This course will introduce you to a range of traditional and experimental techniques in which to create line and movement woven tapestry.

The aim is to encourage you to be experimental with the traditional structure of tapestry weaving. Working directly from visual inspiration you will learn how to think through and plan your tapestry experiments before going on to set up some samples on a small frame loom. With the tutor, you will look at different ways of warping your loom and consider how your choice of materials, for both warp and weft can impact the character of the final work.

Your woven samples will explore a range of traditional tapestry techniques, from eccentric and floating weft to supplementary warps before going on to experiment with the manipulation of warp and weft to express three dimensional movement in tapestry.

You will be expected to explore a personal line of enquiry and gather some visual inspiration that you would like to explore in tapestry. You will be encouraged to develop a series of samples relating to your inspiration, before going on to plan a small tapestry design. This will be supported by the tutor’s samples, demonstrations, discussions and visual materials. By the end of the workshop, you should expect to have completed a small collection of samples relating to your visual inspiration. These ideas and experiments will give you the confidence to go on to use these techniques to develop ideas for a small, finished tapestry. At the end of the workshop, we will take time to consider the appropriate way to finish and present you work.

This course is for those who already have a grasp of the basic of woven tapestry techniques, including how to warp up a frame loom.

Included

The course fee includes the cost of a small selection of weft yarn/warp supplied by the tutor and college for students to experiment with during the course. G clamps can be borrowed from the workshops.

What students need to bring

It is essential you to bring an image folder/ ideas book/ sketchbook containing a collection of inspirational images This can be your own photos, paintings and drawing by artists or yourself, postcards, images from magazines, calendars or books. (Please bring prints rather than images on your phone or iPad.)

• Sketch book/note book and pen
• Your weaving frame (frames can be borrowed from the college during the course if necessary) or purchased at approx. £16
• Bobbins
• Tapestry needles
• Felt pen, non-waterproof
• Any warp and weft yarns you have and might like to experiment with (small collection of yarns will also be provided)
• Camera

Available to buy

Available from shop: Wooden tapestry frame* Additional warp yarn** Scissors

• These can be borrowed during the course, but if you wish to buy one, they cost approx. £16. **There may also be the opportunity to purchase additional warp and weft yarn from Weavers bazaar who will visit with their pop-up shop, this is usually on the first morning of the workshop.

Available from tutor: Any yarn remaining may be purchased from the tutor.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

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