Description
Understanding the equipment we use, as weavers, is the first step to changing the way we use it. We will identify ways for disrupting the latticed 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®, Nami Stick®, RailReed, and Rigid Heddles 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!
Supplies: Weaving notions: some weft threads (no more than ½#), bobbins (about 4), shuttles, sley/reed hook, scissors, measuring tape, pins, note taking paper/pencil
Level: Intermediate, must be able to dress a loom independently. If someone needs assistance dressing a loom but wants to take this workshop, reach out to education@chgweavers.org.
Special Note: In this workshop, we’ll be using tools provided by the instructor, unfortunately table looms will not work for this workshop.
Suzi Ballenger pursues the connections between craftsman and machine by pushing pre-conceived boundaries of weaving with her choices of fiber and tools. She strives to realize the fullest expression of threaded order, disorder, function, and form to show the simple and amazing beauty of cloth. An unending curiosity for material stimulates this language of hand and craft, believing these characteristics are enhanced through a deep understanding of the architecture of warp and weft.
