In this six session course, participants will learn to weave on a 4 shaft loom. We will learn weaving vocabulary, how to select materials, design a project, and finish our newly woven cloth. We will also explore global weaving traditions and discuss sources of inspiration for weavers. This course is an introduction to hand weaving and is also ideal for those looking to refresh their skills. Course fee covers materials for the sampler. No prior weaving experience necessary.
Beginner Weaving
Title: Beginner Weaving
Date: Sept 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14, 21 2024
Time: 1830 – 2130
Instructor: Shannon Nelson
Cost: $290 ( includes Material Cost: $40)
Minimum # of Students: 4
Maximum # of Students: 6
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Title: Beginner Weaving
Date: Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15 2025
Time: 0900 – 1200
Instructor: Shannon Nelson
Cost: $290 ( includes Material Cost: $40)
Minimum # of Students: 4
Maximum # of Students: 6
Description:
This class is for those that would like to learn about weaving on a 4 shaft loom or for those that would like a refresher in covering all the steps to get your loom ready to weave. For all participants, we will be exploring the many things you can do with a 4 shaft loom.
We will learn about how the loom works and some of the terminology of weaving. Each student will set up a loom for weaving and then have an opportunity to try different weaving techniques, materials and colours on an assortment of looms. Students will come away with sample pieces and skills to begin weaving projects on their own.
Instructor Biography:
Shannon Nelson has been weaving for 25 years and recently completed her Masters in Weaving at Olds College. She has attended numerous workshops with renowned weavers and gained experience in different styles and techniques of weaving. She has taught at Gather Textiles, Olds College and at The Edmonton Weavers’ Guild. Recently she has started a business, Traceable Textiles, weaving blankets from fleeces acquired and milled in Alberta.
Planning and Weaving a Project (Level 2 on the 4 shaft table loom)
Now that we have become more comfortable with weaving and using different materials, we are ready to design our own projects.
In the next 6 weeks we will work towards completing a project of your choice. This will include the following skills:
- Design a project
- Learning how to read a weaving draft
- Warping
- Beaming and Loom dressing
- Troubleshooting
- Weave structures
- How to finish the ends of a warp
- Fixing skips
- Wet finishing
Title: Planning and Weaving a Project
Date: Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, Dec 1, 8 2024
Time: 0900 – 1200
Instructor: Shannon Nelson
Cost: $310 ( includes Material Cost: $40 – If the participant has materials they want to use, they will need to contact the instructor in advance of the class.)
Minimum # of Students: 4
Maximum # of Students: 6
Title: Planning and Weaving a Project
Date: Feb 23, Mar 2, 9. 16. 23, 30 2025
Time: 0900 – 1200
Instructor: Shannon Nelson
Cost: $310 ( includes Material Cost: $40 – If the participant has materials they want to use, they will need to contact the instructor in advance of the class.)
Minimum # of Students: 4
Maximum # of Students: 6
Description:
Now that we have become more comfortable with weaving and using different materials, we are ready to design our own projects.
In the next 6 weeks we will work towards completing a project of your choice based on the materials provided. This will include the following skills:
-
Design a project
-
Learning how to read a weaving draft
-
Warping
-
Beaming and Loom dressing
-
Troubleshooting
-
Weave structures
-
How to finish the ends of a warp
-
Fixing skips
-
Wet finishing
Instructor Biography:
Shannon Nelson has been weaving for 25 years and recently completed her Masters in Weaving at Olds College. She has attended numerous workshops with renowned weavers and gained experience in different styles and techniques of weaving. She has taught at Gather Textiles, Olds College and at The Edmonton Weavers’ Guild. Recently she has started a business, Traceable Textiles, weaving blankets from fleeces acquired and milled in Alberta.
Colour Theory
The objective is to help weavers understand how colour blending affects and is affected by weaving structures. Standard colour theory for paint, and pigment do not work when weaving with yarns and threads. So how does it work? That is what we will explore in this workshop.
This is a two day workshop. There are two gamps to be woven in class (one of 6 colours, and one of colour blending). There are a number of colour activities we will do to excite you to try colours out of your normal palette(s).
Participants will need to bring 3 printed photos (from the internet, or calendar/magazine images) of nature scenes with colours that they like. I have lots of samples that I share and there are a number of activities that we work through with colour focus. A Supplies List will be sent after registration.
Instructor Biography:
Lynn Ivany-McEachern, is a fibre artist who is passionate about working with fabrics and yarns. Fibre has always been a part of Lynn’s life: sewing, quilting, embroidery, spinning, knitting, weaving or felting to create cloth used in making clothing or household items, is the essence of her passion. Now semi- retired from paid work, she completed the five levels of the Olds College Master Weaver Program, to become a Master Weaver. Lynn is an instructor in the Olds College Master Weaver program, and teaches beginning weaving at the Wetaskiwin Art Council.
Dates: Oct 5 & 6, 2024
Times: 0900 – 1600
Instructor: Lynn McEachern
Cost: $250 (Includes Material Cost of $25)
Minimum # of Students: 4
Maximum # of Students: 8
Weave a Bag
The objective is to help weavers learn to use their woven yardage, cut into it and sew it into something, in this case a bag. I will bring samples and potential patterns for participants to look at and assist them with designing a bag. This class is a good starting point for a beginning weaver, or even an advanced weaver who would like to explore bag making. Participants can use yardage they already have or yarns from their stash to create the yardage.
A Supply List will be provided at the first class. Participants should have access to (and know how to use) a minimum 20” wide loom and a sewing machine for making the bag on the second day.
Dates and Times:
- November 3 , 2024 from 1300 – 1500
- November 30, 2024 from 0900 – 1600
Instructor: Lynn McEachern
Cost: $80 (A Supply List will be provided at the first class.)
Instructor Biography:
Lynn Ivany-McEachern, is a fibre artist who is passionate about working with fabrics and yarns. Fibre has always been a part of Lynn’s life: sewing, quilting, embroidery, spinning, knitting, weaving or felting to create cloth used in making clothing or household items, is the essence of her passion. Now semi- retired from paid work, she completed the five levels of the Olds College Master Weaver Program, to become a Master Weaver. Lynn is an instructor in the Olds College Master Weaver program, and teaches beginning weaving at the Wetaskiwin Art Council.