In this class, weavers will learn how to dress their looms for a twill sampler. We will use two rigid heddle reeds
to create 3/1 twills using three different threadings. We will then explore various weaving sequences to create
a variety of twill patterns. We will discuss how a three-shaft twill pattern can be converted into a rigid heddle
pattern. We will also touch on how four-shaft twills can be woven on a rigid heddle loom using three reeds, and
there will be a demo loom set up for weavers to try this more complex method. Students will leave class with a
woven twill sampler to inspire future projects.

In this class you will fabricate a strip of bobbin lace, with or without beads, that can be made into a lovely bijou: a bracelet, key ring strap, or clothing adornment. By doing this simple project you will learn how to wind the bobbins, prepare the pattern, dress the lace pillow, and use basic bobbin lace techniques. Open to beginners and beyond, with pattern choice based on experience level.

Have you ever wished you could weave almost any design into a woven band? Or how about weaving a message without pick-up? Double-sided tablet weaving is for you then. This technique creates a two-color band with almost any figure or letters woven into it. This technique does require focus and concentration to weave however, as we will be following charts to turn individual cards to produce patterns.

This workshop is for people who are comfortable with basic Tapestry techniques and warping the loom. The mask is woven using basic Tapestry Techniques along with a pulled warp method of shaping. This project will be woven on small wooden frame looms, woven flat and then manipulated into shape. Warp and Weft yarn will be provided. Goal of the Workshop: We will talk through the process, warp the loom and begin weaving the mask. At the end of the session, we will remove the mask from the loom and manipulate that warp threads to create the three-dimensional shape. We will also discuss finishing and mounting options. Examples will be available for review and discussion.

In this class, students will weave a small throw blanket on a rigid heddle loom. We will use two rigid heddle
reeds and pickup sticks to weave two layers of cloth simultaneously, which are connected on one side,
creating a piece of cloth that is double the width of your warp. We will also discuss and go over the variations
on doubleweave that can create a tube, woven slits, and two separate layers. Students should arrive to class
with an empty loom as we will all be warping and preparing the looms together. Please note that we will warp
the loom and learn the doubleweave shuttle sequence, and discuss finishing techniques. However, weaving
double-width is a slow process, and students will then take their looms home to finish weaving the blanket at
their own pace.

On day one, you will explore the art of Suminagashi, water marbling, and create your own designs on paper, fabric and other materials. Day two you will learn three basic stitching patterns of Asian Style Books (soft covered) and then explore how to create your own patterns to stitch. Marbled fabricsabrics can be used to make quilts, covers for hard bound books, scarves, strip weaving etc.

Ply-splitting started with camel herders spinning goat hair into cords that they then used to fashion girths for saddles and packs. Today artists use a variety of materials to make not only flat pieces, but also three-dimensional ones. You’ll start your three-dimensional explorations with a simple item using only four cords and plain oblique twining (POT). Moving on, you’ll practice your single course oblique twining (SCOT) skills to make a basket. Finally, you’ll use both POT and SCOT to create a three dimensional item with bumps and curves, oh my. The path to a finished product is unique to the maker. Come develop your skills as you are exposed to different ply-splitting materials, techniques and ideas.

In this hands-on workshop, we will explore all of the steps involved in growing, processing, and spinning flax and hemp for weaving. On day one, we will discuss fiber flax and hemp seed selection, current licensing requirements for growing hemp, and how to grow, harvest, and ret these plants for fiber use. We will have retted straw on hand to process straw with brakes, scutching knives and hackles, and participants will have plenty of time to try their hand at using these traditional tools to process bast fibers.  On day two, we will learn how to dress a distaff for spinning long line fibers, and will spend the day spinning both line and tow, as well as learning how to finish our handspun yarns in the scouring process. Spinners are welcome to bring their own wheel, spindle, and distaff if they have them. No prior spinning experience required.

Based on the concepts from her book A New Spin on Color, Alanna will help you develop a deeper understanding of color and show you how to apply that knowledge to create more intentional handspun yarns. If you've ever wondered why some color combinations seem to sing while others become muddy or disappointing, this workshop will help you understand what's happening and give you practical tools for making more confident color decisions. You'll begin by exploring color theory through a fiber artist's lens, creating carded color blends and learning how to use photographs as inspiration for future projects. From there, you'll discover how different approaches to spinning colored and hand-painted fiber can dramatically change the appearance of the finished yarn. Throughout the workshop, Alanna will show you how preparation, drafting, color placement, yarn structure, and plying choices influence the final result. You'll compare samples side by side, experiment with multiple approaches to the same fiber, and discover how knitting, weaving, and crochet each influence the way color appears in fabric. You'll leave with a collection of samples, practical color tools you can apply to future projects, and greater confidence in your ability to work intentionally with color from inspiration photo to finished fabric. Students will have the opportunity to create pin loom swatches during class to evaluate how their yarn behaves in fabric. Students may bring their own pin loom or purchase one from Alanna for an additional $50. Students wishing to purchase a loom should contact Alanna no later than one month before the conference so sufficient looms can be ordered.

This workshop is a game changer for weavers with the desire to design their own patterns in Summer and Winter. You’ll learn why Summer and Winter is a block weave AND a unit weave, making it a perfect weave structure for designing with six blocks on eight shafts! You’ll create colorful patterns and motifs from profile drafts and weave them in class. Participants will design a gamp with their own creations, including a portion of the gamp woven in polychrome, based on a foundation draft that I will send out prior to the workshop. FiberWorks or other weaving software is welcome but not mandatory.