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Workshop: Tapestry Techniques for Rug Weaving (2 days)
A Workshop with Nancy Harvey © 2000
P. O. Box 1540 Colfax, CA 95713-1540
Phone(530) 346-6184
Fax (530) 346-8887
e-mail: info@nancyharvey.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION: In this workshop you will learn how to "master the interlocking techniques": weft interlock, warp interlock, double weft interlock and interlocking around a single warp thread. All of these techniques will be explored with the neighboring wefts traveling in the same and the opposite direction so you can choose which technique and effect you want for your pieces. Additional techniques include diagonal shapes, horizontal stripes, vertical stripes and the use of lazy lines. Many Navajo techniques are included. Using a cartoon and finishing techniques will also be included.

STUDENT INFORMATION:

In order to spend as much time as possible weaving, each student should come to class with their loom warped.

Looms: Please use a loom that will hold the warp very tight. A floor loom, small table loom, tapestry loom or Navajo loom will work fine. A rigid heddle loom generally won't hold the warp tight enough for this type of weaving and is not recommended for this workshop.

Warp: If you will be using a floor or table loom, warp with either a 12/9 cotton seine twine or any cotton twine (4/4 heavy cotton) with about 800 yds/lb. Set either of these cotton warps at 4 epi doubled. If you are using a tapestry loom or Navajo loom that won't let you warp "double", try either a 3/2 cotton (1200 yds per lb) set at 6 epi or a wool warp (available from Davidson's Old Mill in Michigan 517 663-2711. Try the "Navajo Warp" (4 ply) - 190 yds per tube and set at 6 epi. Tapestry techniques are woven in plain weave. For table and floor looms, warp 1, 2, 3, 4 with a 1-3 2-4 tie-up.

Weft: For this specific workshop, we will be using a singles wool. Brown Sheep will work great. Use Lambs Pride Bulky (500 yds/lb) if warping at 4 epi. Otherwise use Lambs Pride Worsted (760 yds/lb) if you are warped at 6 epi. Brown Sheep yarn is available at many knitting and weaving stores and is available via mail order from many businesses including Halcyon (1 800 341 0282) or Yarn Barn (1 800 468 0035) You will only need about 1/2 skein of 3 different colors regardless of whether you are warped at 4 or 6 epi. Share skeins with a friend!!

OTHER MATERIALS: A packing fork (comb, or kitchen fork will work), scissors, pencil, notepaper, small ruler and 2 sheets of graph paper (6 squares per inch if you warped at 6 epi and 4 squaes per inch if you warped at 4 epi). For heading material bring some heavy scrap yarn, or plastic strips (cut into 2 inch wide strips). Dry cleaning bags work great. If you have a copy of my book, "Tapestry Weaving - A Comprehensive Study Guide" bring it along...I'll be happy to autograph it for you. My book and videos will also be available for purchase during the workshop.

FACILITY/CLASSROOM NEEDS:
1 8' Table for instructor materials, 1 chalk board, chalk & eraser, tables & chairs and adequate table top work space for all students, slide projector, screen & carousel. Classroom should be able to be darkened for slide projection.

PREREQUISITES: This workshop is open to EVERYONE... If you have not tried tapestry techniques for rug weaving before, now's a good time to start. I look forward to a fun-filled informative workshop. If you have any questions, prior to the workshop, please feel free to contact me. See you soon.
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