Fall classes start

I am not great at keeping up with this blog because I  spend most of my time on Weavolution.  There is so much to do there that I have neglected this blog.

The second set of Don't Treadle...Go Rigid heddle classes started today.  With 2 new students and 1 student who is taking the class for a second time we are off to a great start.

First class success

Our first class session was a bit success.  I know, you are nodding your head saying, Of course, the teacher always considers her first class a success.  Well, let's break it down.

I had a syllabus, a plan of action for our first class and we achieved most of what was on the list.  We sat at the table and chatted to start and learned a little bit about each other.  Then, we began the introduction to weaving.  The looms were partially warped and, after demonstrating and explaining the direct warping process, each student began warping her loom.

Once the warps were on, we set at the task of learning to beam the warp under good tension.  I always spend a great deal of time covering the importance of tension in your warp and beaming it under tension.  We did it in teams but I also demonstrated various methods for doing it alone.

Next, everyone rethreaded the loom, bringing a thread through the holes in the heddles and we covered tying it onto the front apron bar.  Tension again became the focus of discussion.  I taught how to lash on since this is my favorite way of securing the warp to the front bar.  Once on and the tension evened up, the weaving began.

That's where we ended.  Homework was obvious.  Some students are process oriented and some are product oriented.  I have one of each in class.  I urged both to sample!! and sent them on their merry way.

Lots to cover this Saturday.  And pictures, for sure.

For love of weaving

I love to weave.  I love all of it, not just throwing the shuttle across the warp.  I enjoy the math of project planning, measuring the warp on the mill, threading the heddles, tying the warp to the front apron bar.  All of it.  And, teaching became a natural outlet for this love affair.

Teaching weaving on rigid heddle looms is fun.  The looms are affordable, portable and easier to handle than a floor loom.  I enjoy all the variation in the rigid heddle looms you can buy just as I enjoy the variation in floor looms.  In fact, I own 2 Kromski Harps, a Glimakra Emilia, and  a Schacht 25".  Pretty diverse.  I also own 2 floor looms, a Schacht Baby Wolf and a Glimakra Standard.  Again, 2 very different looms.

Saturday is the start of another 4 week session of classes.  I am as excited as a 5 year old beginning kindergarten.  It's all brand new.

Room for one more...

There is room for one more student in my upcoming Don't treadle...go rigid heddle class which starts on June 5th, 10 am to 1 pm.  The class meets weekly for 3 hours for 4 weeks. 

Learn to weave on a rigid heddle loom.  It's fun, easy and a great way to enjoy fiber.  No experience necessary, no loom required.  Interested?  Contact Claudia at cjane51@gmail.com.

In addition, knitting and crocheting classes are available by request.  Classes are held weekly on a drop-in, as needed basis.  Learn the basics or brush up on your knitting/crocheting and expand and improve your skills.

Here are a few scarves I made on my rigid heddle loom.

I used several different yarns, all from my knitting stash for this first scarf.

 

I added a lace weave in part of this one.

This last picture is of a wool and mohair shawl I made on my rigid heddle loom.  It's soft and warm draped across my shoulders on cool evenings.  Perfect for this time of year.

Don't Treadle...Go Rigid Heddle: Don't treadle...Go Rigid Heddle debuts

http://www.mafafiber.org/

Don't treadle...Go Rigid Heddle debuts

I have been teaching rigid heddle weaving and decided to step it up a notch and apply to teach at a conference.  So, there's one in 2011 in my backyard, or nearly so, in Gettysburg, PA.  It's only about an hour from home so I thought I'd give it a go.  Too bad I waited until March 2010 to consider applying.  Application deadline was February.  2010!!  That was a surprise.  I sent a letter, was told I could submit in case something didn't work out and bingo, I'm goin to the game.  I'm really excited about this and looking forward to it.

More details to follow as we get closer to July 2011.  If you are considering learning to weave, this is a great way to get started.  There is a fun vibe being at a regional conference.  Especially one that is centered on weaving.  Consider attending MAFA (Mid-Atlantic Fiber Association) July 2011.

Leigh's Fiber Journal: Waffle Weave

Leigh's Fiber Journal: Waffle Weave
http://www.weavolution.com/comment/reply/7109/12829

We could use your input at Weavolution where there is a discussion of doing waffle weave on a rigid heddle loom.