Description: This workshop will introduce students to celebrated writer and textile artist Theo Moorman’s clever tapestry weave structure on a 4-harness floor loom. This freeing structure, through the use of two warps, allows the weaver to “draw” images with weft yarn on top of a ground layer of woven cloth. We will begin by doing some drawing exercises and then be guided through the warping process, setting up the loom with two warps, and weaving with various techniques to play with inlay yarns, all rooted in creativity. With a focus on experimentation, students can expect to leave class with many samples and one finished piece.
Instructor: Hannah Watson
Duration: 3 Day
When: June 14, 15, 16
Level: Intermediate
Supplies that students will bring:
- Floor or Table Loom, minimum of 4 harnesses, undressed please
- Weaving bench / stool
- Scissors
- Warping/beaming on paper at least 14″ wide
- Measuring tape
- 12 dent reed at least 12″ wide
- Sley hook for reed (or threading hook if you don’t have this)
- Threading hook
- Please come prepared with at least 432 heddles total – Harness 1: at least 144 heddles, Harness 2: at least 144 heddles, Harness 3: at least 72 heddles, Harness 4: at least 72 heddles
- At least 2 shuttles each
- At least 2 bobbins, up to 20 if you have them!
- One dowel measuring between 14″ to the full width of your reed (this is for hanging the “cartoon” under your beater)
- 2 binder clips or clothespins
- 1 fine or medium tip sharpie
- A small amount of thick weft yarn to get your warp spaced out to begin weaving
- Notebook
- Any of your favorite drawing materials like colored pencils (some will also be supplied for students)
- Bobbin winder (optional, as there will also be a shared class winder)
- One 10/2 cotton warp chain ready to dress onto the loom with the following specs: 24 EPI x 12″ wide x 3 yards long (864 yards total with a total of 288 ends). Please tie all your choke ties very tightly!
- ~600 yards of additional 10/2 yarn for weft, for a grand total of 1464 yards or more
- One separate 20/2 cotton warp chain ready to dress onto the loom with the following specs: 12 EPI x 12″ wide x 3 yards long (432 yards with a total of 144 ends). Please tie all your choke ties very tightly!
- Additional tapestry weft yarns of any sizes, colors, and textures – play is encouraged here!
Fee: $25
Materials Included: Color handout, drawing paper & media, additional weft yarns for experimentation