Class Descriptions
Introduction to Weaving
Introduction to Weaving begins with the basics of hand-weaving using a Schacht Wolf Pup 4-harness floor loom. On the first day, participants will learn how to wind a warp and set up their own looms. The second day will cover how to weave, basic weave structures such as plain weave, baskets, twills, and tapestry. The class will conclude with cutting off and finishing the edges of your weaving. This class is designed for those new to weaving as well as for those with some experience but are looking for a refresher and to try something new. All materials and equipment are provided.
Image: Zenona Darrow
Intermediate Weaving
Intermediate Weaving is the follow up class to Introduction to Weaving and can be taken multiple times, each time focusing on a different creative skill-building project. A selection of project options will be presented to expose people to a range of weave structures (Pointed Twills, Overshot, Double Weave Pick-Up, Monk’s Belt, etc.), a selection of warp yarns (merino wool, 5/2 cotton, 10/2 cotton, linen), and project planning fundamentals (calculating the EPI, reed selection, and using a reed to space out your warp threads). In certain circumstances, a participant may select their own self-directed project, with instructor consent. All materials and equipment are provided.
Image: Qiqing Lin
Open Studio Weaving
Looms will be available to rent by the week for open studio weaving during July and August in Catskill for 24/7 access. The weekly fee includes materials for one small project and project consult, if desired. This will be available to people who have taken classes at CWS before or with special permission. The prerequisite is that you can set up a loom independently, or are especially determined to do so, as no instruction will be provided. Send email to info@catskillweavingschool for availability.
Image: Miki Aso
Tapestry Weaving on a Frame Loom
Tapestry Weaving on a Frame Loom will cover the basics of weft-faced tapestry techniques as well as setting up and weaving on a Schacht tabletop frame loom. The frame loom is a simple, portable tool which can be used to make wall hangings or small textile squares to be pieced together into a larger project. This is the perfect class for the very beginner weaver. During the first part of the class, participants will learn how to warp their loom and be introduced to plain weave as well as a variety of weaving techniques, such as clasped weft, slit weave and hatching. After a lunch break, the focus will be on weaving a larger project and more one-on-one feedback based on individual direction. The day will conclude with learning a hem stitch to finish off the weaving and studio clean-up. All materials and equipment are included, but feel free to bring any additional weft material that you would like to experiment with.
Image: Margot Becker
Hand Quilting
In this three-hour class students will learn the fundamentals of hand quilting. Fine traditional stitches and bolder ‘big stitch’ hand quilting will be covered in class so students can explore both techniques and get a sense of how their application differs. We’ll begin with a review of proper preparation and basting of the layers of a quilt then move on to marking and best practices for hand stitching. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with marking tools, different needle sizes and a variety of thread weights. Hoops will be available for those who wish to learn about hoop positioning and fabric tension. Participants are welcome to bring a completed quilt top along with them for instruction on hand quilting, but please contact the instructor ahead of class. No prior hand stitching experience is necessary. All materials will be provided.
Image: Susan Chiappini
Introduction to Drafting (Online)
In this introductory-level workshop, students will learn how to read, modify, and create their own drafts from scratch. During the first session, participants will be shown examples of 4-harness drafts and be led through several drafting exercises intended to gain confidence with the basics. During the second session, participants will create an individualized sample blanket draft with color, and other common drafting scenarios will be discussed. This course is intended for people new to drafting that have some experience with weaving. Required materials: graph paper, pencil / eraser, and colored drawing media.
Recordings available upon request.
Natural Dyeing Weekend Intensive
In this workshop, participants will learn the foundations of working with natural color on textiles, while discussing natural dye materials' history, chemistry, and sustainability. Over the two days, participants will learn the basics of mordanting, dye extraction, dyeing techniques, color modifications, and setting up an indigo vat, to collaboratively create a natural dye color sampler. We will work with natural dyes with a rich history of use in North America, such as madder, osage orange, black walnut, and the magical indigo. Other options for natural dye materials, such as food waste, invasive plants and other, will also be discussed for future exploration. All materials will be included, however, students are encouraged to bring small quantities of textile materials/garments for independent exploration.
Image: Isa Rodriguez
Overshot is Hot! (Intermediate)
This class begins the basics of weaving and drafting the Overshot weave structure. Participants will choose their own Overshot weave draft, prepare a warp, and dress the loom. As the class progresses, participants will be introduced to more advanced techniques, such as inlay to manipulate and personalize the original woven pattern. The class will have access to 4-harness floor looms as well as a selection of historical and contemporary Overshot drafts and related books. The focus will be on sampling, experimentation, and a deepening of understanding of the Overshot structure.
Textile Topics: Color (Fall / Online)
This 5-week online course meets weekday evenings and focuses on color as it pertains to textiles. Each week a new topic is presented by a guest lecturer within their area of their work and research. The topics include: Anni and Josef Albers in Color, the Biology and Physics of Color, Natural Dyes, Global Pigment Histories, and ‘Color Vision’ and Jacquard Weaving. In addition to weekly presentations, there will be a weekly reading chosen by the presenter and a lengthy Q&A. This course is intended for anyone who wants an in depth look at the culture around color beyond a “how-to” workshop, and is intended for people interested in many types of textiles, not just weaving.
Presentations:
“Anni and Josef Albers in Color: Thread, Paint, and Print” by Fritz Horstman
“The Physics and Biology of Color Perception” by Eric Hibit
“Natural Dyes: The Artistry of Living Color” by Natalie Stopka
“In Living Color: Pigments in the Past, Present, and Future” by Julia Norton
“‘Color Vision’ and Jacquard Weaving” by Sarah Wertzberger
Visible Mending
Darning is the technique of mending a hole in cloth by stitching and interweaving yarn by hand. The process incorporates basic stitching and weaving to create beautiful, functional repairs. We will move through the mending process from start to finish, learning various stitches, weaving patterns, and experimenting with color along the way. In this 3-hour workshop, participants will learn the basics of visible mending by first practicing on provided fabric with a small cutout. If time allows, participants can start a second project to completed at home, either on a personal garment or a larger piece of fabric.
Image: Sophia DeJesus-Sabella
Weaving in Contemporary Art (Winter / Online)
This 5-session series presents weekly lectures by leading contemporary artists that identify as weavers or work with weaving as a primary medium in their practice. Collectively, their work spans computer-assisted jacquard weaving, tapestry, and floor loom weaving, as well as experimental basketry. Each week a different speaker has been invited to elaborate on the conceptual concerns of their practice as well as to discuss the process, techniques, and materiality, that are specific to what they do. This is intended to be an opportunity to connect and talk shop amongst fellow weavers (and weaving admirers) in a virtual setting. Each presentation will be followed by a Q&A and short conversation. Supplemental reading materials and online links will be provided in advance of each week to provide background and context for each artist. Recordings available upon request.
The 2024 presenters are Christy Matson, Erin M. Riley, Jovencio de la Paz, Diedrick Brackens, and Dee Clements.