Saturday 11th November - Saturday 2nd December 2023
Week 1
In the initial session, we will set up and weave on the simple-to-use Body-Tensioned Rigid Heddle Loom to learn the essential techniques. These looms weave a continuous length of up to 1m, 20 cm wide. We will use British Wool in its natural colour and dyed form, experimenting with alternative fibres.
Week 2
Participants will continue work on the Body-Tensioned Rigid Heddle Looms, designing and setting up a second project using direct warping on the loom with a multi-coloured warp to weave stripes and patterns. Rigid Heddle table looms allow longer warps and broader widths, so they will be available for those wishing to learn how to set up this type of loom.
Participants will go beyond plain weave by manipulating warp threads to create patterning, texture, ‘whacky weaving,’ etc.
Participants will warp separately off the loom, incorporating ‘a cross’, which can be used on these looms but is needed for the 4-shaft table loom in week 3.
Week 3
Learning to set up a 4-shaft table loom from scratch, step by step, with four sets of warp threads allows you to weave structures more complex than the plain weave possible on the Rigid Heddle looms, which have only two sets.
The warp spacing in your loom has been set to a standard to achieve the Sett, which results in the desired visual and structural effect.
Week 4
Participants will weave using twill and other weave structures on the 4-shaft table looms to create samples or a small woven project.
Participants will produce other threadings beyond the straight threading used in week 3.
Participants will learn finishing techniques to secure the woven cloth.
There will be ideas for using your woven pieces.
Rebecca Connolly is a local weaver, creating unique hand-woven pieces, collections for exhibitions or designs for commercial production in quantity. She was awarded a Licentiate Membership of The Society of Designer Craftsmen in 2015 and, in 2021, accepted as a member of South West England Fibreshed. She works with British wool and wool producers and teaches weaving and natural dyeing.
The sale of Highgrove Products, Garden Tours and Events support and enable the life and work of The Prince’s Foundation.
