This lively and intensive course is designed as an introduction to the basic techniques of weaving: winding a warp, dressing the loom, and weaving a finished piece. The focus will be on exploring the basic weave structures — plain weave and twills in their many variations — understanding project drafts and calculating yarn requirements. You will also learn about looms and equipment, yarns, and finishing techniques. In addition, you will be able to take full advantage of NEWS, attending general lectures and exhibits while meeting other weavers. After completing this workshop, you will be able to warp a loom, weave on your own, and know where help is readily available. Looms are provided.

Tapestry is a dynamic weaving technique that allows you to create designs and imagery with just weft! In this class, students will learn how to warp a simple frame loom with the 2 selvedge warping method, basic tapestry techniques needed to create a successful weaving, and finishing techniques to polish off their woven artwork.  We will be using simple frame looms because they are perfect for weavers of all levels, as they allow for many different options and are especially useful for smaller tapestries and samples. Every student will also get to keep their loom, warp, beater, and needles to use for their own future projects. Students will create 1 - 2 tapestries over 3 ½ days of class. All students will start with a tapestry sampler where they will explore techniques including: discontinuous weft, hatching/ color blending, shape building (squares, diagonals, circles, and organic shapes), pick-and-pick, rya, and sumak. We will also discuss the creation and use of cartoons to weave designs and/ or imagery. Students will then have the option of adding an image to their sample or starting a second weaving.