Contemporary Handweavers of Texas - 2005 Conference Workshops

Meg Wilson's red and black flame stitch weaving.

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Contemporary Handweavers of Texas 2005
Biannual State Conference
April 14-17, 2005

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
(alphabetized by instructor - see Instructor Biographies)

Workshop Schedule (red = workshop is closed)

Charlotte Allison
Fleece Hooking
WHEN: 9B10 3:00 WHERE: Ballroom D
Session Description: Come join in the fun of basic, old fashioned rug hooking with dyed fleece. You will have a choice of a Texas star or a primitive heart. The completed project is perfect as a mug rug.
Participants Bring: scissors
Materials Provided: Everything is included in the kit: project info, dyed roving, frame and hook.
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: $35

Anna Rose Barry
Doubleweave
WHEN: 4P12W 1:30 WHERE: Chennault
Session Description: The doubleweave technique allows the weaver to produce fabric in 2 layers. A Double weave sampler teaches useful techniques, such as the ability to produce fabric twice the width of the loom and to expand the weaver’s awareness of what can be accomplished on their looms. In this workshop the students will learn various doubleweave techniques, including double width (layers joined on one side and open on the other), pillows (layers joined on both sides), horizontal tubes, vertical tubes, and more.
Prerequisite: intermediate level of weaving.
Participants Bring: 4 (or more) Shaft Loom, threaded in advance based on instruction which will be sent when class participation is confirmed.
Materials Provided: Instructional handout/booklet
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: $3.50

Dawn Burns [see BJ Heeke]
Spindle Spinning
WHEN: 11B1S 3:00 WHERE: Lantana

Shelby Cefaratti CLOSED
Tooty Fruity Felt
WHEN: 17B2F 8:00 WHERE: Violet Crown
Session Description: An ice cold glass of Kool-Aid in the summertime is certainly refreshing, but wool in the summer heat? Oh Yeah! Come play with the hottest technique in feltmaking and create a fresh spring time scarf. Learn how just a touch of wool added here and there can transform a plain piece of fabric into haute couture, or should I say HOT couture. We will begin with bright Kool-Aid dyed silk scarves and add bits of wonderful merino wool. In just a short amount of time, you’ll be sporting the hottest scarves around. Feltmaking experience helpful, but not necessary.
Participants Bring: old towels, new cellulose sponge, pen & paper, tape measure, scissors, needle & thread, any beads or charms that might be fun to use as embellishment
Materials Provided: dyed scarves, wool, soap, netting, washboards and bubble wrap (for fulling), handouts
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: ~$25

Liza Collins
Tapestry Weaving CLOSED
WHEN: 14B23W 8:00 WHERE: Live Oak
Session Description: Of all the textile crafts Tapestry Weaving offers the greatest pictorial freedom and versatility. It uses the simplest of weave structures yet allows unlimited possibilities of color, texture and design.
This 5 hour class will give participants an introduction to traditional flat tapestry weaving techniques from preparing a warp, weaving shapes and design interpretation, through to finishing methods.
Participants Bring: Note taking supplies
Materials Provided: Frames for weaving and yarn. Workshop fee will cover cost of frame and some yarn. Participants will get to keep frame at the end of the class. Additional yarn will be for sale.
MAX Capacity: 6 MATERIALS FEE: $15

Liza Collins
Tapestry Weaving -- Advanced Techniques CLOSED
WHEN: 24B4W 8:30 WHERE: Live Oak
Session Description: This workshop is designed as a follow up to Introduction to Tapestry Weaving Workshop and for the weaver with some experience to learn more advanced techniques. The workshop focuses on weaving shapes, raised surface techniques and design interpretation. Techniques to be covered include hatching, weft blending, directional weaving,
interlocking techniques, knotting, tufting and supplementary warps. Participants will also have the opportunity to experiment with different warp settings and explore a variety of weft yarns to achieve unusual surface qualities.
Participants Bring: Note taking supplies
Materials Provided: Pre-warped weaving frames and weft yarns.
MAX Capacity: 6 MATERIALS FEE: $5

Michael Cook
A Silkwork Sampler
WHEN: 18B23S 8:00 WHERE: Mt. Laurel
Session Description: Students will learn about sericulture and silk work, from rearing the worms from eggs through reeling, degumming and dyeing, as well as manufacture of mawatas (hankies) and spinning of hankie silk. Some portions will be covered in discussion; others will be hands-on – dyeing will be discussed but not undertaken in the scope of this workshop. Wild species silks, including the Texas native Antherea polyphemus, will be discussed, including their rearing, natural history, and use in silk work. The workshop will take place in two 2.5 hour segments; some parts of the process require multiple steps. Students will prepare, grope, and reel cocoons, make hankies and learn how to spin from them, and degum reeled thread. Each student will make a small (5 – 10 yard) sample skein of reeled silk, and take home hankie silk that they have made in class.
Participants Bring: Appropriate safety equipment for chemical work (goggles, dust mask, rubber gloves, as desired – the chemicals are not noxious, and I don’t use a mask, goggles, or gloves, but each person is responsible for his/her own safety. We will be working with Orvus paste, sodium carbonate (washing soda), and lots of hot water.) Any participant local to the site who can bring a NON-FOOD crockpot or a yarn winder (clock or reel style) please contact me. Those with drop spindles appropriate for silk may bring them, but not required.
Materials Provided: silk cocoons, all chemicals. Tools and equipment will be provided for use in class, but students will not take them home. Anyone who desires silkworm eggs should let Michael know in advance; their availability is sometimes dependent on natural forces beyond his control, but he will do his best.
MAX Capacity: 12 MATERIALS FEE: $10
Website: See www.wormspit.com for images and descriptions of Michael's work.

Fay Drozd
Growing Dye Plants
WHEN: 25B40 8:30 WHERE: Ballroom C
Session Description: Want to dye with natural dyes? Learn from a master garder and great weaver, spinner, and dyer which dye plants you can grow in Texas and how to use them.
Participants Bring: Note taking supplies
MAX Capacity: 20 MATERIALS FEE: None

Sally Gelbaugh
Be the Goddess of the Handwoven Top!
WHEN: 21B340 2:30 WHERE: Del Valle Session Description: Skittish about cutting into that handwoven fabric? Unsure how to finish the seams and edges? This workshop will focus on how to use handwoven or other specialty fabrics to construct a one-of-a-kind garment. Students will plan to construct a vest or simple top, from start to finish. Pattern fitting will be brainstormed. Lively lining ideas will be shared. In the hands-on portion, participants will develop several seam and edge finish samples from different fabric weights to build a portfolio of suitable techniques for future use. Beginners and improvers welcome. Students must be able to operate their sewing machines.
Participants Bring: paper, pencil, ruler, sewing machine, sewing tools (extra sharp sewing machine needles, thread, bobbins, pins, scissors for fabric and paper, seam ripper, measuring tape, Scotch tape), extension cord, a commercial vest or simple top pattern, yard inexpensive commercial fabric the weight you usually weave. If you own a rotary cutter, clear ruler and mat, bring it. (Don’t buy one, we can share.)
Materials Provided: seam and edge finishing supplies, including some Ultrasuede; handouts
MAX Capacity: 12 MATERIALS FEE: $5

Jill Gully
Introduction to Felting
WHEN: 10B1F 3:00 WHERE: Violet Crown
Session Description: Two or three simple felted projects will be completed in this class. A greeting card will be completed to display a sample of felt with silk surface design. Other projects that may be undertaken include felting a ball, covering a bar of soap for a simple gift, making felt beads and placing them on decorative cording, and/or embossing a felt picture using a fabric or felted base.
Participants Bring: old towels, 2 plastic water bottles with pull-up top, shallow basin or dish, scissors, large kitchen sponge, two plastic (no holes in bottom) grocery bags, a bar of soap, needle and thread.
Materials Provided: wool and felting supplies, embellishments, instructions.
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: ~$12
Website: www.outbackfibers.com

BJ Heeke & Dawn Burns
Spindle Spinning
WHEN: 11B1S 3:00 WHERE: Lantana
Session Description: The class will take the new spindler from learning a bit about wool to learning drafting, making a leader, and high whorl spindle spinning. If we have enough time we will teach plying as well. New spindlers should go away from class with their own first yarn and be excited about spindling!
Participants Bring: Note taking supplies
Materials Provided: spindles, roving, handouts
MAX Capacity: 20+ MATERIALS FEE: $12
Website: http://members.toast.net/nwspinner and
http://members.toast.net/nwspinner/moonspinners.html

Giovanna Imperia
Kumihimo on a Disk or Square
– a fun and entertaining twist on an ancient craft
WHEN: 13B20 8:00 WHERE: Del Valle
Session Description: This class is open to anyone interested in exploring braiding without wanting to deal with the details and complexity of braiding on a stand. It is also suitable for children. Students will learn round braids on a disk, or flat braids on a square plate. Unlike the traditional maru dai stand, the foam disk and the square plate have numbered slots making it easier to keep warps in place without the aid of weighted bobbins (and keep track of what you are doing).
During the class, students will learn to make braids that can be turned into fun fun jewlery or as embellishments for handwovens. No previous experience is required -- just nimble fingers.
Participants Bring: Note taking supplies
Materials Provided: Choice of disk or square plate, booklet with instructions and easy/fun projects.
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: $15

Bobbie Irwin
Pucker Up!
WHEN: 2P12W 1:30 WHERE: Del Valle
Fabrics that bubble, crinkle, wrinkle, twist and turn are popular with handweavers, and they are very practical for clothing and accessories. Here's your opportunity to learn a variety of techniques for textured fabric and end up with a swatch collection for future reference. Learn to weave seersucker, pleats, deflected double weave, and many other variations. Come to class with your loom warped and ready to weave. Each loom has a different warp, requiring from 2 to 8 shafts, and round-robin sampling is an option in class. This workshop is appropriate for all skill levels. Bobbie will assign drafts ahead of time based on your experience, equipment, and preferences. You'll finish weaving your sample at home and wet-finish it, then send it to Bobbie, who will cut and distribute swatches of all the fabrics to all who participate. Everyone receives drafts and weaving instructions for the 20+ fabrics Bobbie will be showing examples of.
Participants Bring: Note taking supplies
Materials Provided: warping instructions in advance of class. Extensive handout at the workshop
MAX Capacity: 20 MATERIALS FEE:

Midge Jackson
Introduction to Lace Knitting and Spinning for Lace
WHEN: 28B4S 8:30 WHERE: Lantana
Session Description: Participants will explore different fibers suitable for lace, examining the characteristics of each finished lace product.

The techniques used in spinning, including fiber preparation, will be explored in relation to the appearance of the final product. Each participant will have the opportunity to spin at least one sample. You will have several samples of fiber to spin at your leisure.

Participants will knit a simple lace pattern using increases, decreases and other common methods. Tips and special techniques will be shared to enhance success in making lace.
Participants Bring: Spinning Wheel in good working order, Scissors, Niddy Noddy, Assorted sizes of knitting needles, Knitting markers
Materials Provided: Fibers for spinning, Yarn for knitting and Pattern
MAX Capacity: 10 MATERIALS FEE: $10

Midge Jackson & Margaret Minton
STRAW INTO GOLD– or How to Spin Flax into Linen Without a Wizard, Elf or Gnome to Help
WHEN: 19B23S 8:00 WHERE: Lantana
Session Description: This class will begin with an overview of flax and its processing and uses throughout history. Actual retted flax plants will be available and participants will process them through the steps necessary to extract the fiber. They will break, scutch and hackle, culminating with usable fiber known as a strick.
Participants will dress a distaff using stricks. Spinning from a distaff as well as other methods will be demonstrated and practiced. Students will spin from a drop spindle well as a wheel. Flax roving will also be available for practice and comparison. After spinning, further processing of items made from linen will be demonstrated and discussed.
By the end of this class, participants will be able to:
— Distinguish between line and tow and identify uses
for each
— Process retted flax to obtain usable fiber
— Spin linen thread on a drop spindle
— Dress a distaff
— Spin linen thread on a wheel using roving and
stricks
— Understand further processing and care of a
product made of linen
Participants Bring: Drop Spindle; Spinning Wheel in good working order, with distaff if possible; Towel; Niddy Noddy; Heavy work gloves of cotton or leather; Dust mask if allergic to dust. It is recommended that participants wear old clothes and have an up to date tetanus shot. (Hackles are sharp!)
Materials Provided: All fibers and plants; Gourd for water; Processing equipment
MAX Capacity: 10 MATERIALS FEE: $12

Tracy Kaestner
The Power of Profiles
WHEN: 12B2W 8:00 WHERE: Chennault
Session Description: Does the whole concept of profiles and profile drafting float right over your head? During this seminar Tracy will untie the mysteries of profile drafting. Topics covered will include: exactly what profile drafting is, appropriate structures to use in block designs, designing with profiles and drafting profiles. Students should come prepared to do exercises using pencil and graph paper. Participants must have an understanding of basic drafting.
Participants Bring: pencil
Materials Provided: Handout
MAX Capacity: 18 MATERIALS FEE: none

Tracy Kaestner
Fun with Four Shafts
WHEN: 81BW 3:00 WHERE: Ballroom C
Session Description: Do you suffer from Shaft Envy? Are you one of those people who have a 4 shaft loom, but wish you had more? Well, don't despair! There are many wonderful things you can do with 4 shafts or fewer. Tracy will help you maximize your shafts. She will bring examples of fabulous 4 shaft fabrics that will inspire you to get weaving and stop wanting. Handouts with drafts for many of these fabulous fabrics will be provided.
Participants Bring: Note taking supplies
Materials Provided: Handout
MAX Capacity: 18 MATERIALS FEE: none

Margaret Minton [see Midge Jackson]
STRAW INTO GOLD– or How to Spin Flax into Linen Without a Wizard, Elf or Gnome to Help
WHEN: 19B23S 8:00 WHERE: Lantana

Sara Nordling
Design: Going Beyond the Basics
WHEN: 20B3W 2:30 WHERE: Chennault
Session Description: In this class we will go over what constitutes a good design. We will look at examples of successful weaving designs and some that are not so successful. We will then explore ways to improve our own designs so that we will not only have items that are well woven but aesthetically pleasing.
Participants Bring: at lease one piece of weaving you think is a successful design and one you think may need some improvement. Colored pencils and graph paper.
Materials Provided: handout
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: $1

Sara Nordling
Drafting 101: A Beginner's Guide or a Refresher Course
WHEN: 5B10 3:00 WHERE: Chennault
Session Description: This class will explore the basics of reading and producing a draft. You will learn how warp, weft, and tie-up effect the final woven fabric. In addition to basic twill weaves, exploration of overshot and other structures with special drafting notations will be discussed. The more you understand drafting in the weaving process the better able you are to master weaving, going beyond recipes others have developed into making something that is uniquely yours.
Participants Bring: Colored pencils and graph paper.
Materials Provided: handout
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: $1

Robin Pascal
Microwave Handpainting Yarn CLOSED
WHEN: 22B3D 2:30 WHERE: Violet Crown
Session Description: Learn a fast, fun, easy way to paint yarns or pre-wound warps using Procion Dyes with minimal fuss 'n bother! Participants will take away a handpainted 300 yd skein of lace-weight yarn to make socks, scarf or hat. No previous experience required.
Participants Bring: Gloves
Materials Provided: 300 yd skein of lace-weight wool
MAX Capacity: 12 MATERIALS FEE: $7
Website: www.perfectbuttons.com
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/rpascal21

Carol Rhoades
Spinning Novelty Yarns
WHEN: 6B1S 3:00 WHERE: Del Valle
Session Description: "Novelty yarn" is often applied to slubby and irregular yarns produced more by accident than intent. However, for novelty yarns to be structurally stable and repeatable, the spinning must be carefully controlled. In this class, we will focus on how to spin singles that can be plied together for snarls, marls, clouds, crepes, and more. We will play with simple color effects, fuzzy mohair yarns, and easy boucles. Students will learn how to choose fibers for novelty yarns; how to spin with control and purpose; and how to use novelty yarns for particular purposes.
Prerequisite: Advanced Beginner to Advanced Spinner
Participants Bring: spinning wheel in good working order, lazy kate and extra bobbins or ballwinder and index cards for winding on singles, handcards, a small spool of sewing thread, notepaper
Materials Provided: handouts and a variety of wool and mohair rovings and tops
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: $5

Pat Souder CLOSED
Capitol Ideas: Using Thrums, samples, small pieces and weave-its.
WHEN: 26B40 8:30 WHERE: Violet Crown
Session Description: The session will start with a lecture and then have a demonstration of how Pat makes a magnet and a pin. She will discuss elements of design. Participants will then have the opportunity to make a magnet, which can be used in other applications such as a pin. Beginner level.
Participants Bring: pencil, paper, scissiors and beading and/or sewing needles.
Materials Provided: All materials for magnet construction.
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: $6.50

Nancy Steward
When Color Meets Structure
WHEN: 16B23W 8:00 WHERE: Ballroom D
Session Description: Structures that you take for granted can live a whole new life when they meet their color counterparts. They can project peace and harmony or light up the skies and shimmer. Weave 10 different structures using 10 different colorways and discover unexpected treasures. Leave this class with a beautiful enduring reference tool of 100 different samples in one piece that you can use forever.
Participants Bring: 4 shaft loom already warped (instructions will be sent out once you are registered), at least 2 shuttles and several bobbins, scissors, tape measure, tapestry needle, note-taking materials, favorite weaving tools. optional: bobbin winder, color wheel.
Materials Provided: handout
MAX Capacity: 16 MATERIALS FEE: $5

Cindy Thoreson
Cardwoven Belt
WHEN: 23B4W 8:30 WHERE: Chennault
Session Description: The magic of what is in the cards starts when you learn the basics and you become of the ancients and part of the continuum of discovery and exploration. In this class you will learn the basics of design, equipment, materials and structure while you weave!!
Participants will have a chance to work on pre-strung belts.
Participants Bring: a belt for your waist and an 18" piece of 1/2" to 1" gross grain ribbon
Materials Provided: pre-strung belts and related materials
MAX Capacity: 20

Laura Viada
Beaded Fringes and Edges
WHEN: 3P20 8:30 WHERE: Live Oak
Session Description: A lovely beaded fringe or edge can turn an ordinary scarf, shawl or garment into a dramatic, unique piece - and can turn an already wonderful piece into a real showstopper. Beaded fringes and edges can also be used very effectively to embellish home décor and accessories, such as lamp shades, napkin rings, and window treatments. All handwoven, of course.
In this workshop, students of all skill levels will learn various techniques for making beaded fringes and edges and will make a sample of each technique for future reference. Information on bead selection and color will also be provided. If time permits, a few bead embroidery techniques will also be introduced.
Participants Bring: Scissors, workshop lamp (recommended, but not required), and note taking supplies.
Materials Supplied: Beads, thread, needle, fiber
MAX Capacity: 20 MATERIALS FEE: $20

Laura Viada
Understanding Color
WHEN: 15B23W 8:00 WHERE: Ballroom C
Session Description: Do you ever wonder why you don't get the color results you expected in your woven projects? Or why that lovely hand-painted roving doesn't look at all the same once its spun and plied? Do you wish you could mix dyes with consistently predictable results? This workshop should help you take a giant step forward in understanding how to deal with color in your projects.
Through a series of exercises, using Color-aid paper,
yarn, fiber, and acrylic paints, students will learn the basics of color theory. This worksholp is designed to be fun and relaxing, but jam-packed with useful information for the weaver, spinner and dyer. Students who like to work with dyes should find working with acrylic paints especially informative.
Participants Bring: Pen & pencil, notepaper, scissiors and glue stick.
Materials Provided: Copies, paints, brushes, Color Aid paper, palette knife, pallette paper, drawing paper.
MAX Capacity: 20 MATERIALS FEE: <$20

DeeDee Woodbury
Refine Your Weaving CLOSED
WHEN: 7B1W 3:00 WHERE: Live Oak
Session Description: Take your weaving to the next level. Learn techniques to improve your weaving. Did you know that a properly wound bobbin is the key to perfect selvedges? Learn the subtle details it takes to bring your cloth to perfection. Not only will your hand woven cloth improve, but you’ll learn some time saving tips as well!
Participants Bring: Note taking supplies
Materials Provided: Handout
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: none

DeeDee Woodbury
Transparency Weaving
WHEN: 1P12W 1:30 WHERE: Chennault
Session Description: In this 8-hour workshop, learn the Scandinavian art of transparency weaving. The technique is done on a loom (floor or table) with inlay designs on a plain weave background. Similar to tapestry, it is a stunning effect with endless possibilities for design.
Participants Bring: Loom, threaded in advance based on instruction which will be sent when class participation is confirmed: Students will need to dress their loom with a tow linen warp. Materials could be pre-ordered as a group, or a supplier’s list will be provided.
Materials Provided: Instructions
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: $5

DeeDee Woodbury
Weaving with the Maya
WHEN: 27B4W 8:30 WHERE: Mt. Laurel
Session Description: Join DeeDee on a tour of the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala. DeeDee lead a tour to Guatemala in September of 2003, so come on an armchair slideshow version of her travels. See authentic backstrap looms, hand woven fabrics and learn about the Cojoya Maya Weaving Co-op.
Participants Bring:
Materials Provided: a bibliography and resource list
MAX Capacity: 15 MATERIALS FEE: none