Methodical Weaving is the first of three workshops Aneesa Shami will be conducting during her studio residency at the Helms Design Center. These workshops will highlight weaving, knitting, and quilting as three major facets of textile and fiber techniques. Each session will dive into a brief, introductory history of each technique, followed by hands-on instruction and experimentation. Participants are encouraged to play, make, learn, and connect with fiber materials and techniques in new ways.

Methodical Weaving
Saturday, August 18
10am - 1pm
$75 + $15 materials fee (paid directly to instructor)

Introduction begins with ancient weaving and textiles, moving into 16th - 20th century textiles and how the Industrial Revolution impacted the advancement of looms and weaving, which in turn assisted technological growth in the U.S. The hands-on portion of the workshop will include all materials to create a small weaving. No previous weaving experience is necessary. Participants will create their own portable loom from recycled material. Techniques include learning how to warp the loom, how to open the shed, plain weaving, tapestry weaving, and how to add fringe. Various finishing materials will be available for creating a wall hanging, belt, sculpture, or small part of a larger work in progress.

Materials*
- Handmade rigid heddle beater
- Warp thread (crochet cotton, size 10 OR cotton yarn, size 10/2)
- Various yarn, fabric, or thread for weft

*All materials will be provided in the materials fee. If you have some of these materials, feel free to bring them to use in addition/as supplement to those provided!