Location: Feast Hall

Saturday from 9:00am until 5:00pm

Feast Hall

 

Hosts & Teachers: Mistress Gwennan ferch Gwydion o'Ddyved, Mistress Anne of Blackthorne, and more!

 

The weaving symposium will offer beginner level classes in the morning, followed by advanced level classes and a Q&A in the afternoon!

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 

 

9:30 am – Noon     "Basic Tablet Weaving"  taught by Mistress Gwennan ferch Gwydion  Level: Beginner

 

9:30 am – Noon     "Dyes and dyeing techniques in medieval Western Europe" taught by HL Gwenhwyvar Thredegold Level: Beginner

 

9:30 am – Noon     "Quick warp set-up for Tablet Weaving" taught by Mistress Alexis MacAlister Level: Beginner

 

 

Noon – 1:00 pm     LUNCH BREAK!

 

 

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm       "Weaving on the Edge! (new uses for tablet weaving)" taught by Baroness Anne of Blackthorne  Level: Intermediate

 

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm         "Introduction to Inkle Weaving" taught by Mistress Alysoun Jeuneterre Level: Beginner
 

1:00 pm -  3:00 pm       "Introduction to Rigid Heddle Weaving" taught by Mistress Caitlin ni Dhubhghaill Level: Beginner

 

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm      "Finnish Diagonals (Tablet Weaving)" taught by Lord Nishigori Mitsumune Level: Intermediate

 

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm      "Workshop: Research in textile history" led by Mistress Gwennan ferch Gwydion  Level: Any

 

 

 

 

Class Descriptions
 

Basic Tablet Weaving
This is tablet weaving for the complete beginner! We will briefly discuss the history of the craft, how the woven bands were used, and the tools and materials required. This will be followed by hands-on instruction in weaving a tablet-woven strap. Students will leave the class with a partially finished project and the means to finish it.
Number of students: 10 participants; onlookers are welcome!
Taught by: Gwennan ferch Gwydion and Anne of Blackthorne 
Need to bring: no equipment required; $10.00 for class packet.

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Dyes and dyeing techniques in medieval Western Europe 
You know, you're 'DYEING" to know how fabrics and yarns were dyed in the middle ages! This class will discuss the dyes, where they came from as well as techniques used to make colored threads and fabrics.  Knowledge of period dyes will help you choose the materials to create items that look authentic!
Number of students: no limit
Taught by: Gwenhwyvar Thredegold
Need to bring: A pen and a notebook to take notes.

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Warping the loom – a quick warp for a variety of patterns
Get started warping your loom for both double-face and diagonal tablet weaving using Peter Collingwood’s continuous warp technique. It is both fast and easy (once you know how!) Bring your tablet or full-sized inkle loom, tablets, 4 balls of crochet cotton of 2 contrasting colors, a shuttle, & 2 C clamps (contact Alexis at bevroden @ gmail.com with questions about supplies BEFORE the class). Some tablet or inkle weaving experience is helpful but is not required. Additional help after class will be available to compete the warping before afternoon session. (Observers are welcome) 
Number of students: 12
Taught by: Alexis MacAlister
Need to bring: see above

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Weaving on the edge
One common use for tablet weaving in the later periods was to stabilize the edge of a piece of fabric – such as the button-holed edge of a kirtle.  This class will teach you how this was done by weaving a narrow band directly onto the hem of a handkerchief.
Number of students: 6 hands-on; observers also welcome
Need to bring: materials provided; donations to offset costs are welcome
Taught by: Anne of Blackthorne 

Finnish Diagonals: Intermediate Tablet Weaving
This is a class for those that have done some basic tablet weaving and wish to progress to a more complex technique, or for the ambitious first-timer. 
Number of students: 6
Taught by Nishigori Mitsumune
Need to bring: A loom already warped with 12 tablets threaded two dark, two light in adjacent holes. This can be set up during the “quick warp” class in the morning session

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Scandinavian Band Weaving [Rigid heddle}
Using the Scandinavian band loom is easy to learn.  This weaving class will be using a simple wooden heddle to weave a narrow band suitable for trim or ties.  This style of band loom is used like a back strap loom and was used throughout Scandinavia.  The Norwegian and Sami further enhanced the patterns by using pick-up techniques to create even more complex, beautiful bands.  These small looms were often carved by young men as a gift for their prospective bride.  Several colors of yarn will be available, but if you want to bring your own yarn for the project, please feel free to do so.
    Number of Students:  10
    Taught by Mistress Caitlin ni Dhubhghaill
Need to bring: $5 if you want to take your loom home.  This is to cover the cost of materials.  Yarn will be provided for project.

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Research in textile history workshop
Whether you want to document your work for an Art/Sci competition or just learn more about this craft in period, you need to know how to look for information!  In this class, we’ll talk about basic research techniques, how to evaluate an information source and where to go for more help in researching your craft in depth.
Number of students: no limit
Taught by: Gwennan ferch Gwydion 
Need to bring: A desire to learn, a pen and a notebook! Bring a flashdrive if you want to download items from my research article stash (on site)