Workshop Descriptions

MAWS 2026 Conference

June 16-21
Missoula, Montana

WORKSHOPS

NOTE: The workshop list may have minor changes as details are developed. Please check back for revisions and watch for communication from your instructor prior to the conference.

PDF copy of workshop descriptions

Diagonal Twill Basics

Learn the skills of diagonal twill basketry while making four small baskets. Working with 4- and 6-mm wide strips of hand-painted watercolor paper, students will learn the basics of base construction, turning corners, weaving the sides, and counting rows, as well as rimming options. Day One will focus on diagonal twill baskets with square bases, Day Two will move to rectangular and triangular based baskets. The skills developed in this workshop are the stepping stones to exploring diagonal twill plaiting.

Finished basket sizes will vary. The instructor will provide students a selection of colors for each basket and a workshop folder with detailed step by step weaving instructions.

INSTRUCTOR: Annetta Kraayeveld

DURATION: Two Days, Pre-conference

LEVEL: Intermediate

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

A flexible tape measure
A 6”-12” straight edge ruler
Sharp scissors
A small packing tool (a small flat head screwdriver will work)
Toothless microclips
#24 or #22 tapestry needles
Notebook and pencil

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Students will receive an extensive instruction book, laminated weaving board, and materials to make four small baskets – two with a square base, one with a rectangular base, and one with a triangular base. Students will have color choices for each basket.
Instructor will have packers and micro-clips available for purchase in class.

MATERIAL FEE: $110

CATEGORY: Basketry

Paper Japanese Leaf Scoop

Weave a traditional Japanese leaf scoop with carefully prepared watercolor paper. This version of the leaf scoop is made with artist-painted paper cut into 4-mm strips woven in a beautiful twill design. Students will receive materials for two leaf scoops. Twill or paper weaving experience helpful.

INSTRUCTOR: Annetta Kraayeveld

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner - Intermediate

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

A flexible tape measure
Sharp scissors
A small packing tool (a small flat head screwdriver will work)
Toothless micro-clips
#24 or #22 tapestry needles
Notebook and pencil

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Students will receive printed instructions, laminated weaving board, and materials to make one scoop. Students will have color choices for each basket.
Instructor will have packers and micro-clips available for purchase in class.

MATERIAL FEE: $25

CATEGORY: Basketry

Magic Folded Pouch

This fun seminar uses washable paper to weave, fold, and open this sweet little magic pouch. Learn how to fold a woven base and create a three-dimensional usable, durable pouch. Finish with a folded or rolled rim and curls - or add an artist spun cord to use it as a purse.

INSTRUCTOR: Annetta Kraayeveld

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: All skill levels welcome

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

A flexible tape measure
Sharp scissors
A small packing tool (a small flat head screwdriver will work)
10-12 new bobby pins
Notebook and pencil

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Students will receive printed instructions, laminated weaving board, and materials to make one pouch. Students will have color choices for each basket.
Instructor will have packers available for purchase in class.

MATERIAL FEE: $35

CATEGORY: Basketry

Papyrus - Paper Business Card Basket

This beautiful little basket is a wonderful introduction to weaving with painted paper. It is woven on a mold with start stop rows, so shaping is a snap. A layered rim is lashed with waxed linen, and a simple embellishment completes the basket. Teacher will provide a wide choice of paper (painted and precut) as well as button and shell embellishments. Students will make two usable business card baskets.

INSTRUCTOR: Annetta Kraayeveld

DURATION: One Day

LEVEL: Beginner, Advanced Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

A flexible tape measure
Sharp scissors
A small packing tool (a small flat head screwdriver will work)
Toothless micro-clips
#24 or #22 tapestry needles
Notebook and pencil

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Students will receive printed instructions, laminated weaving board, and materials to make two small baskets - business card size. Students will have color choices for each basket.
Students will have use of instructor’s wooden basketry molds during class.
Instructor will have packers and micro-clips available for purchase in class.

MATERIAL FEE: $50

CATEGORY: Basketry

Buttons and Beads for your Knits/Handwovens

It is often so hard to find that perfect button or bead for your handknit and handwoven projects. Especially now that Joann’s Fabric Stores are gone. Ordering online often leads to disappointment.

In this seminar we will make two-three buttons or beads (depending on working speed of individuals). I will also have some examples of other types of buttons that can be made.

Options will include:

Resin buttons (adding yarn to the button will insure a perfect match to your piece!)

Woven yarn buttons (sometimes called Yorkshire buttons)

Paper beads (with the addition of resin and eyelets)

INSTRUCTOR: Annette Swan Schipf

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: All skill levels are welcome

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Instructor will distribute a material list at a later date.

MATERIAL FEE: There will be a material fee distributed by the Instructor at a later date.

CATEGORY: Weave & Knit

Krogbragd or Summer & Winter Basket (as published in Fall ’25 Handwoven magazine)

No one can ever have too many baskets! In this class we will weave and construct a basket on the loom. Students will weave the sides on a loom with yarn and use sturdy pleather or canvas for the bottom. The basket will have a wooden base. Students will weave a krokbragd or summer/winter (weft-faced) miniature (4”-6” diameter) basket. They can then use the technique to weave larger baskets at home. After weaving they will cut the woven piece off the loom and make the basket as time allows. If the student has not finished the basket, he/she will have all the information needed to finish the basket at home.

INSTRUCTOR: Annette Swan Schipf

DURATION: One Day

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Instructor will distribute a material list at a later date.

MATERIAL FEE: There will be a material fee distributed by the Instructor at a later date.

CATEGORY: Weave

Learning to Weave on the Rigid Heddle Loom

The rigid heddle loom is the perfect blend of simplicity and functionality. The ease and speed of warping this loom make it ideal for the beginning weaver. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to confidently prepare your loom for weaving as well as to choose your threads and begin weaving a successful first project!

Topics covered will include: warping the rigid heddle loom; weaving basics, including simple project planning; discussion of the types and uses of a variety of threads/yarns; general weaving practices; and some basic finishing techniques. Let the weaving begin!

INSTRUCTOR: Barbara French

DURATION: One Day

LEVEL: Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

A rigid heddle loom with warping peg
Stick shuttles, 2 or more
Scissors
Paper & pencil
Optional: may bring yarns/threads and a darning needle

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Students will receive an instructional handout.
A supply of a variety of threads and yarns.
Students will have use of additional weaving tools to share.

MATERIAL FEE: $5.00

CATEGORY: Weaving

Continuous Strand Weaving on a 12-Inch Loom

This is a great, portable weaving method to upscale your towel gifting with a matching or color-coordinated dish cloth. Learn the art of Continuous Strand Weaving using a 12-inch square, Hazel Rose Loom. Each participant will weave one (or more) dish cloth with cotton yarn.

Each student will leave the class with a finished project, the loom, and materials and ideas for future projects.

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Koedoot Knisely

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: All skill levels welcome.

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Your smile ! All materials are provided.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Instructions for Continuous Strand Weaving, as well as lots of projects ideas will be shared.
Your own Hazel Rose Loom in oak or cherry.
Yarn for two or more projects and all materials needed to weave.

MATERIAL FEE: $55.00

CATEGORY: Weaving

Elevate Plain Weave with Warp Pickup

Create warp pickup patterns by manipulating tensioned warp ends. Learn how to follow a chart to create pickup patterns. Warp pickup can be performed on an inkle loom, a rigid heddle loom, table, or floor loom, as well as using back strap weaving tensioning techniques. Each of these variations will be discussed and class participants will be able to choose to use either an inkle loom, a rigid heddle, table loom, or floor loom. A choice of patterns will be provided before class on the preferred loom type.

INSTRUCTOR: Dawn Ahlert

DURATION: One Day

LEVEL: Advanced beginner and beyond

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Students to bring an inkle, rigid heddle table or floor loom warped according to instructors patterns provided before the class..

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Color spiral bound instruction booklet with illustrated diagrams and pictures.

MATERIAL FEE: $10.00

CATEGORY: Weaving

Taniko - Weft Twining inspired by Indigenous People

Indigenous peoples have long incorporated weft twining used in both textile and basket making. Different cultures have developed their own unique patterns and approaches. My work has been inspired by the textiles of the indigenous Chilkat of Northwestern America and Canada and the Māori people of New Zealand.

One of the features of these techniques is that they are very versatile, and the projects are portable. They can be set up and removed intact at any time during weaving from a support (i.e., frame loom). Another attribute is that one can use a variety of supports while weaving which will be discussed. The participant most likely will not be able to complete the project in class but can finish on their own later so the portability is advantageous.

This workshop consists of creating a sample using Taniko techniques that incorporate two or three different weft colors to create a pattern. This is a self-paced class; participants can choose to create a sample from eight examples of different patterns and colors provided. Class participants will work on their own looms with an opportunity to collaborate with other students.

INSTRUCTOR: Dawn Ahlert

DURATION: One Day

LEVEL: Advanced beginner and beyond

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Simple frame or tapestry loom with the ability to stand on a table; no shedding device needed.
If the loom cannot stand on its own, a small tabletop easel to hold the loom upright will help.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Color spiral bound instruction booklet, with diagrams, pictures and patterns.
Kit for weaving a Taniko sample including pattern, warp, weft and kumihimo bobbins.
Dawn will bring her twining samples for reference.

MATERIAL FEE: $20.00

CATEGORY: Weaving

ColorWork in Knitting

Time to add a dash of color to your knitting repertoire? Do not panic! We will only deal with two colors at a time while we sample stranded Fair Isle and Norwegian techniques. Then, we will take a stab at mosaic (slip stitch). These techniques turn out beautifully, especially when blocked. If you mess up, there are even some secrets to fixing your mistakes so no one will know. In this class we will learn together, fix our mistakes together, and we will laugh together.

Knitters will learn the basics of colorwork knitting, reading charts, how to put in a lifeline, fix mistakes, and when to rip it out!

INSTRUCTOR: Denise Jackson

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Knitters must know how to knit, purl, cast on, and bind off.

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Knitting needles
Wool Yarn in two colors appropriate for lace knitting (any weight will do)
Stitch Markers
Sense of humor

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Pattern

CATEGORY: Knitting

Techniques in Knitting

Students will learn the basics of how to effectively knit the different techniques such as: trapping colors, steeking, increasing/decreasing in color, and knitting styles.

Your knitting will be easier and more professional looking with these techniques in your toolbox. When working with color, long floats were a concern until I learned how to trap the yarn. Steeking takes a bit of bravery, but is doable on any garment by planning ahead. Learning multiple knitting styles may save your color-stranding fingers. There are many more techniques (increases, decreases, dropped stitches, fixing mistakes etc.) than I can list here. We will address as many as possible in this workshop.

INSTRUCTOR: Denise Jackson

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Knitters must know how to knit, purl, cast on, and bind off.

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Knitting needles (size as needed for your choice of yarn
Wool Yarn in the appropriate gauge for your needle choice (any weight will do)
Stitch Markers
Sense of humor

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Pattern

CATEGORY: Knitting

Lace Knitting

Lace knitting is making mistakes, on purpose, in a pattern. The pattern we will use in class starts out simple, adding elements with each block. In the end you will have the skills to create a beautiful scarf! No need to stress in this class. We will learn together, fix our mistakes together, and will laugh together.

INSTRUCTOR: Denise Jackson

DURATION: One Day

LEVEL: Knitters must know how to knit, purl, cast on, and bind off.

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Knitting needles (size as needed for your choice of yarn
Wool Yarn in the appropriate gauge for your needle choice (any weight will do)
Stitch Markers
Sense of humor

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Pattern

CATEGORY: Knitting

Blending Board: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Come ready to learn proper technique for making rolags (the good), while avoiding common mistakes that make blending frustrating and difficult (the bad), and discover ways of picking colors to blend to create harmony instead of unintentional mud (the ugly).

We’ll use commercially-prepared fibers for blending and discuss how to use fleece. You will learn an effective way to use the blending board to sample different color ideas and practice loading the board. This will result in more ease in removal of rolags and ways of incorporating fibers of varying lengths without getting clumps, tangles, or excessive fibers left behind on the board.

INSTRUCTOR: Heavenly Bresser

DURATION: One Day

LEVEL: Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Bring your own fibers such as; merino top in varying colors and any effect fibers such as sari silk, wool neeps, etc.
Blending board with accessories (i.e. dowel rods of various sizes, natural bristle brush)
Spinning wheel in good working order
One or more empty bobbins for sampling
Lazy kate for plying
Notebook, pen, pencil, eraser

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Kit available to purchase with 6 ounces of various color fibers for blending: commercial combed top, silk and other fibers

MATERIAL FEE: $22 Kit Fee if you chose to purchase the kit.

CATEGORY: Spinning

Slow to Quick: Ease Your Way into Long-draw

Long-draw techniques have such great benefits for the handspinner. Those lofty, warm, and airy yarns can be produced by use of a long-draw method. For many handspinners, long draw methods are quite a mystery and can be frustrating. So let’s remove the obstacles.

Learn how to properly set up your spinning wheel to ease your way into supported and unsupported long draw, how to choose the best prep for practicing and achieving the results you want, and learn how these techniques can be used for other spinning equipment.

INSTRUCTOR: Heavenly Bresser

DURATION: One Day

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner

PREREQUISITE: Students should have some experience using a spinning wheel and know basics of spinning a two ply yarn.

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Notebook, pen, pencil with eraser
Spinning wheel in good working order with empty bobbins
E-spinners and spindles are welcome
2-4 ounces of rolags (or carded roving NOT TOP) for sampling
Preferably 100% sheeps wool
Tape measure

CATEGORY: Spinning

Think Outside the Braid

Join us as we explore different ways to spin combed-top braids, including gradient spinning, combination drafting, and spinning multiple braids together into one yarn. We will use both color theory and creativity for the best results. Our goal is to gain confidence in spinning braids with varying colors into a cohesive yarn and to think outside the box to achieve the desired outcome from the raw materials. This is a drop-spindle friendly class!

INSTRUCTOR: Heavenly Bresser

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Notebook, pen or pencil with eraser
Spinning wheel, e-spinner or spindle in good working order
2-4 ounces of dyed top fiber, preferably wool or wool blend
Dyed top should have more than two solid colors in its color way

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Kit Fee includes fibers for blending and color wheels

MATERIAL FEE: $15.00

CATEGORY: Spinning

Blend and Spin with Wild Silk

Wild silks are unique, exquisite fibers that are perfect for the handspinner’s stash. When compared to bombyx silk, they are less slippery, shorter, and often easier to spin. These silks are quite desirable and great candidates for blending, especially considering their beautiful range of colors. Let’s go wild and learn special blending techniques and get comfortable with blending a variety of wild silk with handcards.

Then, we’ll take them to wheel or spindle for a spin. Heavenly will also demonstrate how to blend with wild silks using a blending board and drumcarder. You’ll leave this session knowing how to create colorful, elegant, and sophisticated blends that are worthy of spinning.

INSTRUCTOR: Heavenly Bresser

DURATION: Two Days, Pre-conference

LEVEL: Intermediate

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Blending roving or top: 4 ounces total with maximum 4 inch staple length (ie., merino, targhee, jacob and other fine/medium wools)
Spinning wheel in good working order
Three empty bobbins
Lazy kate
Pair of hand carders (72 tip recommended)
Note pad, pencil or pen

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Wild Silk for blending

MATERIAL FEE: $20 for Kit

CATEGORY: Spinning

The Swedish Art Weaves, Halv Krabba and Rolakan Tapestry

The weavers in southern Sweden have been known for their beautifully colorful “Art Weaves”. In this workshop, you will weave a sampler of the popular art weaves, Halvkrabba, which is a laid-in technique, and Rölakan, which is a traditional folk tapestry technique.

The Swedish art weaves consist of decorative weaves woven mostly in plain weave on four shafts, with hand-manipulated pattern wefts. The weft yarns are a single-ply fine wool and they are woven on a linen warp. These techniques are easy to weave; patterns are created with laid-in and tapestry techniques.

INSTRUCTOR: Joanne Hall

DURATION: One Day (Please note that this class may be taken as Part 1 of the two Swedish Art Weave classes or as a single class. You must register for each class separately if taking both.)

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Table loom or workshop loom with four shafts warped according to the warp and instructions provided before the workshop.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

The weft yarns and accessories will be provided by the instructor.
Students will receive warping instructions and
A wound warp which they will put onto their loom before the workshop.
A pattern instruction booklet will be emailed to them in advance of the workshop.

MATERIAL FEE: $50

CATEGORY: Weaving

The Swedish Art Weaves, Krabba, Dukagang and Monksbelt

The weavers in southern Sweden have been known for their colorfully beautiful “Art Weaves”. In this workshop, you will weave a sampler of the popular art weaves, Krabba, Dukagång and Munkabälte, which are laid-in techniques.

The Swedish art weaves consist of decorative weaves woven mostly in plain weave on four shafts, with hand-manipulated pattern wefts. The weft yarns are a single-ply fine wool and they are woven on a linen warp. These techniques are easy to weave, with patterns created with laid-in and tapestry techniques.

INSTRUCTOR: Joanne Hall

DURATION: Two Day (Please note that this class may be taken as Part 2 of the two Swedish Art Weave classes or as a single class if the student meets the pre-requisite. You must register for each class separately if taking both.)

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced. Pre-requisite: Students must either have taken the first workshop, Swedish Art Weaves-Halv Krabba and Rolakan tapestry, or have experience with weft-faced weaving.

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Table loom or workshop loom with four shafts warped according to the warp and instructions provided before the workshop.
10 dent reed
Two stick shuttles, or two small boat shuttles
Several graph paper pages and pencil
A small, hand-held mirror to see the underside of the sampler

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Farro wool weft yarns in many colors
Slender pick-up sticks
This sticks or thin dowels about 12”-15” long
Heddles and warp thread to make half heddle sticks
Students will receive warping instructions and
A 16/3 linen pre-wound warp which they will put onto their loom before the workshop.
A pattern instruction booklet will be emailed to them in advance of the workshop.

MATERIAL FEE: $40

CATEGORY: Weaving

Felting a Necklace/Collar

Make a felt necklace or collar blending colors of fine merino wool, tencel, silk, and bamboo fibers. Embellish the piece by finishing with beads and embroidery. We will add chains with a closure for ease of closing the necklace. Your necklaces will be quite the statement piece.

INSTRUCTOR: Judith Colvin

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Old towel
A good pair of scissors
Special fiber colors-optional (19-micron merino is best)
Special beads-optional ( 6mm-10 mm bead openings are best)
Additional embroidery floss (to continue working after class)

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Fine merino and fibers for embellishment
Bead selection
Embroidery floss

CATEGORY: Felting

Felting a Shawl Pin

Complement your handwovens and handknits with a Felted Shawl Pin. Imagine perfectly coordinating a color palette for this finishing piece with the textile. Embroidered and beaded embellishments really make it sing.

INSTRUCTOR: Judith Colvin

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

special wool, beads, embroidery thread to match your textile-optional (19-micron merino is best)

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Merino wool in various colors (19-micron merino)
Simple carved stick
An assortment of beads and embroidery threads
Needles

MATERIAL FEE: $10

CATEGORY: Felting

Sprang

Learn about sprang by making a small mesh bag. Sprang textiles use a continuous wound warp to make an interlocking mesh fabric.

INSTRUCTOR: Karen Griffing

DURATION: Half Day

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

A ball of skein of smooth cotton yarn, dk or worsted size
A yarn needle
An optional crochet hook to use with the yarn

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Frame
Dowels
Thin sticks and cords
Handout
Reference materials

CATEGORY: Weaving

Double Knitting

This “needles-on” workshop is an introduction to Double Knitting. Patterns for a pixel gradient coaster, cowl, hat, and mittens will be used to explore techniques. The coaster will double as a gauge swatch and will be used to demonstrate casting on, reading a chart, knitting flat, and binding off. The remaining patterns will be: knit in the round, with the cowl used as the introduction to double knitting in the round: the hat used to teach decreases, and the mittens used to teach increases and picking up stitches. Patterns for the pixel-gradient gauge swatch/coaster, cowl, hat, and mittens will be specifically created for the class.

INSTRUCTOR: Larie Smoyer

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Bring yarn of the same gauge in two contrasting colors
Knitting needles sized for the yarn

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Handouts with instructions for double knitting techniques
Patterns for a coaster, cowl, hat, and mittens specifically created for the class

CATEGORY: Knitting

Wheel Maintenance and Beginning Spinning

Learn a new craft or improve on your present spinning skills. In this class you will learn about basic maintenance for your spinning wheel and the basics of the different aspects of spinning needed to produce final products from your yarn. You will see hand-spun yarn skeins, different sweater ideas possible with your yarn, the different draws used to spin yarn from woolen to worsted, and what they are used for with the variety of fibers you can spin. You will need to bring a spinning wheel, that is in working condition with all its parts, and a lazy kate. If you need a wheel, some will be provided. You will be able to learn a new craft or improve on your present spinning skills.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Backstrom

DURATION: One Day, Pre-conference

LEVEL: Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

A spinning wheel that is in working condition with all its parts
A lazy kate
If you need a spinning wheel, some will be available in class for sharing

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Loaner spinning wheels for class sharing
16 ounces each of top and carded fiber

MATERIAL FEE: $6

CATEGORY: Spinning

Indigo Shibori for Saki-Ori

In this one-day workshop we will be exploring the Art of Shibori and Indigo Dyeing.

Shibori is the Japanese term for cloth that is folded, stitched, wrapped or pleated to create a specific pattern on the cloth.

Indigo is one of the oldest natural plant dyes known to humanity.

Saki-Ori is a Japanese term for weaving strips of old kimono cloth into something new.

We will begin by learning some Shibori techniques called Itajime (fold and clamp) and Arashi and or Bomaki (to wrap cloth on a pipe). These two Shibori techniques create bold patterns on the cloth that translate to an interesting pattern when woven.

We will be working with simple cotton muslin pieces to create our Shibori patterns as well as cotton, bamboo, and any natural fiber yarns (except wool) to dye for either warp or weft in your handwoven sample.

This class is designed to acquaint you with the possibilities of using both Indigo and Shibori in your future weaving practices. The Shibori techniques can be used with other natural dyes or Procion cold water dyes as well.

LOCATION: This is an off-site class. You will travel down the beautiful Bitterroot Valley to Hamilton, Montana. Open Ended Expressive Arts Studio will be our host.

DURATION: One Day (Please note that this class will be repeated on two different days. Register for only one of the classes.)

LEVEL: Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Further information will be sent upon sign up

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Some of the tools required for the Shibori processes
Indigo vats for dyeing

MATERIAL FEE: Graciously provided by a grant from the Rapp Family Foundation.

CATEGORY: Dyeing

Introduction to Experiences in Weaving

For those somewhat daunted by the process of measuring and warping a loom, participants in this class will learn by actually weaving on pre-warped looms. The class will cover: 1) loom parts and functions , 2) basic weave structures, and 3) basics in reading weaving patterns. About half the class, three to four hours, will be allotted to weaving on different looms. Students will hopefully leave with wonder and interest in discovering more about the possibilities of weaving.

INSTRUCTOR: Molly McKinnon

DURATION: One Day, Pre-conference

LEVEL: Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Your own scrap yarn-optional

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Pre-warped looms
Weaving material & yarn

CATEGORY: Weaving

Pattern Logic: Ms + Os

Ms + Os is a traditional 2-block design on 4 shafts that depends on thread distortion. This gentle, undulating personality can be carefully developed and expanded into exceptional designs. We will study the traditional pattern blocks and explore new ways to use these characteristics to create outstanding responses to our warp and weft. Adding different yarns can also create delightful color and texture effects. With a fresh understanding of this structure, we will investigate a variety of treadlings on your threading to reveal a patterned system of repetition, rhythm, and logic far beyond 2-blocks on 4 shafts.

This is a fun, exploratory workshop that has many Aha! moments. Ms + Os is often shown as a monotonous linen weave. This workshop proves otherwise.

INSTRUCTOR: Suzi Ballenger

DURATION: Two Days, Pre-conference

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Pre-warped 4 shaft loom (instructions will be sent after enrollment)
Shuttles/
Bobbins of similar threads
Weaving notions (including thread weights),
Pencil and paper for note taking

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Handouts (with drawdown/treadlings/notes)
Extra weft
Materials to support student success

MATERIAL FEE: $15

CATEGORY: Weaving

Using Color to Create Pattern with Turned Taquete

Turned Taqueté is a perfect opportunity to step into the fun of color as the basis for exploring pattern and geometry in weaving. You will be amazed at how easy it is to use color to create designs with this simple and diverse structure. You will learn how colors can create exciting shapes and designs that are individual and stunning.

INSTRUCTOR: Suzi Ballenger

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner-Need to be familiar with drawdowns and vocabulary.

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Laptop with drawdown program

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Handouts

MATERIAL FEE: $5

CATEGORY: Weaving

Renegade Treadlings

Birds Eye, Ms and Os, Huck-a-Back, and Swedish Point: these three traditional weave structures offer weavers the opportunity to explore myriad possibilities for towels, clothing, and accessories. Once we learn what distinguishes these threadings from others, we can expand our treadling vocabulary to create our own voice in creating innovative designs for our cloth.

Inquisitive weavers will enjoy the labeled samples and drawdowns to inspire their next exploration in original design.

INSTRUCTOR: Suzi Ballenger

DURATION: Half Day Seminar Style Class

LEVEL: Beginner-Must be familiar with drawdowns and vocabulary.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Handouts

MATERIAL FEE: $10

CATEGORY: Weaving

Kami-Ito: Making Yarn from Paper

Kami-ito refers to yarn made out of Washi, a handmade Japanese paper. A traditional process, kami-ito has been used for centuries to create Shifu and other textiles. You will learn a straightforward method for preparing paper for spinning. We will explore the art and historic uses of this unique yarn that is suitable for basketry, crochet, knitting, weaving, and other hand manipulation techniques

INSTRUCTOR: Suzi Ballenger

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner, Intermediate

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

All workshop materials
Instructor may contact participants if additional materials or tools are needed

MATERIAL FEE: $30

CATEGORY: Spinning

Transforming Tools & Weaving Wonders

Understanding the equipment we use, as weavers, is the first step to changing the way we use it. We will identify way for disrupting the fluid order of warp and weft through closely observing loom anatomy. Then you will learn how to use the knowledge of weaving equipment to achieve fantastic and unexpected effects in your cloth. Contemporary tools such as Open Reed®, Supplementary Beater®, and RailReed will be explored and demonstrated as simple alternatives we can use to transform the traditional grid into a woven wonder. Don’t be put off by the anatomy of your loom — learn it and use it!

INSTRUCTOR: Suzi Ballenger

DURATION: Half Day, Seminar/Demonstration Style

LEVEL: All skill levels welcome

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

All workshop materials

CATEGORY: Weaving

Fiber Prep

You’re an aspiring handspinner or felter, and you want to learn how to prepare your own fiber. In this participatory overview, I will demonstrate and discuss all of the steps to prepare cleaned wool for either spinning or felting. Class participants will have opportunities to compare fibers and preparation techniques, and will learn to use wool combs, hand carders and a drum carder. Participants will receive a class outline that includes definitions and descriptions of techniques for future reference.

INSTRUCTOR: Sylvia Smith

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Beginner, no prior fiber arts experience is required.

CATEGORY: Spinning

Spinning Fun Yarns

Most times, spinners try to spin consistent yarns for use in knitting, crocheting or weaving projects. There are times, though, when we just want to make some fun and funky yarn. Art/novelty yarns add texture and visual interest to pieces, and there’s more to them than “beginner’s luck”. This class will explore how to add intentional textural features to yarns. We’ll also explore techniques for adding pops of color without blending.

INSTRUCTOR: Sylvia Smith

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Intermediate, Advanced-Pre-requisite: Participants should be able to spin a consistent singles yarn.

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Spinning wheel in good working condition
Orifice hook
Two to three empty bobbins for your wheel
Lazy kate-can be hand-made with knitting needles and shoe box
Hand carders
Instructor may contact students with details prior to the conference

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

A variety of spinning fiber
hand carder for class use
Niddy Noddy for class use (may have some available for purchase)

MATERIAL FEE: $20.00

CATEGORY: Spinning

Intermediate Spinning Techniques

Beginning spinners strive to learn how to make fine and consistent singles. An important piece of this is overall diameter control. Sylvia will teach you a couple of ways to control the diameter of your singles in both worsted and woolen spinning techniques. Plying is a key step in making a strong and beautiful handspun yarn, and we’ll work on it in this class. Some people are able to produce consistently balanced plied yarns intuitively, while it is a game of chance for others. In this class, we’ll take the frustration and guesswork out of plying as we discuss and practice techniques to create consistent and balanced results in two-ply and three-ply yarns.

INSTRUCTOR: Sylvia Smith

DURATION: Half Day

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner-Pre-requisite: Participants should be able to spin a consistent singles yarn.

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Spinning wheel in good working condition
Orifice hook
Two to three empty bobbins for your wheel
Lazy kate-can be hand-made with knitting needles and shoe box

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

A handout with times, terminology and resources will be provided.
Instructor may contact students with details prior to the conference

MATERIAL FEE: $ 10.00

CATEGORY: Spinning

The Straight 8

Weavers dream of the draft that will give them numerous pattern possibilities on just one threading. It might be considered a total gift if you could weave a multiple number of structures on just one threading. That is, not just changing out the treadling sequence or thread size and color. I’m talking about weaving Rose Path, Waffle Weave, Bronson Lace, Monk’s Belt, and a Broken Twill on the same threading. You can also combine them all within the same piece. Imagine a table runner with a simple hem, then weaving twill for a desired length, change to a Monk’s Belt Border and then change out the piece again for a center field with a different structure such as Huck. Now reverse the beginning woven pattern order to balance the piece. It’s all possible by changing the tie-ups.

Dozens of possibilities are available as long as you stick to an eight-thread repeat in your pattern or structure. The secret is in the warp threads’ lifting sequence. Let me show you how to open the door to a whole new way of thinking about how to thread your loom and its possibilities.

You will be weaving a sampler during this workshop. You will be changing the tie-up frequently. This will mean that you will be required to get down on the floor to do numerous tie-up changes. If that would be difficult for you, may I recommend you bring and weave on a table loom for this workshop. Weaving on a table loom may be a little slower than a floor loom, but you will all be weaving at your own pace anyway. We will be taking breaks from weaving for lecture time so that I can explain how to rethink these tie-ups for your straight-eight threading.

INSTRUCTOR: Tom Knisely

DURATION: Two and a Half Days, Pre-conference

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

· A warped loom-instructions will be provided by the instructor prior to class.

CATEGORY: Weaving

Weaving with Clasped Weft

A clasped weft is made by having two threads enter an open shed, from opposite sides of the loom, interlocking somewhere in the middle of that shed. It’s totally up to the weaver’s discretion where the clasp is placed. The clasped join can be shifted from side to side giving the look of an EKG read out. Or it can be carefully stacked on top of each other resulting in a geometric appearance. You might already be familiar with the city scape designs or a piano key pattern usually associated with clasped weft. What if we push our designs up a little? Come and learn the basic fundamentals of clasped weft while weaving a sampler that can be used later as a towel.

There will be numerous samples for you to see from my new book on clasped weft. The samples are sure to give you lots of inspiration for future clasped weft projects.

INSTRUCTOR: Tom Knisely

DURATION: One Day

SUPPLIES THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING:

Pre-warped loom, 10/2 cotton
A full list and warping instructions will be sent out ahead of the class.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

Other yarns and threads to add interest to your sampler.
There will be numerous samples for you to see from my new book on clasped weft.

CATEGORY: Weaving

Finishing Techniques

You will learn a number of different finishes that not only secure the raw edges, but also add a decorative finish to your future woven pieces.

Each student will receive a pre-woven mat to practice these finishes on. It is yours to take home so that you can continue to practice as you have time. I will also have a book on finishes for each of you that has clear illustrations to guide you after the class. We will also discuss the washing and care of your woven pieces to keep them good looking for years to come.

Besides your individual mat, there will be samples of other woven pieces so that you can experiment with hemming and other techniques.

INSTRUCTOR: Tom Knisely

DURATION: Half Day, (Please note that this class will be repeated, one in the morning, one in the afternoon on the same day. Register for only one of the classes.)

LEVEL: All skill levels welcome.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR:

A pre-woven mat to practice for each student
An illustrated book to take home

CATEGORY: Weaving