A Woven Journey - Weaving Workshops in Portland, Maine
Length: 14 teaching hours over 2 days
Times: 9 am - 5 pm (1 hour lunch break)
Class Fee: $435
Sat, Aug 22 & Sun, Aug 23
Sat, Oct 24 & Sun, Oct 25
In this two-day workshop, we take the beginning weaver, or weaver who would like a refresher, through the entire weaving process, start to finish. We will begin with learning about the weaving equipment, tools, and even the language used. Each student will measure fibers on a warping board, dress a loom (prepare the loom for weaving), and then weave their piece. We will end with finishing techniques.
Use of a 4-shaft table loom, weaving tools, and materials are included in the cost.
August: Salmagundi Runner:
Design your runner by choosing among a medley of batik print and solid color cotton fabric strips that reflect the changes of late summer to early fall.
October: New England Woolly Scarf:
Weave a handwoven scarf with naturally colored Maine-spun wool yarn, and add colorful hand-dyed / hand painted wool accents of your choice.
About the instructors:
Margaret B. Russell is a self-taught handweaver with over 45 years of experience, a weaving teacher for more than 35 years, and a lifetime appreciation of making items by hand. She grew up in a home where, what could be handmade, was handmade. From clothing to furnishings, there were always constant examples that spoke to filling a need but also to the pure satisfaction of making something, anything yourself. Margaret’s early exposure to making set a lifelong path for her and through her teaching she likes to help others realize all the possibilities we have within us to create.
Lauren Altieri has long explored the creative possibilities of fiber art, studying a wide range of techniques, first with knitting and more recently with freestyle, tapestry and traditional weaving. She is especially drawn to the interplay of color and fiber within different structures and patterns.
For Lauren, weaving is both a creative and reflective practice. She enjoys guiding others, creating space to slow down, explore, and watch individual threads come together in cohesive textile pieces.