The modern Rigid Heddle loom is the ultimate sampler and cloth creating loom. In this workshop you will learn how to create texture and pattern using handspun, weaving yarn, and knitting yarn in the same piece.
Rigid Heddle looms are not new but the method for warping is a recent development by Ashford especially for knitters. The method, called “direct warping,” lets you wind the warp and thread the heddle at the same time….think -create-as-you-go!
This workshop will focus on how to warp and weave on the Rigid Heddle loom. Warping yarns will be provided which can also be used as weft or you can bring yarn from your stash.
The goals are to learn how to weave on a rigid heddle loom (even if you have never woven on anything before!), learn about yarn selection for future projects, and learn cloth design techniques so that you can create one-of-a-kind garments in your next workshop on sewing with handwovens.
When: March 2 and 3 (Sat. and Sun.), 2019, 9am – 3 pm
Where: Salt Fork Recreation Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve
Workshop Leader: Cindy Ruesink is a native of western Pennsylvania and has lived in the Midwest the past 45 years. Her interest in fiber arts began in the early 1980’s while living in Australia. After returning to Champaign-Urbana, she took spinning and weaving lessons from the C-U guild and worked for professional weavers: Marilee Hoffswell and Becky Grosser. She attended lots of conferences and workshops and began researching historic looms and weaving patterns. Five years ago, one of her students brought a modern Rigid Heddle loom to class and she began another chapter in her weaving career. She discovered the fun of working on the rigid heddle, especially weaving with her 3 granddaughters who sometimes even help her teach.
What is provided:
A loom for you and your weaving partner to use for the two-day workshop
Yarn for two warps, one cotton, one wool
Drinks and snacks
What you bring: Your lunch, small amount of yarn from your stash for weft
Registration fee: $35.00 if you register by January 10, 2019; $40 after that
Registration form:
Name____________________________
Address______________________________________________________________
e-mail_________________________ Phone_________________________________
Do you have a modern rigid heddle loom, or can you borrow one? (If not, we can provide one.)
Send check to CUSWG and registration form to Kiri Fagen-Ulmschneider, 406 W. Delaware, Urbana IL 61801