Programs
April 27-28, 2023 – MAXI WORKSHOP
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Exploring Classic REP Weave, Lucienne Coifman
Lucienne is a well-known weaving teacher who teaches workshops across the United States and has authored Rep, Rips, Reps Weave, an authoritative book on Rep Weave. Lucienne is decreasing her teaching schedule as she prepares to retire, and this workshop is an opportunity for HGC members to learn from an expert teacher.
This class will cover all you wanted to know about rep weave. Every participant will set up their loom, in advance, with a different draft (4 or 8 shafts), allowing an exploration of a variety of material, sett and technique. We will study each sampler through drafting, color interaction and possible applications. We will also cover the 6 Basic Design Steps to plan your own Rep piece. This workshop is designed for the advanced beginner as well as more advanced weavers. It can also serve as a refresher course on rep weave for others.
Requirements: 4 or 8 shafts dressed loom (instructions will be provided). Students must be able to read a draft and dress a loom.
Class size: 16
Fee: $170 + $18 handout fee.
May 20, 2023 – STATE MEETING
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Open: Leavers Lace, Steve Mason and Manon Pelletier
Steve and Manon will present the fascinating history of Leavers Lace in Rhode Island. Steve will present a visually driven discussion of America’s last lace manufacturing company through the eyes of a commercial photographer. His published book The Leavers Lace Project celebrates the ingenuity, brilliance, and dedication of the people critical to this company.
Manon's introduction to Leavers Lace began in 2014 during HGA's Convergence Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. Courtesy of Leavers Lace Co, and the Weavers Guild of Rhode Island, each attendee received a sample of lace as part of gift bags. Her interest in this textile grew as she researched the rich history in the state which culminated in an article published in HGA's SS&D magazine (Issue 202, Summer 2020). She will share some of this history along with her interest in combining Leavers Lace into her handwoven garment designs. Lace samples will be available for viewing
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Guest Mini: Swedish Weaving (Huck Embroidery), Debb Katchko-Gray
Debbie Katchko-Gray is a fourth-generation cantor from Ridgefield, CT and the author of Prayful Creations. She is a passionate needle worker and teacher specializing in Swedish weaving (aka huck embroidery). In this workshop, we will use Stockholm or Popcorn fabric of 7 count (easy on the eyes) to create a simple useable bookmark. Using Huck designs you can create a unique gift for yourself or others. Bring a small pair of scissors, size 18 tapestry needle, 3 skeins (any color) pearl cotton #5 or #3. The teacher will provide fabric and additional threads.
Materials fee: $10.00
Class size: 12
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Mini #1: Spinning Your Own Threads for Weaving, Louise Gould
Many well-known weavers like the freedom that spinning offers. They can choose the fiber, the fiber preparation and dye to create their own colors and color blends. They explore weaving with gradients, shading for tapestries, glitter and beads and texture and active twist for surface interest. We will explore the techniques and tools used to create a variety of structures. Handouts and some supplies will be provided for hands-on exploration.
Materials fee: $5
Class size: 16
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Mini #2: At Warp's End, Cathy Wilcox
Discover practical and beautiful uses for fibers leftover from your weaving projects. Everything from snippets to a bobbin’s-worth lengths of yarn can be used. Create a fun and crafty bracelet to wear or bring your own snippets of cloth and create a bookmark or card.
Materials fee: $5
Class size: 12
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Afternoon Program: A personal Journey from Fiber Hobyist to Professional Artisan, Molly McLaughlin
Every fiber piece represents a point in time in the ongoing growth of its maker. Using examples of her work, Molly will illustrate how a desire for a weaving process that was more authentically aligned with her belief system led to her weaving practice evolving from rugs and blankets created for personal use to gallery pieces woven with very fine fibers and dyed with plants from her garden. Along with the evolution of her work, Molly will discuss her personal evolution from a fiber hobbyist to a professional artisan and the ways that her approach to her work needed to change. Using examples of her most recent work, she will explain her goals for the pieces, her process for their design, and how she selects the venues through which she hopes to exhibit and sell the work.
