Beginning
A Beginning student is new to the subject and has no experience. Beginners are first-timers or individuals who would like a refresher in the topic.Try It! Classes
Try It! Weave on an Inkle Loom
Come and explore the fun of an inkle loom! This small, portable loom is ideal for weaving bands, belts, straps, accessories, bookmarks, and more! In this class, students will learn how to warp the loom and begin making a simple project, like a bookmark. After learning the basics, students will design and draft their own patterns for future use. Children ages 8-12 should enroll with or be accompanied by an adult. Two contrasting colors of 3/2 perle cotton is recommended; bring your own or purchase yarn at the Guild the day of class.
972 Saturday, October 23: 10:00am - 4:30pm
Instructor: Betty Wilson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $74/$64 Members | Materials Fee: $2
Try It! Kumihimo To Go
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese method of making beautiful braids. This technique is very portable and lots of fun! Students will learn to make several types of braids and finish them into useful articles. An emphasis will be on braids for jewelry. Students should bring: cardboard, such as the back of a tablet or sturdy cereal box (no corrugated), paper, scissors, 4 or 5 colors of embroidery floss, perle cotton in sizes 3/2 or 5/2, and textured yarns if available. Bright colors work best. Yarns and an optional booklet will be available for purchase from the instructor.
973 Saturday, November 6: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Traudi Bestler | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $60/$51 Members | Materials Fee: $2
Try It! Those Little Looms
Remember the pot holder loom or an old Weave-It? Or maybe you have the new Weavette or other little weaving device? Bring your little loom, scissors and a weaving needle, if you have one. A small number of looms will be available for class use for those who do not have their own. Yarns are supplied, but students are welcome to bring what they have at home. The instructor will have plenty of ideas and techniques for making quick, fun and fabulous projects.
974 Saturday, October 9: 11:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Traudi Bestler | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $60/$51 Members | Materials Fee: $4
Try It! Spin on a Spindle
Are you interested in spinning, but don't own or have room for a spinning wheel? In this introductory, one-day course, students will learn to use a drop spindle and prepare fibers for spinning. Drop spindle spinning is an inexpensive and portable way to spin.
975 Saturday, October 2: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Judy Payne | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $69/$60 Members | Materials Fee: $25
Try It! Needle Felting
Experience felting the easy, dry way by using needles instead of hot water to create an exotic animal, a decorative pot holder or whatever your imagination suggests! All it takes are colorful wool fleeces, a felting needle, and the proper punching technique and you will be ready to embellish any wool item with your own personal “painted” designs and three-dimensional forms. Needle felting is gaining in popularity and is a fun craft for anyone interested in learning a new way to create.
976 Sunday, October 3: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Instructor: Nancy Preckshot | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $50/$43 Members | Materials Fee: $5
Floor Loom
Beginning Floor Loom I
Do you want to explore weaving? This class lets you discover the fun and creativity of weaving! Students will learn all the fundamentals, starting with a basic weaving vocabulary and graduating to: preparing a warp, warping a loom, and reading a draft. The instructor will guide you through a basic project and students will complete a wool scarf or a cotton table runner in plain weave or twill.
945 WEEKEND Friday, August 6: 5:30pm - 9:00pm, Saturday & Sunday, August 7 & 8: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Rosemary MacFarlane | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $218/$182 Members | Materials Fee: $10
Beginning Floor Loom II
Did you just finish Beginning Floor Loom I? Here is your next step! Beginning Floor Loom II applies all the principles you just learned. Now that you have been introduced to reading a draft and warping a loom, you can continue to explore the floor loom and have fun increasing your skills and creativity. Using the drafts provided, the instructor will assist students with planning a project based on plain weave and twill weave structures, such as overshot, log cabin or Bronson lace, and introduce two shuttle techniques.
948 DAY Tuesday - Friday, August 17 - 20: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Donna Hanson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $218/$182 Members | Materials Fee: $10
Beginning Floor Loom Weaving
Do you want to explore weaving? This class lets you discover the fun and creativity of weaving! Students will learn all the fundamentals, starting with a basic weaving vocabulary and graduating to: preparing a warp, warping a loom, and reading a draft. The instructor will guide you through a basic project and students will complete a wool scarf or a cotton table runner in plain weave or twill.
Three chances to take this class:
977 EVENING
Tuesdays & Thursdays, October 12, 19, 21, 26, 28, November 2 & 4: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Jan Johnson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $218/$182 Members | Materials Fee: $10
978 DAY
Monday - Thursday, October 4 - 7: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Donna Hanson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $218/$182 Members | Materials Fee: $10
979 WEEKEND
Friday, December 3: 5:30pm - 9:00pm; Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Carol Johnson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $218/$182 Members | Materials Fee: $10
Rag Weaving
Scandinavian Rag Rug I
In this class, students will learn to wind a warp, warp a floor loom, and weave a rug. Creating a durable rug is important and students will be taught specific weaving techniques to accomplish this goal. Students will learn how to select fabric, prepare fabric for weaving, and finish ends. Rugs will be woven in plain weave with a sett of five ends per inch using Finnish cotton seine twine as warp and cotton fabric strips as weft. Bring any fabrics you are thinking of using in your rug to the first class. Students should expect to spend time weaving at the Guild in between classes in order to complete their rug.
Prerequisite: Students must have acess to and be able to use a sewing machine
991 Tuesday, October 5: 9:30am - 12:30pm; Tuesdays & Thursdays, October 19, 21, 26, 28, November 2 & 4: 9:30am - 2:30pm
Instructor: Wynne Mattila | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $327/$272 Members | Materials Fee: $37 for Finnish cotton seine twine warp, purchased from the instructor. Students provide their own fabric for weft.
Beginning Rag Rug Weaving
Learn the basics of rag rug weaving and make a 2x3” rag rug using 2 shaft, plain weave structure! Learn loom/weaving terminology and rag preparation. Learn to use a warping board, dress a floor loom, read a draft, weave with fabric strips, and finish a rug with fringe or a hem. Fabric selection and preparation and use of color will be addressed. The first evening is an informational session. Carpet warp may be purchased at the Guild. Students will supply recycled or new fabric. Suggested but not required: Rag Rug Handbook by Janet Meaney and Paula Pfaff (available at the Guild).
Prerequisite: Students must have acess to and be able to use a sewing machine
992 Monday, November 22: 5:30 pm - 9:00pm; Friday, December 3: 5:30pm - 9:00pm; Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Ann Masemore | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $218/$182 Members | Materials Fee: $10
Frame Loom
Rigid Heddle Weaving
This portable loom can be used to weave yardage, table linens, wall hangings, and more! Students will plan a project, measure a warp, transfer it to the loom, and weave a sampler. Weaving techniques, patterns, and finishing ideas will also be presented. Students will prepare a second warp to weave a scarf and will be expected to weave between classes. Looms available to take home for the duration of the class for a $100 refundable damage deposit.
996 EVENING Tuesday, October 19 & Thursday, October 21; Tuesdays, October 26, November 2, 9 & 16: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Betty Wilson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $178/$149 Members | Materials Fee: $5 Handouts
Rigid Heddle Frame Loom: Direct Method Warping
Ready, set, weave! Learn the basics of the rigid heddle loom and get going on scarves, table runners, shawls, pillow covers and more. The rigid heddle is portable so you can take your project with you anywhere. Students will learn a super-efficient warping technique, which means you can be weaving in a few hours. You will leave class ready to plan and create your own projects. Great for students who want to find out if weaving is for them. Also helpful for experienced rigid heddle weavers interested in learning a speedy warping alternative. Yarn for project may be purchased at the Guild. Looms available to take home for the duration of the class for a refundable damage deposit. Students are encouraged to purchase The Ashford Book of Rigid Heddle Weaving by Rowena Hart, available at the Guild.
997 WEEKEND Saturday & Sunday, November 20 & 21: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Elizabeth Harrington | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $119/$99 Members | Materials Fee: $5
Spinning
Beginning Spinning I
Discover the joy and beauty of making handspun yarn by learning to spin wool. This class is for those who want to learn all the basics of spinning fiber from sheep on the spinning wheel. The focus will be on understanding how to prepare fiber and use tools and equipment. After getting acquainted with the fiber and spinning wheel, you will need to practice. Spinning outside of class time will be encouraged. Please bring a spinning wheel and hard cards, if you have them, to the first session. Spinning wheels are available for use at the Guild and they may be taken home for the duration of the class for a $250 refundable damage deposit.
Four chances to take this class:
1026 Saturday & Sunday, July 31 & August 1: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Jen Cuff | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $25
1000 EVENING Wednesdays, September 29, October 6, 13 & 20: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Instructor: Jen Cuff | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $25
1001 WEEKEND Saturday & Sunday, October 30 & 31: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Judy Payne | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $25
1002 DAY Wednesdays, December 1, 8, 15 & 22: 9:30am - 12noon
Instructor: Judy Payne | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $25
Beginning Spinning II
This class is the next step for beginners with emphasis on developing spinning techniques and increasing skills with a variety of fibers. Students will explore the various possibilities of wool, hair and fur fibers such as alpaca, angora rabbit and others, and silk. Various techniques, including spinning bulky and lace weight yarns, will be covered. Students will have completed Beginning Spinning I or be proficient in spinning singles and plying. Please bring your spinning wheel to the first session. Spinning wheels are available for use at the Guild and they may be taken home for the duration of the class for a $250 refundable damage deposit.
Two chances to take this class:
962 Saturday & Sunday, August 14 & 15: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Jen Cuff | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $25
1003 Mondays, November 1, 8, 15 & 22: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Instructor: Virginia Parent | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $25
Off Loom
NEW Sew What You Weave
Would you like to cut and sew woven yardage into a wearable vest or jacket? Then this "just do it" class is for you. Learn what weave structures, yarns and setts are appropriate for the vest or jacket pattern you choose. A review of fabric preparation, sewing techniques, and basic pattern fitting will be discussed, as well as cutting and sewing a muslin and your handwoven fabric in the pattern style you choose. Students will need to purchase muslin and weaving yarns, and should expect to spend time weaving outside of classtime. Others may choose to weave yardage ahead of time and bring it to the first day of class. On October 18th students will need to bring their finished woven fabric and a sewing machine to class. Prerequisite: Must have some sewing experience and a sewing machine in good working condition.
1008 Thursdays, September 16 & 23: 10:00am - 1:00pm; Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, October 18, 19 & 21: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Suzanne Walsh | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $207/$173 Members | Materials Fee: $10
Expressions, A Playday of Experimenting with Design
Sometimes we become too focused during the creative process on laborious planning and the end product. In this class we are going to have a play-day of expressing ourselves spontaneously. Through the use of paper collage and markmaking with acrylic and watercolor paints students can explore their imagination and take home lots of process and design ideas.
1009 Mondays, November 8 & 15: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Pamela J. Davis | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $10
Card Weaving
Learn to weave using a series of threaded cards. No loom, no fuss, just a simple, fun and easy way to weave straps, belts and decorative trims! The instructor will demonstrate threading and manipulating the cards. A few basic patterns will be presented, along with resources for developing more complex weave structures that include color switching and finishing techniques. Cards and 3/2 perle cotton are available for purchase the day of the class at the Guild.
1010 Mondays, September 27, October 4 & 18: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Instructor: Karen Searle | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $5
Needle Lace
Try your hand at needle lace, also known as detached buttonhole stitch. This technique was used by the finest lacemakers in 15th to 18th century Europe. Students will create a small stitched picture, learn to outline an image, and to do some basic connecting, or 'ground' stitches. Use a needle, thread and scissors to make beautiful lace.
1011 Sundays, October 17 & 24: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Karen Searle | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $79/$66 Members | Materials Fee: $12
Introduction to Ply Split Braiding
Ply-split braiding is an age-old craft used by camel herders to make girths, straps for their animals. We use this technique to make decorative pieces such as necklaces or belts. Students will learn how to make cords for use in ply-split braiding. We will also make several braids using various ply-splitting techniques.
1013 Saturday, October 30: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Dianne Stiff | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $15
Tapestry
Introduction to Tapestry
Discover the creativity and beauty of tapestry weaving. Students will experience the different yarns used, the importance of even tension, and the basic techniques to create shapes and line. The focus of this class is on weaving with a treadled (with floor pedals) tapestry loom freeing up your hands for weaving. The looms will be warped and ready to weave at the start of class. There will be a discussion on the history, as well as contemporary examples of tapestry today. Students will also learn how to warp the treadled loom and a simple frame loom to fully understand the process of tapestry weaving.
1007 Mondays, September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25 & November 1: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Pamela J. Davis | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $178/$149 Members | Materials Fee: $20