use when I was 10 years old, and I studied it for many years before becoming a weaver.
april 5/6 & 12/13 (sat-sun) 10am-4pm: weaving with dyed threads: indigo
advanced beginner level
Natural dyes have been used for centuries to color cloth and fiber, and the history of indigo spans many cultures and textile traditions. In this workshop, students will learn how to create and maintain an indigo vat, and integrate it into their weaving practice by dyeing yarns for warp and weft.
This workshop takes place over the course of two weekends, so that students have time to fully immerse themselves in the dyeing processes. The first weekend will focus on preparing warp and weft yarns, creating the indigo vat, project planning, and dyeing and washing. Once the yarns are washed and dried, students will return the following weekend to weave with the dyed yarns. A brief demo will be given on ikat and how to bind a warp for pattern dyeing, alongside other tips and tricks for dyeing yarns.