The course will focus on the technique of twining, making a connection with both basketry and textiles. Twining requires the weaving of an active element around a passive warp. The weaving is worked in the hands with the use of a few simple tools. Basics of joining in new material, changing colours, inserting warps and finishing will be covered. All students will work on the same simple form, with a recipe for a square centre and round edge. Intermediate students may wish adapt the design to vary the starting point.

Learn how to twine, with the aim of making a large-scale twined basket. Woven in rope and fabric in a range of colours, the basket will offer some simple skills of weaving a plaited base and adding in extra warp ropes to allow the basket to flow. It will be finished with a simple decorative border. To make your basket individual, the colours can be varied in both warp and weft. The use of fabric strips, no need to cut on the bias, will add texture and interest, plus it’s a great way to use up scraps! You are invited to bring your own fabric scraps, instruction will be given on how to cut the strips.

Mary will demonstrate techniques, provide visual notes and offer individual support to enable you create your own large-scale basket. A suitable day for students with no experience of twined basketry. Please note, the work is large scale and twining can be tiring on the hands, please consider this before booking.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials including rope, fabric strips, needles and instruction sheets. All necessary equipment will be provided for use on the course.

What students need to bring

• A notebook/sketchbook and pencil as you may wish to note additional information
• Reading glasses if you need them for close work
• A camera (optional)
• Please bring some fabric scraps with you for cutting into strips, this could include an old T shirt, shirt, skirt or larger scraps. Heavy or furnishing fabric is not suitable. Mary will have some strips available to share amongst the group.
• Large scissors for cutting fabric, if you have a pair you would be happy to bring
• Examples of twined baskets, if you have any

Asthma and hay fever sufferers are recommended to bring any medication as occasionally the fibres from some threads and strings may bring on symptoms.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions