Learn to Design Patterns & Weave on an Inkle Loom with Annie MacHale
Saturday, September 5th
10:30am-5:30pm
Members: $155
Non-Members: $170
Class Minimum: 3 participants
Class Maximum: 12 participants
Ages 12+
All skill levels welcome. No prior inkle weaving experience is required.
The inkle loom is a simple tool for weaving useful everyday items.
In this workshop, students will learn the techniques and artistry of inkle weaving from someone with over 4 decades as
an exclusive inkle loom weaver. Students will have the opportunity to look at samples and graphic aids to learn how to
use elements of color theory and pattern design to create endless variations on their own. They will also learn two
methods of creating patterns using a free online tool and a chart-paper method.
They will then warp and weave the designs they create or ones supplied by the instructor.
Annie will share tips for warping, making heddles, fixing mistakes, starting and stopping, and keeping selvages straight.
She will also demonstrate how to temporarily remove and replace the warp, as well as how to cut the final project off
the loom and handle it when it is complete.
PARAGRAPH CLASS DESCRIPTION
Materials instructor will provide for class:
Handouts
Pattern charts
Rubber mats
Popsicle sticks
Materials students must provide for class:
Inkle loom
30 string or Texsolv heddle to fit the loom
Belt shuttle
Sharp scissors
Smooth non-stretchy yarn in 3 contrasting colors (1 dark, 1 light, 1 medium): Yarn should be 24 wraps per inch or less.
Optional: laptop or tablet to use with the online design program
About Annie MacHale: At the age of seventeen, Annie MacHale first discovered the inkle loom, sparking a lifelong love affair. She built her first loom in 1976 with the help of her dad and a library book. Since then she’s woven miles of bands including over 1,200 guitar straps. She loves to play with color and pattern and finds the inkle loom a very satisfying way to do this. Annie is known to many through her blog, ASpinnerWeaver.com. The popularity of her patterns shared there has led to the 2019 publication of a book, “In Celebration of Plain Weave: Color and Design Inspiration for Inkle Weavers”. This was followed by another book in 2021, “Three-Color Pickup for Inkle Weavers: A Modern Look at an Ancient Baltic-Style Technique” in which she shares a rare, older Lithuanian technique which has fallen out of use. In her workshops she shares her decades of experience as a weaver working exclusively on inkle looms, her unique insight into working with color, and her discovery of three-color pickup.
Class COVID-19 policy: There are no COVID-19 restrictions for this class. Please do not come to class if you are feeling sick, and it is always advised to wear a mask if you are comfortable doing so.
Class cancellation policy: Please note: All Class cancellations are charged a $15 processing fee in addition to the following policy: Class cancellations 7 days or less prior to first day of class will receive no refund. 8-13 days before beginning of class, students will receive an 80% refund. 14 days or more before beginning of class: Full refund.