Weavers Guild of Minnesota

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Youth Programs


Summer Camp!  Weaving and Fiber Art Creativity for Kids Ages 9-12
Weaving is an ancient technique that is also a modern art form, both beautiful and creative.  Students will learn off loom and loom weaving, as well as related fiber arts using traditional hand woven techniques.  Learn a different art project each day, or work on an ongoing project.  Join in the fun and learn the fundamentals of weaving!  
Morning session: July 21-25: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Afternoon Session: July 21-25: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tuition: $150, includes all materials

Summer Camp!  Floor Loom Projects for Teens Ages 13-18
Have fun creating simple and complex weave structures on the floor loom.  Students will explore throwing the shuttle, learn how to prepare a warp, dress the loom, and weave fabric.  Projects include working on pre-warped looms, as well as designing projects for individual loom time.  Discover the beauty and creativity of hand woven art!
Schedule: July 28-August 1: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, with 30 minute lunch break
Tuition: $225, includes all materials



Workshops


702702  Create and Double Weave Your Own Project
A workshop for beginners or returning students!  This workshop will build on the introduction to pick-up doubleweave presented in the Guild’s February 2007 workshop.  Beginning students are also welcome and sample warps and weft will be provided for them.  Participants will be encouraged to choose individual projects and develop their own design concepts, from warp layout through the cartoon making process to warp and weft color choices.  The project may be as simple as a belt or mug mats, or more ambitious, such as a bag, pillow top, table linens, or wall piece.  The instructor will work with each student on an individual basis.  A triple warp is provided for students interested in experimenting with triple weave.  The looms are available for one week after the workshop in order for students to complete their projects.
Instructor: Marie Westerman  Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to Advanced
Schedule: Friday-Sunday, June 13-15: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Prerequisites: Students must be able to warp a loom and read a draft independently.
Tuition: $345/$285 Members  Limit: 15
Materials Fee: $15 for students requiring sample warps and wefts.  None for continuing students.


703703  Woven Shibori:  Taiten with Natural Dyes
This workshop is an introduction to handwoven taiten shibori with a focus on developing an understanding of natural dyes and how to layer them. Taiten is an obscure Japanese shibori process that uses plain weave alone to create resists in the woven cloth.  The class will explore the history and technique of this resist process in both wool and silk.  Natural dye extracts will be used for immersion, over-dyeing, surface application, and discharge.  This is a perfect introduction to woven shibori for both the beginning and advanced weaver.  Weaving must be completed before the workshop begins.  Suggested materials, warping instructions, and looms will be available prior to the workshop.
Instructor: Catharine Ellis  Skill Level: Beginning to Advanced
Schedule: Friday-Sunday, July 18-20: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $345/$285 Members  Limit: 16
Materials Fee: $15  Dye Lab Fee: $45


704704  Stripes with an Attitude
This workshop examines how design elements and weave structures, including supplementary warps, combine to produce stripes with a high WOW factor.  Bold or subtle, stripes can be so much more than different colored threads.  Learn the roles color, texture, pattern, and structure can play in designing stripes with pizzazz.  Sample techniques include: twill and lace manipulations, textured lines, extracting portions of turned patterns, and various uses of supplementary warps.
Instructor: Barbara J. Walker  Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Schedule: Friday-Saturday, September 12-13:  9:00 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday, September 14: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Prerequisites: Students must be able to warp a loom and read a draft independently.
Tuition: $345/$285 Members  Limit: 16
Materials Fee: $5



Try It!

692692  Try It!  Spin on a Spinning Wheel
Have you always been fascinated by spinning?  Come give spinning a try for a day!  You don't have to own a spinning wheel; the Weavers Guild has many for you to try.  First, learn basic fiber preparation skills, then try out the spinning wheel.  At the end of the day, you will leave with a ball of personalized and handspun yarn!

Instructor: Nancy Preckshot  Skill Level: Beginning
Schedule: Saturday, June  21: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $59/$50 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: $3  All fiber supplies will be provided by the instructor.


697697  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. 

Instructor: Nancy Preckshot  Skill Level: Beginning
Schedule: Thursday, June 26: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $40/$33 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: $5  All supplies will be provided by the instructor including felting needles and fibers.


696696  Try It!  Spin on a Spindle
Are you interested in spinning, but don't own or have room for a spinning wheel?  Drop spindle spinning is an inexpensive and portable way to spin.  In this introductory, one-day course, students will learn to use a drop spindle and prepare fibers for spinning. 

Instructor: Judy Payne  Skill Level: Beginning
Schedule: Saturday, July 26: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $59/$50 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: $25  All fiber supplies will be provided by the instructor.



Off Loom

644644  Topics in pixeLoom
In a combined lecture and hands-on format, the instructor will cover a variety of approaches to drafting the following structures with pixeLoom:  twill and satin, profiles and block substitution, warp and weft-faced designs, doubleweave and double width, and tied weaves.  Participants must bring a laptop computer with pixeLoom software installed (demo copies can be obtained from the instructor prior to the first class).
Instructor: Sue Farley  Level: Advanced Beginning to Advanced
Schedule: Tied Weaves - Wednesday, May 21: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Prerequisites: Basic computer skills and completion of pixeLoom Fundamentals required. 
Tuition: $15/$12 Members   Limit: 10
Materials Fee: None


698698  Design, Function and Maintenance of the Floor Loom
Take a look at your loom!  Have you ever asked yourself, “what are all these parts and pieces for?” or “how do I keep my loom functioning properly?”  Learn all about the mechanics, and in turn, the maintenance of your weaving machine.  This course covers a broad range of topics starting with the function and fundamentals of loom design and then moves into the structural complexities of the loom and problem prevention.  By understanding loom mechanics you can also learn how to prevent simple problems, maintain ease of use, or make minor adjustments.  A perfect class for the beginning or advanced weaver, loom owner, and their partner, too!
Instructor: Malcolm MacFarlane  Skill Level: Multi
Schedule: Saturday, August 9: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $50/$41 Members or $55/$46 Member plus partner  Limit: None
Materials Fee: $2



Frame Loom

688688  Beginning Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Frame Loom:  Direct-Method Warping
Ready, set, weave!  Learn the basics of the rigid heddle loom and weave scarves, table runners, shawls, pillow covers, etc.  The rigid heddle frame loom is portable so you can take your project with you anywhere.  In this class,  you’ll learn a super-efficient direct-method warping technique (warping with a peg instead of a warping board) which means you can be weaving in a few hours.  You will leave class ready to plan and create your own projects.  This class is great for students who want to find out if weaving is for them and it’s also helpful for experienced rigid heddle weavers interested in learning a speedy warping alternative. 
Instructor: Elisabeth Horst  Skill Level: Beginning
Schedule: Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, and 24: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $119/$99 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: Students are encouraged to purchase The Ashford Book of Rigid Heddle Weaving by Rowena Hart, available at the Guild.


689689  Continuing Navajo Weaving
This class is designed to develop your skills in the basic tapestry techniques used in Navajo weaving.   If you are working on your first Navajo weaving, this class is a great opportunity to work on an unfinished piece, learn finishing techniques, or practice spinning Navajo warp.  More experienced Navajo weavers may practice advanced techniques.  Students should bring their Navajo loom and tools for weaving to class; instructor will bring Navajo warp and yarns for purchase.  Students are encouraged to weave between classes.
Instructor: Betty Glynn Carlson  Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermdiate
Schedule: Wednesdays, June 11, 18, and 25: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Prerequisites: Students must have taken at least one Navajo weaving class.
Tuition: $89/$74 Members  Limit: 5
Materials Fee: None



Floor Loom

662662  Beginning Rag Rug
Explore rag rug weaving and learn more about this interesting art form that once held a necessary function in our culture.  The topics covered include rag preparation, winding the warp, and rug finishing, as well as warping a floor loom.  Students will leave the class with a basic knowledge of weaving and a usable-sized rag rug of recycled or new fabric. The first evening session is an informational meeting.
Instructor: Chuck Benson  Level: Beginning
Schedule: Wednesday, May 7: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm; Monday-Friday, May 12-16: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm; Saturday, May 17: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $297/$248 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: None


683683  Linen Sampler
Handwoven linen has the potential to become an heirloom, getting softer and more beautiful with use.  This class will include a review of the history and characteristics of linen.  Warping and weaving techniques specifically for linen will be demonstrated.  Each student will warp one loom, and will weave on all the looms in the round robin class.  The yarns will include different sizes and types of linens.  Structures will include laces, summer and winter, rosepath, supplemental warps, and color and weave effects.  Students should bring note-taking materials and favorite warping and weaving tools.
Instructor: Linda Madden  Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Schedule: Wednesdays, May 14, 21, 28, and June 4: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Prerequisites: Students must be able to warp a loom and read a draft independently.
Tuition: $119/$99 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: $18


684684  Introduction to Weaving: Weekend Intensive
In one weekend, students will learn to warp the loom and weave a sampler of 13 weave structures  including twill and double weave.  Weaving vocabulary, loom structure and function, and basic pattern drafting are covered, as are selecting yarns and determining the quantities needed for projects.  Bring scissors, tape measure, notebook, and a lunch to class.
Instructor: Rosemary MacFarlane  Skill Level: Beginning
Schedule: Saturday-Sunday, August 2-3: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $158/$132 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: None


685685  Beginning Floor Loom 1
This class will introduce beginning weavers to the fun, excitement, and creativity of weaving on a floor loom.  Students will learn how to prepare and warp the loom and will weave a simple project.  Students will also learn basic weave structures, how to read a draft and finish a woven piece.
Instructor: Lou French  Skill Level: Beginning
Schedule: Monday-Friday, August 4-8: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $248/$206 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: $10


686686  Double Binding Rag Rugs
Take your rag rug weaving to a second level.  This course begins with a review of warping from back to front and step-by-step explanations on how to read a draft and thread a 4-harness loom.  Students will design and produce a reversible rug in a block pattern using the double binding technique.
Instructor: Chuck Benson  Skill Level: Intermediate
Schedule: Tuesday, August 5: 7:00 - 9:00 pm; Monday-Friday, August 11-15: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm; Saturday, August 16: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Prerequisites: Students must be able to warp a loom and read a draft independently.
Tuition: $297/$248 Members  Limit: 10
Materials Fee: None


687687  Mixed Warp Scarf: Weave from your Stash!
Do you have odds and ends of yarn too wonderful to throw away?  Would you like to have some fun and learn to make an interesting scarf designed and woven from your stash?  Just bring in those half-used cones and other project leftovers.  This class is great for the beginning or advanced level weaver.  If you're looking for an opportunity to play and explore the possibilities of using yarns you already have, then this class is for you.
Instructor: Lou French  Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Schedule: Friday-Saturday, August 15-16: 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Prerequisites: Students must be able to warp a loom and read a draft independently.
Tuition: $109/$91 Members  Limit: 10
Materials Fee: None



Spinning

690690  Spinning Clinic
Come to this clinic with your spinning questions and receive answers to your problems or help with tuning up your wheel.  This will be a free-format gathering in which an experienced spinning instructor will address concerns about fiber washing, preparation, wheel maintenance, spinning technique, or any other spinning related issue large or small.  Walk-in or stay for the whole session - a great day of demonstrations and individual attention!  If you have particular fibers, yarns or equipment that you have questions about, bring them along. 
Instructor: Weavers Guild of Minnesota Instructors  Skill Level: Multi
Schedule: Saturday, May 31: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $25/$15 Members  Limit: None
Materials Fee: None


691691  Intermediate Spinning:  Tools and Fiber
The next step for beginning spinners!  Advance your spinning skills by learning more about the variety of spinning tools and fiber types available today.  The tools that will be investigated include handcarders, combs, hackles, carding machines, and more.  This hands-on experience includes techniques for preparing fibers from wools to silks, as well as blending fibers or colors.  Bring any particular fibers or tools you would like to explore.
Instructor: Nancy Preckshot  Skill Level: Intermediate
Schedule: Friday, June 6: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Prerequisites: Students must have taken at least one spinning class.
Tuition: $59/$50 Members  Limit: 10
Materials Fee: $5  All supplies will be provided by the instructor.


693693  Beginning Spinning
This class is designed for beginning spinners or for those who want an in-depth refresher in spinning.  Each session will present progressively more advanced skills with the spinning wheel.  Fiber preparation methods and equipment usage will be learned each session.  Spinning outside of class will be encouraged, and show and tell will be a regular part of the class.  Please bring a spinning wheel and hand cards, if you have them, to the first session.
Instructor: Judy Payne  Skill Level: Beginning
Schedule: Tuesdays, June 24, July 1, 8, and 15: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $119/$99 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: $25  All fiber supplies will be provided by the instructor.


694694  Beginning Spinning: Weekend Intensive
This introductory course is designed for students who have an interest in and would like to learn the basics of spinning on a wheel.  The instructor will provide a general overview of the spinning procedure, including a discussion of wheels and equipment, and the remainder of the class is devoted to hands-on spinning practice.  Please bring a spinning wheel and hand cards, if you have them, to the first session.
Instructor: Judy Payne  Skill Level: Beginning
Schedule: Saturday, June 28: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday, June 29: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $109/$91 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: $25  All fiber supplies will be provided by the instructor.


695695  Beginning Spinning
This class is designed for beginning spinners or for those who want an in-depth refresher in spinning.  Each session will present progressively more advanced skills with the spinning wheel.  Fiber preparation methods and equipment usage will be learned each session.  Spinning outside of class will be encouraged and show and tell will be a regular part of the class.  Please bring a spinning wheel and hand cards, if you have them, to the first session.
Instructor: Virginia Parent  Skill Level: Beginning
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays, July 21, 24, 28, 31, and August 4: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Prerequisites: None
Tuition: $99/$83 Members  Limit: 7
Materials Fee: $25  All fiber supplies will be provided by the instructor.

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