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In this unique combination course, woodworker Jess Hirsch and weaver Melba Granlund have collaborated to teach students both woodworking and weaving skills to first build a warp-weighted loom and then learn to weave on it.
Weaving on the upright warp-weighted loom dates to @7,000 B.C.E. and has been in constant use since that time in cultures around the globe to make cloth and clothing, coverlets and rugs. In this class students will build a tabletop version of this loom which is very portable and easy to store when not in use.
Students will learn how to use a table saw, miter saw, bandsaw, and drill to cut and assemble all the pieces of their loom on Friday, March 8. Once the loom is completed, students will attend 4 Tuesday night classes (March 12 - April 2nd ) in which they will first warp their loom with stone weights and then begin weaving either a rya or a Scandinavian squareweave known as rutevev in Norwegian or rölakan in Swedish. When completed, the finished piece may be used as a wall hanging or pillow top.
All materials will be provided. A variety of types and colors of yarns for warp and weft will be made available for weaving, but students may also bring other yarns or fleece locks for their piece. Woven samples and reference materials will be available for design inspiration. This course welcomes beginning and experienced weavers alike, and no woodworking experience is required. Students may not complete their weaving in class, but finishing techniques will be discussed and students can then complete their project at home.
The materials fee is $130 and is included in the admission costs.
*** We do require masking indoors, whatever your vaccination status***
---------------------------- Taught by Jess Hirsh and Melba Granlund
