Carve a heddle and weave a band - London!
With my latest book “Simple weave - weave without a large loom” I want to make the point that weaving doesn’t have to be very complicated or take up a lot of space. During the last couple of years I have been developing my own practice around carving tiny rigid heddles and in this class I will show you how I do it! The class spans over two days where we spend the first day carving heddles, and the second day weaving on them.
This is a great introduction to weaving on bigger looms as it introduces all the core principles of weaving, in a small and comprehensive format. The class is suitable for both beginner carvers and weavers and the more experienced craftspeople alike, the only requirements needed to join is that you have basic hand strength.
Day one: The carving day. We begin the day with a step-by step walkthrough on how to carve the slits and holes of the heddle. In the afternoon you carve your own heddle, and if time and energy allows you can learn how to cut patterns for decorations such as faces, windows and doors.
Day two:
The weaving day. Weave on the heddle you made yourself or borrow one from Kerstin! You will learn how to design different patterns on your bands and how these patterns can be manipulated by using different weft yarns.
All materials are included in the class, and no extra fees are added. Included in the fee is also a copy of Kerstin’s book “Simple weave” in which she describes how to carve heddles and weave bands.
The facts
The class will be taught in English.
Location:
The Green Wood Guild
Stepney City Farm
Stepney Way
London
E1 3DG
About the venue: The Green Wood Guild is based on Stepney City Farm in East London. They teach traditional crafts, from knife forging to traditional furniture making, with a focus on day classes and hand tools, and all their classes are suitable for all skill levels.
Date: May 13-14
Time: 10.00 - 17.00
Bring: Please bring along a pair of scissors, a graphite pencil + eraser and, if you have them, colored pencils. Wear sensible clothes: No open toed shoes or sandals. If you use reading glasses please do bring them: both carving and weaving is quite finicky.
Food: Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided but please bring a water bottle.
You are welcome to bring a packed lunch, and there are many other eating options in the are such as an excellent cafe on site, a farmer's market on Saturdays, and multiple supermarkets within walking distance.