Weavers Guild of Minnesota

Try It! Classes

Left: Try It! Sprang. Center: Try It! Paint a Wool Skein. Right: Try It! Weave on an Inkle Loom

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!

885 Saturday, January 23: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Nancy Preckshot | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $3

Try It! Weave on a Floor Loom
Have you always wanted to try weaving on a floor loom? In just one day, you will weave a wool scarf in your choice of colors. Looms are pre-warped and ready to go. You'll learn how to wind bobbins, throw and catch the shuttle, tromp on treadles, and develop a consistent beat. Leave with a beautiful scarf you’ll be proud to wear!

Two chances to take this class:

887 Sunday, January 31: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Jan Johnson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $25

935 Saturday, February 6: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Julie Nester | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $25

Try It! Painted Wool Skein
Have you seen all the beautiful hand painted yarns in the shops and wish you could do that yourself? Well, you can! In this one day class, students will paint wool skeins in a color palette they create while learning the basics of dyeing that they can do it at home. Each student will leave with two variegated skeins that they can knit or weave into something wonderful!

888 Saturday, February 6: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Aimee Radman | Level: Multi
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $25 | Dye Lab Fee: $15
See "Fulled Wool Scarf" for your next class!

Try It! Weave on an Inkle Loom (Part I)
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 guild the day of class.

889 Saturday, February 13: 10:00am - 4:30pm
Instructor: Betty Wilson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $64/$54 Members | Materials Fee: $4

Try It! Weave Your Name on an Inkle Loom (Part II)
It's time to play on the inkle loom! Continue the fun and weave your name on a band. Students will get a brief refresher on making heddles and warping the inkle loom. A patterned warp will be used to form letters in the pick-up techniques. Bring your own inkle loom or arrange to rent one from the guild if you want to continue your project(s) after class. Two contrasting colors of 3/2 perle cotton is recommended; bring your own or purchase yarn at the Guild the guild the day of class.

890 Sunday, March 7: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Instructor: Betty Wilson | Level: Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $40/$33 Members | Materials Fee: $4
Students must have inkle loom weaving experience or completed Part I

Try It! Weave a Rug (Recycle Challenge)
This fun filled class will show you how to repurpose fabric to create an attractive rug. The instructor will introduce basic weaving principles on pre-warped looms and fabric preparation, and then in no time students will wind and throw a shuttle to weave a unique, recylced rug. Bring approximately 5 to 7 yards of cotton fabric or 3 lbs. of recycled fabric, such as old sheets.

Two chances to take this class:

891 Saturday, February 27: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Instructor: Sharon T. Hoiland | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $79/$66 Members | Materials Fee: $10

892 Saturday, March 6: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Instructor: Ann Masemore | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $79/$66 Members | Materials Fee: $10

NEW Try It! Weave on a Rigid Heddle
Explore the fun and ease of the frame loom! This easy to use loom is portable and simple to use. Students will learn the basics of the rigid heddle loom, select yarns, warp the loom, and weave. This course focuses on the direct warping method which is a quick and satisfying way to weave. You will create a small project, such as a pair of cozy’s, a bookmark or small hand cloth in plain weave. Yarn for the class can be purchased at the Guild.

893 Sunday, February 28: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Elizabeth Harrington | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $59/$50 Members

NEW Try It! Needle Felted Buttons
Make your own one-of-a-kind beautiful wool buttons. Needle felted buttons add a creative flair to your wearables - handwoven, knitted, crocheted or previously felted projects. Learn to make a variety of different shapes and sizes. The instructor will provide all the colorful wool and materials. A great opportunity to complete your handwoven sweater or fulled wool scarf.

894 Saturday, March 6: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Instructor: Aimee Radman | Level: Multi
Tuition: $40/$33 Members | Materials Fee: $20

NEW Try It! Basic Band Weaving
The Basic Band loom requires no tools - just some threads and your fingers. The principles of the Basic Band loom are based on Bolivian band weaving - this is also a good way to introduce kids to weaving. Students will learn to wind a warp and convert it into an instant loom to weave a narrow band. Making patterns by picking up threads will be included as time permits.

895 Sunday, March 14: 10:00am - 4pm
Instructor: Karen Searle | Level: Multi
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $5

NEW Try It! Sprang
Sprang is an ancient technique for creating stretchy, lacy, textiles with warp threads only. Today, it is primarily used for hammocks and some string bags. Learn to set up a warp on a frame and interlace threads to form an elastic pouch. Different textures and color effects will be covered as time permits.

896 Saturday, April 10: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Karen Searle | Level: Multi
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $10

Beginning 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.

Three chances to take this class:

898 WEEKEND Friday, February 12: 5:30pm - 9:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, February 13 & 14: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Rosemary MacFarlane | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $218/$182 Members | Materials Fee: $10

897 DAY Monday - Thursday, April 12 -15: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Donna Hanson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $218/$182 Members | Materials Fee: $10

899 EVENING Mondays & Wednesdays, February 15, 17, 22, 24, March 1, 3 & 8: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Jan Johnson | 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.

900 WEEKEND Friday, March 19: 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, March 20 & 21: 10:30am - 6:30pm
Instructor: Donna Hanson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $218/$182 Members | Materials Fee: $10

NEW Beginning Floor Loom III
Are you ready to move beyond beginning and apply the principles you just learned? Here is the next step. Students will be designing, planning and weaving a project of their own choice - a scarf, table linen or other creation. The instructor will assist students with warping the loom, reading a draft and planning a project. This is a great opportunity to continue exploring on the floor loom and have fun increasing your skills and creativity. Students might also choose to weave an optional sampler of different structures that include twill, double weave and more.

901 EVENING Mondays & Wednesdays, March 22, 24, 29, 31, April 5, 7 & 12: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Jan Johnson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $218/$182 Members | Materials Fee: $10

Beyond Beginning Floor Loom

Left: Rep Weave and Color. Center: Weave a Recycled Plastic Tote. Right: Ready for Boundweave

"Floor Loom" Warping Refresher
Would you like a refresher on how to wind a warp and dress a floor loom? Having difficulties reading a draft? No problem! It may be time for a quick refresher. After this one-day class you will be confident and ready to move on to that advanced beginner level class or workshop or project. We'll take the guess work out of the equation for you, so you can do what you love - weave! Bring carpet warp if you have it or plan to purchase yarn at the Guild.

902 Saturday, February 6: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Instructor: Donna Hanson | Level: Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $8
Some previous warping experience necessary.

Ready for Boundweave
Are you a beginning weaver who understands how to warp a loom and read a draft? If so, you’re bound to weave, boundweave. Boundweave, a weft-faced structure, is a type of block weave that provides versatility, as well as the ability to create unique designs. Experience the joy of learning this technique as you focus on switching colors while the treadling stays the same. Students can choose a traditional Swedish draft to create a bag, table runner or other handwoven item. Some yarns are available for purchase during the class at the Guild. Students are expected to come in outside of classtime to weave.

903 Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 5, 7, 12, 14, 19 & 21: 6:00pm -9:00pm
Instructor: Kala Exworthy | Level: Intermediate
Tuition: $178/$149 Members | Materials Fee: $5

Summer and Winter
Summer & Winter is a great, versatile unit weave. Possibilities include traditional-looking as well as contemporary designs, making it a useful structure to have in your weaving vocabulary. The fabric produced is sturdy with small floats, making it useful for upholstery, wall hangings, bags, pillows and table linens. Subjects covered will be designing and drafting, working with profile drafts, choosing suitable fibers, and the many different ways that summer and winter can be treadled. Students will weave a sampler using their own design and choice of treadlings. They may choose to use 4 or 8 shafts.

904 Thursdays, January 7, 14, 21 & 28: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Instructor: Traudi Bestler | Level: Intermediate
Tuition: $119/$99 Members | Materials Fee: $1

Rep Weave and Color
This course will explore warp faced Rep weave technique starting with drafting and weaving structure in simple 2-harness to complex multi-harness patterns. We will play with color selections and blending of colors, and design a small project like a table runner or rug. Students may select a pattern from the teacher or create their own. We will discuss the unique characteristics of Rep weave, tricks of the trade, and finishing techniques.

905 Monday & Wednesday, January 18 & 20, and Monday's, February 8 & 15: 6:00pm - 9:30pm; Saturday, January 30: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Kelly Marshall | Level: Intermediate
Tuition: $208/$173 Members
Students must have completed a number of projects independently. Students should expect to spend time weaving between classes in order to finish their projects.

NEW Fulled Wool Scarf (PartII)
Want to weave a soft and cuddly warm wool scarf? This class will explore weaving an airy scarf that will be created in a few hours. Student may choose to use hand dyed wool, which can be made during the Try It! Paint a Wool Skein class, or consider adding a few novelty yarns for some splash. When the scarf is complete it will be fulled, or washed and transformed into a fun and fabulous wearable.

906 Saturday, February 27: 9:30am-4:30pm and Sunday, February 28: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Instructors: Aimee Radman | Level: Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $109/$91 Members | Materials Fee: TBD
Students must be able to warp a loom and read a draft independently.

888 Saturday, February 6: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Aimee Radman | Level: Multi
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $25 | Dye Lab Fee: $15

Weave a Recycled Plastic Tote
Are you interested in putting non-biodegradable materials to a new use? Think green, get creative and recycle all those plastic bags! Most of us have more plastic bags then we know what to do with – colored retail, newspaper, grocery, bread, garbage and more. In this class students will learn the fun step-by-step instructions for weaving a durable, unique and environmentally friendly tote. The first 3 hour session covers preparing materials including winding your warp chain, and the last 3 hour session goes over finishing the bag and adding handles. Student must have access to a sewing machine and plan to come in outside of class time to weave.

907 Wednesdays, March 17 & 24: 6:00pm - 9:00pm; Saturday and Sunday, March 20 & 21: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Ann Masemore | Level: Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $198/$165 Members | Materials Fee: $20
Students must be able to warp a loom and read a draft independently.

NEW A Guided Independent Study
This class is designed for students who are ready to expand their weaving horizons. Students will come to the class with a personal challenge or goal in mind, such as using a specific cone of yarn; trying a new fiber, a finer yarn or a new weave structure; learning how to warp and weave with a supplemental warp using a second warp beam; or improving selvedges. The instructor will consult with each student before class on putting a plan in place and purchasing yarn. Students are expected to come in and weave outside of class time.

908 Monday & Tuesday, April 19 & 20: 9:30am - 2:30pm; Wednesday & Thursday, April 21 & 22: 9:30am - 12noon; and Friday, April 23: 9:30am -2:30pm
Instructor: Louise French | Level: Advanced Beginning
Prerequisites: Students must be able to warp a loom and read a draft independently
Tuition: $198/$165 Members | Materials Fee: $4
Students must have completed Beginning Floor Loom I, II and III, or the equivalent

NEW Looking at Lace Weaves
Explore the possibilities of weaving beautiful laces. Students will experiment with the following loom controlled structures: Bronson-Atwater, Huck and Swedish lace. Samples will be created on both 4- and 8- shaft threading. The focus will be on sampling the design potential of color, texture and pattern with the instructor guiding you through the various options and threading variations in this round robin format. The instructor will provide warp chains and weft options. Registration deadline is April 12. Guild looms can be pre-warped April 26 - 29.

909 Friday, Saturday & Sunday, April 30, May 1 & 2: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Kala Exworthy | Level: Intermediate
Tuition: $208/$173 Members | Materials Fee: $30
Students must be able to warp a loom and read a draft independently.

Rug Loom

Left: Finnish Runner/Rag Rug Techniques. Center: Beginning Rag Weaving I. Right: Plaid Rag Weaving

Beginning Rag Weaving I
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).

Two chances to take this class:

910 Wednesday, February 17: 1:00pm - 3:00pm; February 22, 23, 24 & 25: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Sharon T. Hoiland | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $238/$198 Members | Materials Fee: $10
Access to and able to use a sewing machine

911 Wednesdays, April 7& 14: 5:30pm - 9:00pm; Saturday and Sunday, April 10 & 11: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Instructor: Ann Masemore | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $238/$198 Members | Materials Fee: $10
Access to and able to use a sewing machine

Scandinavian Rag Rug II
Techniques of rag rug weaving will be explored using cotton fabric as weft and Finnish seine twine as warp. Students design and weave a striped rug in plain weave sett at five epi using the alternating 3 shuttle technique (see Wynne's "In Bloom" rug on page 86 of Weaving Contemporary Rag Rugs by Heather Allen). The first class is a discussion on selecting and preparing fabrics. Further class topics include individual rug design, warping for rugs, weaving a durable rug, shrinkage, and end finishes. Warp can be purchased from the instructor. 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 between classes in order to complete their rug.

912 Tuesday, March 2: 9:30am - 12:30pm; Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 16, 28 , 23, 25 , 30 & April 1: 9:30am - 2:00pm
Instructor: Wynne Mattila | Level: Intermediate
Tuition: $297/$248 Members | Materials Fee: $35 for Finnish cotton seine twine warp, purchased from the instructor. Students provide their own fabric for weft.
Beginning Rag Weaving I or Beginning Floor Loom I

NEW Beginning Rag Weaving III
Students will review the process to warp and read a draft. They will expand their weaving skills to use 4 shafts. They will be introduced to Twill and will learn to use floating selvedges. Students will be expected to wind their warp independently, bring their warp chain to class, and dress the loom in class. Using the 4-shaft threading, they may choose to use Twill, Log Cabin, Basket Weave or Checkerboard weave structures. Carpet warp may be purchased at the Guild. Students will supply recycled or new fabric to make a rug, runner, mats or a wall hanging in Twill or Plain weave structure.

913 Wednesdays, April 28 & May 5: 5:30pm - 9:00pm: Saturday and Sunday, May 1 & 2: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Instructor: Ann Masemore | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $238/$198 Members | Materials Fee: $10

Finnish Runner / Rag Rug Techniques
In this creative weekend workshop, learn to design and weave a striped runner using cotton fabric strips as weft and Finnish seine twine as warp. Color blending of fabrics using the alternating 3-shuttle technique will be emphasized. Other topics include cutting fabric in one continuous piece, warping techniques specific to rug weaving, tension, using a temple, floating selvedges, shrinkage, end finishes and more. Looms will be warped in plain weave sett at 5 ends per inch in a 10 dent reed. Registrations Deadline: Friday, January 8th.

914 Friday, Saturday & Sunday, January 22, 23 & 24: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Wynne Mattila | Level: Intermediate
Tuition: $208/$173 Members | Materials Fee: $37 for Finnish cotton seine twine warp, purchased from the instructor. Students provide their own fabric for weft.
Students must be able to warp a loom and read a draft independently.

NEW Creative Thick and Thin
Come explore the compelling contrasts of dark and light warp and “thick ‘n thin” weft to weave an easy, attractive, textured, striped rag rug, runner or wall hanging. Students will turn the fundamental element of ‘thin’ weft into a design element by using fancy, textured yarn as the contrasting weft to the ‘thick’ cotton or wool fabric. Fabric selection and preparation and use of color will be discussed. The first evening is an informational session and the last session is ‘Show ‘n Tell’ with the finished products. Carpet warp may be purchased at the Guild. Students supply their own fabric and yarn. Students will be required to weave on their own time and on their own loom or rent a loom at the Guild.

915 Wednesdays, February 3 & March 10: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Instructor: Sharon Tessman Hoiland | Level: Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $59/$50 Members
Beginning Rag Weaving II or ability to weave with two shuttles. Students will be required to weave outside of class time; and on their own loom or rent a loom at the Guild.

NEW Plaid Rag Weaving
The modern plaid is back! Explore this fun and efficient one shuttle weave structure and get creative with your rag weaving. The instructor will assist students with planning your plaid, warping, and preparing bias-cut rags, with emphasis on the importance of color and design. Students will then weave outside of class to complete a set of placemats or a 14 X 36" table runner. Carpet warp is available for purchase at the Guild. The last meeting is a show and tell.

916 Tuesdays, April 6 & 27: 6:00 - 8:00pm; Saturday, April 17: 9am - 5pm
Instructor: Nedra Granquist | Level: Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $119/$99 Members | Materials Fee: $1

Frame Loom & Tapestry

Left: Introduction to Tapestry. Center: Rigid Heddle Weaving. Right: Weaving for Knitters.

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.

917 Tuesdays, February 16, 23, March 2, 9 & 16: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Betty Wilson | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $149/$124 Members | Materials Fee: $4

Weaving for Knitters
A scarf can be woven on a simple rigid heddle loom in a fraction of the time it takes to knit. So knitters with a "stash" of left over knitting yarn can learn to weave on this portable loom and create a stylish scarf at the same time. Bring to the first class yarn that is no thicker that worsted weight. DK, worsted, sport, sock yarn, and novelty yarns can be woven into a one-of-a-kind scarf. Students will learn to wind a warp, thread the warp into the loom, and weave.

918 Mondays, March 22, 29, April 5 & 12: 6:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Mary Skoy | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $1

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 y ou can 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.

919 Friday, April 23: 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, April 24 & 25: 10:30am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Elizabeth Harrington | Level: Beginning
Prerequisites: Students are encouraged to purchase The Ashford Book of Rigid Heddle Weaving by Rowena Hart, available at the Guild.
Tuition: $119/$99 Members

Frame Loom Weaving with Two Heddles
The two heddle weaving technique adds a world of versatility to the simple rigid heddle frame loom! By adding a second heddle, students can weave summer and winter, a structure usually reserved for floor loom weavers. Any design (even lettering) that can be graphed can be woven in summer and winter, which will allow for personalized wall hangings, bags or table linens. Acquire a second heddle (heddles must be the same epi) for class. If you need to borrow a Guild frame loom and pair of heddles just let us know. Students can choose to work in wool or perle cotton, available for purchase at the Guild.

920 Saturdays, May 1, 8 & 22: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Instructor: Traudi Bestler | Level: Advanced Beginning to Advanced
Tuition: $89/$74 Members | Materials Fee: $2

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.

921 Mondays & Wednesdays, January 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 & 25: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Pamela J. Davis | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $178/$149 Members | Materials Fee: $20

Off Loom Classes

Fingerweaving
Bring your fingers, the instructor will provide the yarn, and try several different styles of finger weaving. This portable and inexpensive band weaving technique is practiced in several different cultures. Learn to manipulate warp threads with your fingers to weave distinctive sashes or small accessories.

922 Wednesdays, February 24, March 3 & 10: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Instructor: Karen Searle | Level: Multi
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $10

Embellishment & Finishes
Tired of tying off weaving projects with overhand knots? In this off-loom class students will learn a wide range of options for finishing woven fabrics or items. Techniques covered include knotted edgings, braids and other fringe treatments; decorative joins and seam-consealers, closures and other decorative details. Open your handwovens up to the world of embellishments and finishes.

923 Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27: 6:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Karen Searle | Level: Multi
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $5

Photoshop Tools for Woven Pixel
This class serves to prepare you for using the Woven Pixel method of drafting developed by Alice Schlein and Bhakti Ziek. An introduction to Photoshop tools and functions used in this approach will be covered. Students will create a basic design and then import it into weaving software for further refinement. No previous experience with Photoshop will be necessary for the class, although some familiarity would be helpful. Students should bring a laptop computer with Photoshop or Photoshop elements installed on it and must be able to locate files on their hard drive, open them and save them. Weaving software with the ability to import or paste in the liftplan (e.g. pixeLoom) and the book The Woven Pixel: Designing for Jacquard and Dobby Looms Using Photoshop are also highly recommended.

924 Saturday & Sunday, February 6 & 7: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Steven Bye & Sue Farley | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members
Students need to have good computer skills.

Backstrap Weaving
The weaving traditions of the ancient Maya have been carried on by their descendants to the present time. Symbolic designs in the textiles provide a link to ancient mythologies, depict the local environment, and incorporate popular culture. Experience Mayan style backstrap weaving technology. Learn to set up a loom and try your hand at brocade patterning while weaving a narrow four-selvage textile on a backstrap loom. Some video material on Mayan weavers will also be presented. Some session will be held outdoors at a local park, weather permitting. Loom kits available for purchase.

935 Mondays & Wednesdays, May 3, 5, 10, 12 & 17: 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Instructor: Karen Searle | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $124/$103 Members | Materials Fee: $15

Dyeing

NEW Dye It to Spin It
Explore hand painting wool rovings and immersion dyeing using acid dyes. Students will learn to prepare wool, choose a color palette and pick up tips for creating their own color formulas. General dye lab safety, dye mixing, multiple techniques for heat setting, and rinsing of wool will be covered.

931 Saturday, January 30: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Jen Cuff | Level: Multi
Tuition: $59/$50 Members | Materials Fee: $25 | Dye Lab Fee: $15

Warp Painting
No dyeing experience is necessary! Learn to use Procion MN Fiber Reactive dyes and mix custom colors by painting a warp for a scarf. Students will learn the process of designing the warps and dyeing them. There will be a discussion of color in general, how to blend custom color, and the best ways to weave with painted warps. Following the day in the dye lab, warps will be put on looms and woven after an in depth discussion on choosing a suitable weft.

932 Saturdays, March 6 (Dye Lab) & 27 and Sunday, March 28: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Traudi Bestler | Level: Multi
Tuition: $149/$124 Members | Materials Fee: $20 | Dye Lab Fee: $15

NEW Woven Shibori
Woven Shibori is a process of weaving and resist dyeing developed by Catharine Ellis. Fabric is woven incorporating pattern threads that are gathered tightly once the fabric is off the loom. After dyeing, the pattern threads are removed revealing wonderful, abstract designs on fabric that can be used as a scarf, wall hanging, or for sewing into objects. Students will weave, gather and dye while learning the techniques. No previous dyeing experience is necessary to enjoy this class.

933 Saturday & Sunday, April 24 & 25: 10:00am - 3:00pm; Saturday, May 1 (Dye Lab) & 8: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Instructor: Traudi Bestler | Level: Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $158/$132 Members | Materials Fee: $8 | Dye Lab Fee: $15

Spinning Classes

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.

925 Mondays, February 1, 8, 15 & 22: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Instructor: Judy Payne | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $25

936 Saturday & Sunday, February 27 & 28: 10:00am-3:00pm
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:

926 Saturday & Sunday, March 20 & 21: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Jen Cuff | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $25

927 Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21 & 28: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Instructor: Virginia Parent | Level: Beginning
Tuition: $99/$83 Members | Materials Fee: $25

NEW Spinning Novelty Yarns - Beautiful Bouclés
Beautiful bouclé - explore the texture of spinning novelty yarns for weaving, knitting and crocheting! Students will create a skein of this fluffy and bumpy yarn by learning the tension techniques for creating loops. A spinning wheel with 3 bobbins and a tensioned Lazy Kate are required equipment. All fiber supplies will be provided by the instructor. Notify at registration if brining own wheel.

928 Saturday, February 13: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Instructor: Nancy Preckshot | Level: Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $50/$41 Members | Materials Fee: $10

Spinning for Knitter's
Learn to use the spinning wheel and make enough yarn to knit a small project like a hat! Bring your favorite small knitting project pattern to plan your spinning project accordingly. Students will need to spin at home in between sessions. Spinning wheels are available to take home for the duration of the class for a $250 refundable damage deposit.

929 Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16 & 30: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Nancy Preckshot | Level: Multi
Tuition: $119/$99 Members | Materials Fee: $1

NEW Design Your Own Yarn
Dreaming of gorgeous yarn? Learn to create beautiful wool yarn using hand-painting and immersion dyeing techniques. The focus of this class includes planning plying, weight (worsted, sport, lace, thick and thin), blending, self-striping and variegating before dyeing your wool. Students will learn to prepare wool, choose a color palette, create color formulas, and then analyze the results and how to proceed with the spinning.

930 Saturdays, April 24: 10:00am-4:00pm; and Thursdays, April 29 & May 6: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Instructor: Jen Cuff | Level: Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $119/$99 Members | Materials Fee: $25 | Dye Lab Fee: $15
Dye It to Spin It suggested, but not required; proficiency with spinning singles and plying