Signature Blocks: Extraordinary Overshot

A whole new look for an old favorite—enjoy an in-depth, unique approach to overshot design by combining one part structure, plus one part quirky design, plus one part coded message to equal the fun of block name drafting. Block name drafting allows you to encode names or phrases to create a tiling effect with contemporary overshot motifs … without those pesky incidental threads! Learn the mechanics of block name drafting as they pertain to overshot and other block weave structures, and satisfy that urge for sentimentality with sophistication. In addition, you will learn how to turn drafts, develop color profiles, and design color block name drafts. Prior to the workshop, you will receive four overshot block name drafts. You will choose one to design and warp a project of your choice that you will weave during the workshop. For intermediate to advanced weavers: you must have basic knowledge of the overshot structure and be able to design an overshot project with a given draft.

1. Day One
   1. Lectures
      1. The code grids
      2. Profile drafts using a code grid
      3. Review of the overshot structure
      4. Applying overshot block threadings to a profile draft
   2. Exercises
      1. Developing a personal profile draft
      2. Developing an overshot block name draft
   3. Begin weaving a personal block name draft project
2. Day Two
   1. Lectures
      1. Color: another name draft option
      2. Color profile draft
   2. Exercises
      1. Developing a color profile
      2. Developing a color name draft
      3. Profile quiz
   3. Continue weaving a personal block name draft project (my name draft)
3. Day Three
   1. Lectures
      1. Turning two-weft structures into two-warp structures (turned overshot)
      2. Warping a loom with two warps
      3. Other block weave structures suitable for name drafting
   2. Exercises
      1. Turned drafts
      2. Block substitution
   3. Continue with or finish project

Leader: Barbara Walker
Duration: 3 day
Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Must have basic knowledge of the overshot structure and be able to design an overshot project with a given draft.
Student supplies to bring: 4-shaft (or 8) floor or table loom; E-mail access; necessary weaving equipment; enough yarn (10/2 and 5/2 pearl cotton, for example) for self-designed overshot project; colored pencils; 8-inch or larger graph paper; four cardboard strips for wrappings; four different colors of embroidery floss or larger size pearl cotton; Optional: laptop or other device with a weaving program.
Materials Fee: $50, includes workshop folder and four personal name drafts