About

Design and weave a weft-face rug sampler using hand-dyed wools from the studio of Mary Zicafoose, whose tapestry and rug weaving work spans four decades. Instruction will include her preferred warping and weaving techniques, and complete steps in finishing work for exhibitions and sales. This comprehensive workshop offers technical solutions for the creative, non-loom-controlled, rug-making process.

• Learn tried-and-true warp and weaving techniques and formulas Mary uses through a step-by-step weaving sampler.
• Professional steaming, finishing, and installation methods, as well as systems to streamline packing, shipping, and exhibition, will be emphasized.
• You'll leave inspired to take your own work to the next level, with new skills and heightened confidence.

Daily schedule

• Day 1: Introductory rug Power Point presentation, tie onto front beam, tighten warps, begin weaving, and understanding the straight line.
• Day 2: Weave all day. Focus on color gradations through continuous weaving technique demonstrations.
• Day 3: Weave all day. Focus on constructing angles through continuous demonstrations.
• Day 4: Complete weaving by noon. Finishing demonstration and lecture including steaming, hanging, packing, and shipping. Final Power Point presentation.

Details

• Experience level: This is an excellent workshop for beginning weavers as well as advanced weavers.
• You must have experience warping a floor loom, as you're required to pre-warp your loom. This is not a "learn-to-weave" class.
• Experience weaving rugs is helpful, but not required. Some practice with other weaving projects is essential. 
• Cancellation requests received prior to noon on Thursday, Aug. 6, will be eligible for a refund minus a 15% cancellation fee ($149.25 for members, and $193.95 for guests). Cancellations after that date won't be eligible for a refund. 
• Bring a sack lunch each day. A microwave and refrigerator are available for your use on the lower level.

Materials

• A $40 materials fee, included in the cost of this class, covers weft yarns and workshop handouts.
• You'll need to pre-warp your loom for a 12- to 18-inch weaving width. Time will be provided for this in the studio the week before class begins. Warping instructions will be emailed prior to workshop.
• You'll also need:
  • One spool 250 grams (400 yards) 8/3 linen rug warp.
  • Three stick shuttles.
  • Cotton fabric strips for header.
  • Wide-eye tapestry needle.
  • Measuring tape.
  • Scissors.
  • Weaving temple that adjusts to your weaving width (optional).

Class Policies

Ages 14 and up are welcome.