Classes

Weaving classes

Teaching is our primary focus and greatest passion at Vävstuga. Our classes focus on a wide range of skills, from mastering basic mechanics to complex weave structures. Learn to weave for the first time, or explore advanced techniques with a master teacher. If you are a curious weaver who wants to explore weave structures, counterbalance, countermarch, and to expand your weaving horizons, this is the place for you. If you have never woven before and would like to get the best possible start with dependable tools, sound techniques, and stellar instruction, this is the place for you as well.

After thirteen years as a production weaver, Becky Ashenden has been teaching weaving since 1993. She tailors projects to the experience of the classroom participants and gives lots of individual instruction in her astute teaching style. She emphasizes traditional Swedish techniques because Sweden has a long and valued history of weaving, and the streamlined approach to weaving and the flexibility of the looms and patterns are hard to match. However, the techniques you'll learn here will advance the abilities of any weaver in any medium or style.

Our suite of class offerings includes intensive 5-day and 2-day classes in a variety of topics.

Vävstuga Basics
Weaver's Choice new for 2008!
The Swedish Rag Rug new for 2008!
Swedish Rug Techniques
Swedish Heirlooms
Traditional Swedish Rosepath new for 2008!
Traditional Swedish Linens
Drawlooms and Their Kin

Special workshops

We are pleased to offer the following special workshops for summer 2008. Please contact Susanna for more details about any of these.

Latvian Mittens (June 16-17)
The accomplished knitter Linda Daniels, from Northampton Wools, is offering a 2-day class June 16-17 in knitting Latvian mittens using our wonderful Swedish yarns. Lunches will be provided and staying overnight is an option. Please let us know soon if you're interested.
Straw Plaiting (June 29)
Lark Leonard, who taught a wonderful straw ornament workshop for us last November, will join us again to teach a class in straw plaiting in the Scandinavian tradition. We'll start with simple techniques, and progress to more challenging hollow core plaiting in the afternoon. The fee for this class is $70 plus materials. Bring a bag lunch, or get carry-out from one of the local eateries.
Natural Dye Workshop (July 7-8)
Jody McKenzie, of Botanical Shades dye studio, will offer a 2-day dye workshop July 7-8. The first day will be spent mordanting fiber and dyeing with natural dye extracts, the second day will be dyeing with indigo. We will use wool, cotton and linen yarns. One may attend either one of these days for $90 or both days for $150, plus materials. Staying overnight is an option. Bring a bag lunch, or carry-out for us to enjoy together.
Weaving Design (~~August 11-12~~ July 30-31) with special guest teacher Marie Stålberg from Sweden!
We are pleased to offer a special design class for weavers with Marie Stålberg. Marie has been a professional rug weaver and weaving teacher in Sweden for many years, and taught a special week-long class in Swedish Rug Techniques at Becky's Vävstuga several years back. Her mother (Ulla Stålberg) was Becky's design teacher in Sweden at Sätergläntan in 1981. On the first day we will design stripes and plaids for rep weave, rag rugs, runners, and more; we'll also paint with watercolors and "linda med garn" (make wrappings with yarn). The second day we will use the same techniques for monksbelt and rosepath. You're welcome to attend for one day or for both. Some weaving experience recommended.
Tatting (date TBA):
There has been some interest in tatting, and Susanna would be happy to teach a session on this technique. Please let us know if you are interested and we will schedule a time and date.

Vävstuga Club

Completion of the Vävstuga Basics or Weaver's Choice makes you eligible to join the Vävstuga Club. Club members are welcome to come and take advantage of the studio during designated club days. You may come to weave, to use our extensive library for research and inspiration, to join us for occasional social gatherings, and more. Read more about Vävstuga Club details, and consider joining our fun group!