Weavers Guild of Minnesota

Rigid Heddle Weaving

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:33:20 +0000

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. Handout fee $5, payable to the instructor. Yarn is available for purchase at the Guild.

Reserve your seat now 1206 Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3 & 10: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Instructor: Betty Wilson | Level: Beginning | Tuition: $178/$149 Members

Beginning Rag Rug Weaving

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:32:29 +0000

Beginning Rag Rug Weaving
Learn the basics of rag rug weaving and make a small 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 session is an informational session. Carpet warp may be purchased at the Guild. Students will supply recycled or new cotton fabric. Suggested but not required: Rag Rug Handbook by Janet Meaney and Paula Pfaff (available at the Guild). Handout Fee $10, payable to the instructor.Prerequisite: Students must have access to and be able to use a sewing machine.

Reserve your seat now 1201 Monday, March 5: 5:30pm – 9:00pm; Friday, March 16, 5:30pm – 9:00pm; Saturday & Sunday, March 17 & 18: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Instructor: Ann Masemore | Level: Beginning | Tuition: $218/$182 Members

Spinning for Knitters

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:30:40 +0000

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. Materials fee $10, payable to the instructor.

Reserve your seat now 1216 Thursdays, March 1, 15, 22 & April 5: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Instructor: Nancy Preckshot | Level: Multi | Tuition: $119/$99 Members

Scandinavian Rag Rug II

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:16:59 +0000

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. Materials fee $37, payable to instructor for Finnish cotton seine twine warp. Students provide their own fabric for weft.Prerequisite: Beginning Rag or Scandinavian Weaving I or Beginning Floor Loom I

Reserve your seat now 1204 Thursday, March 1: 5:30-8:30pm; Saturday & Sunday, March 24, 25, 31 & April 1: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Instructor: Wynne Mattila | Level: Intermediate | Tuition: $267/$223 Members

pixeLoom 101

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:14:00 +0000

pixeLoom 101
PixeLoom, a software application for handweavers, provides tools for designing and visualizing drafts, planning projects, and keeping records. This two-session class explores these fundamentals in a demonstration and hands-on format. We will cover how to use the editing tools, work with the color palette, substitute a weave structure into a profile draft, plan a project and generate documentation. Participants should bring a laptop computer (Mac or Windows) with pixeLoom software installed (demo copies can be obtained from Sue prior to the first class). A two-button mouse is also highly recommended. Students will be expected to spend some time practicing their new skills between class sessions. Handout fee tbd, payable to the instructor. Prerequisite: Basic computer skills

Reserve your seat now 1234 Sundays, February 26 & March 4: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Instructor: Donna Hanson & Sue Farley | Level: Beginning | Tuition: $59/$50 Members

Floor Loom Warping Refresher

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:04:44 +0000

Floor Loom Warping Refresher
Would you like a refresher on how to wind a warp and dress a floor loom from back to front? No problem! 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! Handout fee $10, payable to the instructor. Bring carpet warp if you have it or plan to purchase yarn at the Guild.Prerequisite: Some previous warping experience necessary.

Reserve your seat now 1193 Saturday, February 25: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Instructor: Donna Hanson | Level: Advanced Beginning | Tuition: $64/$54 Members

Ikat

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:53:46 +0000

Ikat (Part I): Winding the Warp and Dyeing
Ikat dyeing is a process of binding the warp to resist dye in some areas, then dyeing in one or more colors to achieve a design on the yarn. Students can register for one or both sections. Part I: In this class students will make a warp, do several different ikat binding procedures, then dye. Part II: Students will learn special ways to put the warp on the loom, how to determine a suitable weft, and then will weave a one-of-a-kind scarf. Since ikat is usually in plain weave, this is a good way for frame loom weavers as well as floor loom weavers to make their warps more exciting. Materials fee $20 include yarn and dyes, payable to the instructor.

Reserve your seat now 1198 Sunday, March 11: 10:00am – 3:00pm (DYE LAB)
Instructor: Traudi Bestler | Level: Advanced Beginning to Advanced | Tuition: $65 (includes dye lab fee)/$56 (includes dye lab fee) Members

Ikat (Part II): Warping the Loom and Weaving
Ikat dyeing is a process of binding the warp to resist dye in some areas, then dyeing in one or more colors to achieve a design on the yarn. Students can register for one or both sections. Part I: In this class students will make a warp, do several different ikat binding procedures, then dye. Part II: Students will learn special ways to put the warp on the loom, how to determine a suitable weft, and then will weave a one-of-a-kind scarf. Since ikat is usually in plain weave, this is a good way for frame loom weavers as well as floor loom weavers to make their warps more exciting. Materials fee $20 include yarn and dyes, payable to the instructor.

Reserve your seat now 1199 Saturday and Sunday, March 24 & 25: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Instructor: Traudi Bestler | Level: Advanced Beginning to Advanced | Tuition: $99/$83 Members

Color Studies for Floor Loom Weavers

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:49:48 +0000

Confused by color? With so many choices, it’s hard to know what “goes with” what! This class covers principles of color theory and puts them into practice. Students will dress the looms with pre-wound warp chains, each illustrating a different concept of color interaction. After the initial session, students will sign up to weave a large sampler on each of the looms between classes. In the second session, samplers will be distributed and results discussed. The fabrics produced may be used for reference, wall art, or as useful towels or table mats. Materials fee $40, payable to the instructor includes pre-wound warp chains, weft yarn and handouts.

Reserve your seat now
1197 Mondays, March 19: 6:00pm – 9:00pm & April 9: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Instructor: Carol Johnson | Level: Advanced Beginning to Advanced | Tuition: $69/$60 Members

Natural Dyes

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:49:07 +0000

Naturally dye your own fibers from traditional cochineal, turmeric, and others. This hands-on class teaches natural dye, mordant, and safety principals for obtaining beautiful colors. The dyes are suitable for any type of woolen fiber or fabric, and students will be dyeing fleece and yarn. The students need to plan to bring old clothing, filter mask, vinyl gloves, safety glasses and their enthusiasm for color. Materials fee $30, payable to the instructor.

Reserve your seat now 1230 Saturday & Sunday, February 25 & 26: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Instructor: Judy Payne | Level: Multi | Tuition: $129 (dye lab fee included)/$113 (dye lab fee included) Members

Ply Split Coasters

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:26:43 +0000

Ply Split Coasters
Create two coasters in a triangle and square shape, using the ply split braiding techniques from Northern India. At the information session, there will be a refresher on making cords and details on how to prepare their cords. Students can select two to five cord colors for their designs. Come and enjoy the fun and versatility of this art form. Please bring your gripfid tool if you have one. Students can use the instructors gripfid for the class, as well as purchase pre-made cords or yarn to make cords at WGM. Handout fee $3, payable to the instructor.

Reserve your seat now 1233 Wednesday, February 22: 6:00pm – 7:30pm and Saturday, March 3: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Instructor: Katherine Buenger | Level: Advanced Beginning | Tuition: $74/$62 Members