Classes may be adapted to age levels and  numbers of students.  Scheduled times may also be tailored to meet specific needs.  Call for more information, to schedule a session to fit your calendar.

Handweaving Classes

Beginning Floor Loom Weaving 

I.  Sampler Weaving                                                                                                                     1/2 day     10-12:30 OR 1:30-4     $80                                                                                                                                                               Full day                     10-4             $120

                                                                                                                                                           *one-time materials fee    $25

Weave for a day or the week on pre-set looms. All the technical work of  threading the looms is done so you can just come in and weave.  No experience is necessary.  This workshop is very flexible, you can try half a day or several full days.  You can use rags, fine yarns, or whatever you have.  Pick your days and we'll put you on a loom.  This class is a great introduction to weaving and how a loom works.  Under our guidance, you can experiment with different textures, colors and patterns in a woven sampler.  You can use your finished piece to make a pillow, bag, tablemat, or whatever you desire.

II. Pre-Set Looms                                                                                                                        2 day workshop    10-4                  $240   

                                                                                                                                                            *one-time materials fee    $25

Come and use a pre-warped loom to complete a small 2 x 3 doormat, a 30"-60”L runner or scarf, 2-4 towels or placemats.    

III. Setting Up Looms                                                                                                                    4 day workshop    10-4                $480

                                                                                                                                                             *one-time materials fee    $25

This class is for those who are more interested in the learning the details of weaving.  Over the course of several days you will learn how to set up a loom and weave a basic cotton hand towel, rag rug, table runner or scarf.  Using a pattern, we will teach you how to measure a warp, wind it onto the beam, thread the heddles, sley the reed and tie on.  Basic familiarity with looms is a help, but don't worry, we'll review it with each step.  Our focus will be on simple color patterns such as stripes, borders, and plaids. 

Setting Up Looms: Making a Scarf From Start to Finish
Setting Up Looms: Making a Towel From Start to Finish
Setting Up Looms: Making a Rag Rug From Start to Finish
Setting Up Looms: Making a Throw From Start to Finish

Advanced Weaving

IV. Project Class                                                                                                                       4 day workshop    10-4               $480   

                                                                                                                                                        *one-time materials fee    $25

You will get to know your loom and learn weaving tricks of the trade on four-harness looms - from putting on the warp to taking it off.  With our guidance you will plan a specific project such as hand towels for your kitchen or a baby blanket or shawl.   Tell us your interest.  We will help you will pick out a yarn, set a pattern, thread and tie up your loom, and finish off your own yardage.  Most projects will require 4-6 full days of intense work to complete.

V. Tutorials                                                                                                               Dates to be determined according to loom availability.

                                                                                                                                                            $480  By Appointment
                                                                                                                                                             Materials not included

You will get to know your loom and learn weaving tricks of the trade on  four-harness looms - from putting on the warp to taking it off.  With our guidance you will plan a specific project such as hand towels for your kitchen or a baby blanket or  shawl.   Tell us your interest.  You will pick out a yarn, set a pattern, thread and tie up your loom, and finish off your own yardage.

Using the skills you have learned in Weaving I and II, you will work on a specific project under the supervision of one of our weavers.  With our guidance you will plan a specific project such as hand towels for your kitchen, a baby blanket or  shawl, a set of placemats, or a rug.    You will pick out a yarn, set a pattern, thread and tie up your loom, and finish off your own yardage.

V. Independent Study                                                                                             Dates to be determined according to loom availability.  

                                                                                                                                                               $240 By Appointment       

Are you looking for a loom to weave on, but don't have one?  This is the chance for experienced weavers to rent one of our looms in the studio.  Our pre-requisites for this class are Beginning weaving, or equivalent skill level for independent work. Using the skills you have learned in Weaving I and II, you will be able to work on your own project.  This is a class for experienced weavers who can work by themselves and may depend on loom availability.  You will essentially be renting one of our looms and select studio time.  We will be available on a more limited basis to help you if you need it. For those inexperienced  at dressing looms, we will be available to set up your loom with a maximum of 5 yards of warp for a separate fee according to what you would like to make, its fibers, and pattern.  Check with the studio for the details.

Handspinning Classes

Have you ever wondered how the wool gets from sheep to sweater?  How flax is spun into linen thread?  Or, have you wondered about the simplicity of spinning cotton that Ghandi believed was important?  Almost any fiber can be spun into thread or yarn.  Our beginning classes focus on wool spinning and different types of spinning wheels.  Each of our advanced handspinning classes is focused on a different fiber and the methods used in processing and spinning.  Some spinning experience helpful.  Bring your own wheel if you have one.   If you are not sure whether it is working order, we can check it out for you.  We also have the resources to point you in the direction of finding a wheel that might suit your needs.  Fiber materials will be provided.

Beginning Handspinning

I. Wool                                                                                                                                               1/2 day      $85    

Learn how to prepare your wool fleece for spinning.  We will show you the stages of washing and carding your own wool for handspinning into yarn. 

           

II. Drop Spindle Spinning with Wool                                                                                               1/2 day     $85     

Learn the basic principles of spinning wool fleece into yarn.  You will use the forces of gravity and motion to twist fibers together on a drop spindle.  All it takes is a little hand-eye coordination and some practice.  Two advantages of a drop spindle are that it is small and portable so you can spin almost anywhere, anytime.

III. Great Wheel Spinning with Wool                                                                                               1/2 day      $85    

Have you always wondered how those large old spinning wheels were used?  Now you can find out.  Great wheels, also known as "walking wheels" for the motion the spinner uses to spin the yarn, use a drive band to mechanize the process of spinning started with the drop spindle. 

IV. Treadle Wheel Spinning with Wool                                                                                            1/2 day     $85     

Spinning wool on a treadle or foot pedal wheel is comparable to rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time.  The more you do it, the less you have to think about it.  We will give you pointers as you work.  Bring your own spinning wheel if you have one.  If you are not sure whether it is in working order, we can check it out for you.  We also have the resources to point you in the direction of finding a wheel that might suit your needs.