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Vävstuga Basics

The Basics class was developed to give everyone the same foundation in Becky's warping and weaving techniques. We use Glimakra looms for our teaching because they are superior tools and are incredibly flexible when used correctly, but our students own all sorts of looms and do all sorts of weaving. Whether you are a beginner or master weaver, the Basics class presents excellent training in the fundamentals of warping, weaving, and drafting. Basics covers the broadest range of weaving skills we have to offer.

In the five-day class, we spend the first two days dressing the looms. We wind warps on a mill with a multi-strand cross and pre-sley the reed to wind onto the back beam. Topics covered include: time-saving techniques for warping, using a warping mill, beaming using a trapeze, and beaming for perfect tension. After focusing on comfort while threading the heddles and sleying the reed, students will learn about the efficiency and accuracy of the Vävstuga tie-up system for the countermarch loom. You'll also learn about counterbalance looms and tie-ups, and about the comparative advantages of countermarch and counterbalance systems.

The three weaving days that follow offer a variety of experiences, including the basic skills of winding a pirn, handling a shuttle and using the hanging beater. Students will gain confidence using a temple and learn how to create beautiful selvedges. Different methods of fixing broken threads are also covered. Becky will help you fit the loom to your body by showing you how to raise or lower the treadles so you can weave comfortably and prevent injury.

We teach drafting with the Swedish method. The Swedish approach to drafting is very clear because "what you see is what you get." Drawdowns, tie-ups and record-keeping are taught in short periods during the course and are directly applicable to the projects in the class. This is the only class that offers an organized presentation of the technical skills required for both drafting and record-keeping.

Each student will complete (at least) four projects in five days:

• A pair of cotton napkins in plain weave
• A cottolin and linen towel (designed by the group)
• A wool throw in twill
• A block weave on 8 shafts

We use high-quality Swedish cotton, linen, cottolin and wool yarns, and present a variety of finishing methods. Blankets will be finished and fulled. The cold mangle may be used on the other items.

With its wealth of information, the Basics class may change how you weave forever. Under Becky's instruction, you will learn to use your loom to its full potential. Although we specialize in Glimakra and other countermarch/counterbalance looms, the skills taught in this class will improve your weaving on any loom.

Five-day session

Next offered: (2008) Feb 25-29, March 24-28, April 14-18, August 18-22, Sept 15-19