Like cloth, written language can be found everywhere. Yet the intrinsic power of words–their ability to transcend basic “information sharing” to express ideas and convey sentiment–adds immeasurably to their appeal as patterns on the page. With the goal to inspire weavers to expand their repertoire of decorative approaches, this class will provide step-by-step instruction for using inlay to weave letters and words in cloth. Should be able to warp and weave independently.

From yarn to warp to cloth, weaving on a floor loom can be so much fun! Explore every step of the weaving process, including selecting yarn, measuring warps, dressing a loom, looking at a draft, throwing a shuttle, and finishing your cloth. Weave and finish a sampler and leave the class with a toolkit of skills and ideas, a special zine commemorating the week’s community, and ready for the “what’s next” of your weaving journey.

Explore the techniques and history of a 9,000-year-old form of finger-weaving while creating a twined bag based on Native Southeastern designs. Twining is a form of weaving in which you use your fingers to twist weft strands of fiber around pairs of hanging warps. Also, learn how to make simple weave changes to create additional patterns for your future twined projects. No experience required, but some manual dexterity is needed for this relaxing and therapeutic activity.

Often underestimated, the loom shares a deep and almost mysterious link to the evolution of modern computing. Despite its simplicity, this age-old device has demonstrated remarkable creative and technological potential. Explore the possibilities of using unconventional and unusual materials on a basic frame loom. Delve into the loom’s mechanics, its historical significance, and how various materials interact with warp, tension, pressure, and texture. All levels welcome.

The stuff of ring shawls, Fair Isle colorwork, tweeds, and taatit rugs, Shetland wool represents the story of humans in relationship with sheep through thousands of years. Described as exceptionally fine wool "of uncommon softness and fineness" and as "scratchy" and as a double-coated representative of primitive wools, might it be all of these? Discuss how to use the Shetland that best suits your goals. Students must be able to spin singles and make a two-ply independently. $

Combine two useful skills–carving and weaving–to make fiber art with your very own handmade tools. Learn how to carve a rigid heddle and shuttle with simple carving tools. Then, use your newly carved pieces to weave functional and decorative bands for use as straps, shoelaces, and more. All levels welcome.

Convert old silk or rayon clothing into woven scarves or table runners in the Japanese sakiori weaving tradition. Dating back to the 1700s, sakiori is a fabric woven from worn out garments that are torn into thin strips and woven tightly. Learn methods for preparing the rag strips, explore four-harness loom weaving techniques, and discover various methods to finish projects. All levels welcome.

Experiment with techniques for creating colorful and patterned, warp-faced bands. Learn to warp an inkle loom and weave in plain weave. From there, experiment with basic pick-up patterns and discover the options for finishing. Discuss exploring color, designing bands of your own, and more! Return home with a sample band that can be used as a bookmark, keychain, or reference for future projects. Beginners welcome.

Discover the possibilities of creating handwoven fabric on a rigid heddle loom. Begin by learning to warp the loom and weave plain weave. Explore ways to take plain weave to a new level and design patterns with pick-up, using warp floats to create a pattern. Experiment with finger-controlled techniques and finishing approaches. Weave a sample to explore the options, and then use your new skills to design and weave a project of your choice. Beginners welcome.

Convert old silk or rayon clothing into woven scarves or table runners in the Japanese sakiori weaving tradition. Dating back to the 1700s, sakiori is a fabric woven from worn out garments that are torn into thin strips and woven tightly. Learn methods for preparing the rag strips, explore four-harness loom weaving techniques, and discover various methods to finish projects. All levels welcome.

Step into the quiet rhythm of weaving and discover the joy of making cloth by hand in this beginner-friendly class. Learn the basics and then weave your first piece–from setting up your loom to exploring texture, color, and pattern. With a supportive, playful approach, build confidence and connect to the meditative beauty of slow making. No experience needed; just curiosity and a willingness to begin.

The bold, rhythmic beauty of krokbragd is a traditional Norwegian weaving technique meaning “crooked path.” Using a simple three-shaft structure and repeating three-step sequence, this weft-faced weave produces striking geometric patterns brought to life through thoughtful color play. Explore the dynamic pathways of krokbragd while developing confidence in intuitive, on-the-loom design, while creating a rug, table runner, or a set of hot pads. Students must be comfortable warping a loom.

In contrast to most weaves which are woven on a plane horizontal to the loom, wedge weave is woven on the diagonal. This results in a weft-faced weaving with many distinctive characteristics and exciting design potential. Work on your own pre-warped loom or a floor loom provided by the Folk School. Explore wedge weave through hands-on experience as well as with detailed handouts and images. Intermediate levels welcome.