Weave pictures to tell a story, sample a variety of knotted pile techniques
Instructor: Becky Ashenden
Dates offered 2023: Jul 17–21
Check our Calendar if you’re curious about other classes held concurrently.
The ability to weave pictures and intricate geometric designs adds a tremendous amount to anybody’s weaving vocabulary. This class focuses on techniques that emphasize wool weft on both cotton and linen warps. It often feels as if you are “painting” with weft yarn as you cover up the warp. These techniques are time-consuming, but so engaging that the time seems to fly by.
Techniques
Loose rya
This is the original rya technique used in Scandinavia on fishing boats in place of sheepskin coverlets, which would not tolerate getting wet. There is decorative weft-faced striping on the front side and long pile on the “warm” side. We’ll weave a little coverlet-let.
Flossa & rya
Seeing the color deepen as you cut the pile of your first flossa and rya knots is magic. Tying these knots on the warp quickly becomes addictive once your hands try it out. We’ll weave a little ruglet.
Bound rosepath, krokbragd, and dubbel krokbragd
These three weaves can be done on the same warp with the same threading. Combining all of these techniques in one piece will mystify your weaving comrades.
Gubbatäcke
Master the mystery behind this typically Swedish technique. This six-shaft weave will keep you endlessly entertained as you create your own “saga” behind the motifs.
Trensa flossa
Create three-dimensional pictures with this entrancing knotted pile in relief. Some areas show just the weft-faced plain weave background and you can place the fine fluffy pile knots where desired.
Theory sessions
Design classes focus on shapes and motifs using colored pencils and markers. Sitting around the table in a group getting to see what everyone else is doing is an inspiring way to find your own design sense. Each student will come away from the class with several new designs, some of which will be used for their projects during the week.
Drafting classes provide tools to help you understand the variety of weave structures used during the week. The better understanding you have of each weave structure, the more freedom you have to weave it.
trensa flossa
trensa flossa close-up
gubbatäcke
bound rosepath
bound rosepath
loose rya
flossa
flossa & rya
krokbragd
krokbragd
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Prerequisites: Vävstuga Basics (Why does everyone need Basics?)
Max enrollment: 6
Course fee: $950 (includes all instruction and studio time, course handouts, lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Thu)
Materials fee: $75
Days offered: Five-day session, Monday–Friday
Schedule: Instruction time 9:00–noon and 1:30–4:00. Exceptions: on the last day, instruction ends at noon, and checkout must be completed by 3:00. Once a session begins, the Barn studio is available at all hours.