Weaving: 5 Warps in 5 Days

Sara’s weaving intensive meets the needs of all weaving levels. If you are a beginner but have always wanted to learn to weave on a four-harness floor loom, this class is for you. You will put on a new small warp every morning and weave it off in the afternoon. By the end of the 5 days, you will know how to set up a loom on your own. And with each new warp, you will learn a new weave structure: plain weave or tabby, log cabin, twill, simple patterned weaves such as rose path and point twills, and some two shuttle weaves of your choice (overshot, summer & winter, etc.).  If you have a loom but haven’t woven in years and need a refresher, this class is also for you. If it’s possible for you to transport your loom to class, then you can learn on your loom. Every loom has its own quirky personality and the class will help you make the best use of the equipment you have. If you are an experienced weaver and want to expand your knowledge to include some new weave structures or kinds of yarn, how to use a warping paddle, how to use a computer for creating pattern drafts, or how to read block drafts, then this class is also for you. More advanced students can spend 5 days working on one project, with the support of the instructor. Because this is a small class, Sara will work with students individually at their level. You may communicate with Sara before class so that you come to class ready to begin. Students who have studied weaving with Sara in the past are certainly welcome to return! All necessary weaving equipment and yarn will be provided, though students are welcome to use their own yarn as well. Anyone wanting to bring their own loom will need to send photos and communicate with the instructor ahead of time.  The same with anyone wanting to spend 5 days on a more advanced project.  This workshop is for a 4 or 8-harness loom. It is not for a rigid heddle loom.

Skills and Techniques:

• Learn weaving vocabulary and the parts of a loom
• How to dress or warp a loom: winding the warp, sleying the reed, threading the heddles, tying on and adjusting tension
• How to read a pattern draft for different weave structures
• Warp and weft calculations
• How and where to buy yarn for a project
• Tips for good weaving, managing edges etc.
• Finishing the handwoven cloth: washing, fringe etc.
• Resources that are available for weavers to take your next steps

Materials Fee: $10 plus the cost of yarn used in class.

Special Tools or Equipment: Sanborn Mills Farm has 5 looms to loan out on a first come first served basis. Email marsha@sanbornmills.org to reserve. Yarn and all other equipment are provided by the instructor. Students should bring the following:

• Best but not required: a 4 harness loom, and table looms are acceptable if you have one.
• Optional: Any yarn you have that you want to use
• Samples and/or photos of your weaving and other fiber work

Workshop Policies: Please be sure to read our policies before you register for a workshop which can be found here Workshop Policies