Designing at the Loom with Multiple Warp Chains

Length: 2 hours with time for Q&A
Fee: $400

This presentation focuses on techniques for working with multiple warp chains while designing at the reed. There is huge freedom in sitting at the loom and making well informed decisions as you design and setup. But it can be a nightmare without a system to keep all your yarn under control. Fabric for towels will be the project that I demonstrate while helping you explore the possibilities of simple, effective use of materials.

I use four warp chains (three space-dyed warp chains and one solid color chain for background) in a straight draw threading. This creates exciting plain weave, rib, rep, turned taquete, and twill with a single loom setup. These playful techniques require no pre-planning other than having enough threads for the width of fabric you want to create. You will discover a few ideas that wake up creativity in your weaving. Guaranteed. The last 30 mins will be reserved for Q&A.

Dyeing to Please You: Warp (& More) Dyeing Techniques

Length: 2 hours with time for Q&A
Fee: $400

Through lecture and demos, learn techniques for dyeing cellulose-based fiber warps and skeins. This is not a “recipe” class. Using seven hues of Fiber Reactive MX dyes, students will begin to develop insight into the essence of color that allows them to blend, shade and produce a full spectrum of color.

Students will learn my nontraditional methods for dye application which produces one of a kind, technically sound, color-fast hand-dyed yarn in warps and skeins. We will discuss how to dye for dramatic results as well as for subtle color and value gradation in planning your specific project. You will learn simple and effective techniques for handling yarn in the scouring, dyeing, and rinsing phases without tangling. And, beyond that, to begin to learn to dye with personal fearlessness and intention.

Effective Use of Materials and Color

Length: 1 1/2 hours with time for Q&A
Fee: $300

Do you have yarn in various colors, textures, weights, yarn types that you are not sure what to do with? Perhaps you have a lovely yarn that may not be strong enough for that warp you want to wind. Or your yarn is too fine or too big or the colors are too bright and they don’t go together. Or, to be honest, the yarn you have been hoarding is just too dang expensive to use! How do you make a little go a long way?

This lecture with images will help you think of creative ways to plan and execute woven projects of mixed yarn types and colors that you might have thought would never go together technically or visually. Spend a little time with me thinking, “What if…?” And then dig through your yarn closet for hidden treasures waiting to be woven.