Art Retreat Workshops and Art Festival by Art and Soul Retreat

Cindy Yost & Kat Allison
9 - 4:30
Monday

H185 - Loom Weaving for a New Age

We will teach an innovative weaving system that allows students to transfer multi-media techniques they are already familiar with into a traditional weaving format. We designed our warping system and loom, based on Navajo traditions, to eliminate tedious finishing processes so there is more time for playing and experimenting. Our loom is also adaptable and versatile, allowing us to include paper, fabric, metal, beads, found objects, felting, air dry clay, rubber stamping, etc., as part of the weaving process rather than as add-ons after weaving. Students should complete a weaving that can be used for functional or decorative purposes like a hand bag or wall hanging.

$70 Kit fee payable to the instructor includes:

· 8” PVC loom

· 3 sets of stretchers that allow weavings of several lengths

· complete tapestry warping set up

· a copy of our book, Copper Loom—A New Approach to an Ancient Craft

· Rug warping cotton

The book will be a resource after the class so our students can not only duplicate the class project, but can continue to experiment with different techniques, including instructions for warping the loom for beads. We also offer more resources on our web site and blogs for new ideas we are experimenting with using our loom.

Students bring:

· Yarns, threads, fibers for weaving. This can include traditional knitting and crochet fibers, fabric strips, trims, novelty yarns, metallic threads, hemp, jute, raffia, basket making supplies. There are many possibilities and we encourage our students to try new things, and to use the supplies they have on hand.

· Crochet hook

· Pack of large eye tapestry needles

Optional stuff:

We are very interested in using our loom for multi-media art. We have successfully incorporated

· Papers

· Needle felting

· Air dry clay

· Beads of all sizes and descriptions

· Botanicals like twigs, bamboo, long grass, pine needles

· Metal and glass charms…if it has a hole, or can be wire wrapped or drilled, we can put it on this loom

· Metal wire of all colors, (we have a special affection for anything copper)

· Rubber stamping on fabric or paper

· Embossing on paper

· Foils or leafing

· Fabric and small quilt blocks

Any of the above techniques can be applied to our woven pieces, before and after being removed from the loom. If our students would like to try some of these techniques, bring the basic supplies for those techniques, i.e., if you needle felt, bring roving, a felting needle and a felting foam pad. If you love paper crafts, bring PVA glue or gel medium and some paper you love. If you love beading, bring needles, beads and the thread of your choice. We will be happy to answer questions before the class about supplies. Students are welcome to call or e-mail us.

Virginia Registration is now CLOSED