Cromwell Spinners & Weavers workshops
In August the Cromwell Spinners & Weavers held two weaving workshops with great success.
Over two days (10-11 August) 6 students learned the basics of Rigid Heddle Weaving. The course was designed to teach from design to finish. First the fundamentals of 2-shaft weaving were explained, followed by calculations and design information for projects. The project scarf was woven using hand dyed 8 ply pure Merino and each student was allowed to select their own colour choices. Warping, sleying, tie-ons, headers and hem stitching came next. By the end of Day 1 each student had already woven about 4” on their scarf – and no one wanted to go home.
On day 2 further weaving was enjoyed throughout the room with the students allowed to “go rogue” in their design. Around 4pm time was called and the final hem stitch was completed, the scarf taken off the loom. Then the fringe twisting began so that each left with a finished scarf – it only needed to be washed and trimmed at home.
A one-day Inkle Loom workshop was held on 24 August at a local vineyard cellar door. This was the most inviting and warm atmosphere for band weaving. Most of the heddles were pre-made as that is the consuming, but the students did make a couple to learn the concept. Then a pattern was warped – each student chose 3 colours from our box of 10/2 cotton. After a break of wine and cheese the weaving began. Each left with a woven band – though some were longer than others!
At the end of each course the student went home with a finished project and a 30-page workbook written by me. The workbooks are in-depth, with photos, so that they can easily continue their weaving journey at their own pace.
The Cromwell Spinners & Weavers now have 6 SampleIt looms and 6 Inkle looms for further workshops – and we can travel to you and host classes! Please get in touch if interested.
PK Maracin
