Ref: S4D37616
This is an in-depth, intensive course and you will come away with the technical knowledge required to start weaving your own cloth independently.
Day 1-2 Focus on how to design your cloth and calculate a warp using colours of your choice. We will be working with a 2/17 merino wool suitable for apparel and soft furnishing fabric weights. Introduction to the loom and step-by-step guidance on all the processes required to set up your loom, from using a warping mill to threading the heddles. By day two your loom will be set up and ready to start weaving.
Day 3-4 You will learn how to read a lifting plan and weave drafts and be introduced to the classic weave structures as well as to more complex, contemporary designs. You will be encouraged to experiment with colour and a variety of yarns. There will be guidance on weaving technique, how to achieve good selvedges and finishing your cloth. You will go home with a selection of samples or completed piece of fabric to display or make a functional item from.
The course will be taught in a small group of 6 to allow for plenty of personalised tuition.
Suitable for complete beginners or students requiring an in-depth refresher. Each student will have use of a dedicated 8-shaft Ashford table loom or similar, and also have the option to bring their own.
On this course the tutor will supply every student with a 8-shaft table loom to use for the duration of the course and enough yarns for each student.
Available from tutor: Additional merino wool for future projects will be available to purchase to take away after the course.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Pamela is a hand weaver and textile artist focusing on environmental issues. She worked in the Fashion Textiles Industry in London and Brussels for 14 years; now her weaving practice collaborates with interior designers internationally and she regularly exhibits her work.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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