Workshops
The following workshops are planned for 2008:
- Overshot
August 9 - 11th, 2008 - Diane Click
- Cards
October 11 - 13, 2008 - Audrey Smith
Round-Robin Workshops
At a Round Robin workshop everyone warps their loom using a draft
which has been assigned to them for that workshop.
As a rule, these drafts will have a common theme.
During the workshop, participants will weave samples on other looms present. At the
end, each participant will have a set of drafts and samples which they can use for future
projects.
Read more about Workshop Rules
and The Well-Stocked Workshop Basket below.
Round Robin Rules for Success
... or how to have fun weaving and not make enemies of your friends
- Bring all equipment which the workshop leader has listed.
- DO NOT substitute yarns or reeds without the instructor's approval.
- Yarns:
Some instructors will specify exactly what yarn is to be used. If not, please use something
nice, like perle cotton of the appropriate size to weave with. A good yarn means good samples
which will encourage you to weave more. Also, others will want to weave on your loom. Under
no conditions should 'Carpet Warp' be used unless specified b the instructor.
- Be sure your shuttles are the type specified by the instructor. You also need to make
sure they are the proper size for the shed that your loom makes. If using boat shuttles, make
sure you have adequate bobbins or quills for the project. Wind several ahead of time. Also,
bobbin tension is important - consult any basic weaving book if you are unsure of the
proper method.
- You will need some method of separating your sample from others. Bulky (filler) yarn of
a contrasting colour should be left at your loom for this purpose. Only a couple of shots are
needed, just enought to cut with scissors without cutting the sample. Yarn can be a ball, a
butterfly or a small stick shuttle (Hint: to make an inexpensive small stick shuttle, us a 6'' or
12'' wooden ruler with the ends notched to hold the yarn).
- Before You Arrive At The Workshop:
warp your loom, making sure you have done the best possible job of winding the warp on
carefully with the correct tension.
Weave Two (2) Samples. The first sample will allow you to check for
threading errors as well as determine if you have noted the treadling sequence correctly.
If you discover a mistake, *correct it immediately* and re-weave. The correct sample will
be yours and the second sample will be for the guild notebook.
- Write or type the treadling clearly and fasten it to your loom. Provide some method of
keeping one's place when following the treadling order.
- Label your loom with your name and the number or name of your assigned draft.
Important: if your loom has any quirks, such as a bad shed that sticks or
tough brake release, note this clearly on your loom.
- Bring materials to label the samples you weave. You can use hang tags, masking tape or
anything else which works for you, but remember to label your sample with your name and
number/name of the draft.
- Bring the necessary equipment to repair several broken warp threads, including extra
warp yarns, weights, sley hook, t-pins, pins (Refer to the Well Equipped Workshop
Basket below).
- When you get to the workshop, using masking tape, tape your name and that person's
draft number on the side of every loom. This way, if you don't get to weave that sample,
the owner of that loom can weave and give it to you later. Just as you will weave the ones on
your loom for others when the worksop is over. This way each participant will have a sample
of every draft. Be sure to remove your name after you have woven the sample. This would be
a good label for your sample.
- Keep at your loom for others to use: "Filler yarn" and a small pair of scissors
(these can be fastened to your loom in an acceptable manner to keep them handy.
- If you break a warp thread, *you* should repair it.
- At the end of each day, go back to your loom checking to make sure it is in good working
order for the next day of the workshop.
- Please bring change (coins and small bills) to help pay for any incidentals, in addition
to sufficient funds to pay for the balance of the workshop.
- Sometimes we all experience the "Dropsies" but please try not to drop shuttles.
Remember to treat everyone else's loom and equipment as your own. It is a good idea when
using someone else's loom to examine it and if you have any questions, please ask the owner.
You are ready to have a happy weaving experience at our workshops. If you have any
questions, please ask.
Note:
Although this was written for 'Round Robin' workshops, these rules apply to all our workshops,
even when you work at your loom only.
The Well-Stocked Workshop Basket
A big three-day workshop is coming up and you've warped your loom and are ready to go.
Often, in the instructions sent by an instructor, there will be a list of everything you
should bring to the workshop. But, sometimes there may be a note: 'Bring the usual workshop stuff'.
I thought it might be helpful to outline what the 'usual workshop stuff' is, in particular
for the unseasoned workshop attendee.
The Basket
The 'basket' can be a market-style basket with swing handles, or it might be a canvas bag,
a box with handle (such as a tomato box), a plastic utility carrier etc. The key is to select
a carrier that is durable since you will use it over and over for years. Keep it stocked and
ready to grab as you go. All you will have to add for each workshop will be items unique to
that particular session.
The Basics
- Pen, pencil, paper, graph paper
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- T-pins or large head pins
- Shuttles, with bobbins already wound
- Extra warp
- Extra weft
- Material to use as spacer, such as leftover chunky yarn, thrums, strips of
cardboard
- Weights for problem warps
Also Consider:
- Bobbin winder
- C-clamps
- Screw driver and pliers or wrench (especially if your loom tends to be older and/or
have problems
- Something to label your dample, such as masking tape, computer labels, hang tags
- Reed hook and heddle hook
- Tapestry needles
- A few tying cords, such as shoe laces
- Post-its or index cards for notes to put on your loom
- Coloured pencils or markers
- Fray-check or fabric glue such as Sobo
- Extra shuttles (I keep a couple of 6" flat shuttles
- WD-40
- A couple of dowels about 12"
Reminders:
- Always keep items like scissors, extra wound bobbins etc. available at the loom, so
in Round-Robin workshops, others do not have to scrounge when they get to your loom
- If you have questions about another persons loom - ask them! Treat everyone's
loom and equipment as if it were yours
- Be sure to leave the loom you are working on ready for the next person. Be sure
the bobbin is full enough for the next sample, your sample has enough separation between
the last and next for a good cutting line
Promoting Weaving and Other Fiber Arts in Central Florida
