Description
This workshop will study the design possibilities of 8 shaft Shadow Weave. It is a block weave structure developed from Plain Weave Log Cabin patterns. By increasing the warp sett of Shadow Weave, the structure becomes Repp. All the warp sett options possible between Shadow Weave and Repp I call Shrepp. The course will fall into three lessons about 2 hours in length, with design and weaving during the intervening weeks.
Lesson 1 – Designing the warp • Understanding the four possible constructions of Log Cabin • Drawing out design motifs of the shape you wish to weave • Creating a threading plan from these shapes • Recognising the rhythm of the threading plan • Working out the warping plan • Students will then have a week to make the warp and dress their looms.
Lesson 2 – Designing the weft • Constructing a full weave diagram of Shadow Weave • Creating a lifting plan • Creating a tie-up and treadling plan • Understanding the rhythm of the lifting plans and the style of pattern possible • Converting Shadow Weave into Shrepp and Repp. Students will then be able to weave their sample.
Lesson 3: Shadow Weave Twill, Recap and Review • Looking at ways of developing the patterns, yarn and setts • Trouble shooting issues.
Janet will be available for questions throughout the course via email. She will set up a PADLET for us to share photographs of our progress.
The lessons will be recorded for viewing only by participants of the course, after each lesson on Janet’s website.
Requirements:
The course is suitable for weavers who are confident about making a warp and dressing their 8 shaft loom. Students must have a copy of Exploring Woven Fabrics for reference throughout the course (If you don’t already own a copy, place an order for book when registering for workshop).
Students will need to have an 8-shaft loom empty and ready to make a warp to weave this sample. A table loom by preference but a floor loom will be ok.
Weaving width approximately 14-16” (35 -40 cm)
You will need approximately 14 oz (400grams) of 5/2ne cotton: 7 oz (200g) of each colour of two colours. A light and a dark colour will show the patterns off clearest.
In addition you will need a fine 10/2ne cotton in one of the two colours. About 2 oz (50grams).
A 10 dent reed
A pencil, eraser, a ruler and two colored pencils
Maximum: 20 participants
About the Artist: Janet studied industrial textile design at the Scottish College of Textiles, graduating with a First Class Honours Degree in 1972. After working in industry for three years she bought a 16-shaft Dobby loom and built up a career as a commission weaver, designing and weaving functional fabrics for private clients. She taught a one-day, weekly community education class in Oxford from 1987-2004. In 2009 she stopped commission weaving work and now focuses on teaching weaving and weave design from her own studio in Somerset, UK.
Janet has written three books on weave design:
The Weavers Book of Fabric Design – published 1983
Designing Woven Fabrics – published 2008, reprinted in 2009 and 2015
Exploring Woven Fabrics – published 2020