Classes

Rep Variations

Instructor: Becky Ashenden

Prerequisites: some weaving experience recommended

Max enrollment: 8

Course fee: $850 (includes all instruction and studio time, course handouts, lunch Mon–Fri)

Materials fee: $98

Room & board: $375 (includes lodging Sun–Thu evenings, breakfast Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Thu)

For more detail: See also costs & logistics, food & accommodations

Days offered: Five-day session, Monday–Friday

Schedule: 2013 Studio open 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, instruction time 9 am – 7 pm (except last day of class, which ends at 5 pm)

Dates offered: (2012) ~~October 22–26~~ (class full; waiting list only); (2013) ~~Jul 15–19~~ (class full; waiting list only)

This is a rare opportunity to weave for five days at Vävstuga without the usual prerequisite of our Basics Class. Rep weave (aka Ripsmatta or Rips), is used in rugs, coverlets, runners, placemats, straw mats and wall hangings, and lies at the heart of traditional Swedish weaving techniques. The endless possibilities of combining colors with designs can result in a stunning traditional piece or a breathtaking contemporary creation. At the end of this week students will go home with several remarkable rugs and runners as well as some surprises.

This five-day class provides an in-depth study, focusing on using our high-quality 16/2, 8/2, and 12/6 cotton at different setts. A variety of weft materials will be provided -- including our hard-to-find maxi, midi, and mini string yarns, as well as rags and straw -- so that students have the opportunity to explore many possibilities. Techniques for the eight beautiful projects will include a traditional two-block piece, four blocks on four shafts, rep on six and eight shafts, open rep (the weft shows through), combination of open and dense sett in the same piece, variety of treadling on the same piece for different structures, and more.

Eight looms will be dressed and ready to weave on Monday morning. Each student can expect at least four hours to weave at each loom in order to get solid experience with the particular technique.

The group will gather twice a day at the classroom table for either drafting or design class. Designing for rep could become a lifetime adventure of colors and proportions. Students will be presented with fun and accessible methods for creating these designs. Each student will receive the eight project sheets on Monday, so they can make notes and ask questions as they work their way through each of the projects. Participants will also have an opportunity to explore the Vävstuga library to work on their designs or get inspiration for future projects.