CLASS: Beginning Floor Loom Weaving

This is a one-weekend introduction to floor loom weaving. Students learn to warp the loom and weave a sampler using plain weave, twill, and other structures. Weaving vocabulary, loom structure and function, and basic pattern drafting are covered, as are selecting yarns and determining quantities needed for a project. Each student plans and completes a sampler of weaves, which becomes a reference tool for further adventures on the floor loom. Weaving time is supplemented with lectures and examples. Please wear comfortable clothes and sensible shoes, warping and weaving are physical activities! Bring your curiosity and questions, leave with a sense of satisfaction and awe!

Skill Level: This is an introductory, entry level class. No prior weaving experience is necessary. While there are no knowledge prerequisites, good manual dexterity is a necessity. Shoulder, elbow, and wrist movement are needed to wind a warp and dress the loom; weaving requires hip, knee, and foot movement. Weaving does involve repetitive motion; students may take breaks as needed.

Tools/materials to bring to class: Scissors, tape measure, notebook, and lunch. You are welcome to bring any of your preferred weaving tools, although all needed equipment and tools will be provided

Instructor: Naomi Brill

Instructor Bio: Naomi Brill has been weaving since the 1980s, on both rigid heddle and floor looms. She works in a variety of techniques and fibers, producing scarves, table runners, towels, placemats, and rag rugs. She enjoys the ease of set up, simplicity of weaving, and diversity of effects that can be achieved on rigid heddle looms yet appreciates the structure and complexity that can be coaxed from multi-harness floor looms.