Mini-Workshop: Rigid Heddle Beginner’s Workshop

The goal of this one-day workshop is to launch (or re-launch) your rigid heddle weaving experience with hands-on warping and the knowledge you need to make your first scarf. Lots of tips, tricks, and ideas will be shared to make your weaving experience a fun one.

NOTE: You must have a loom to take this workshop. The guild does have a couple of looms members can check out.

Instructor: Raylene Keating

Bio:

I have been knitting since the 4th grade which came to a near stop during my child rearing days. I learned how to weave at Cat Bordhi’s “Weaving for Knitters” retreats at Friday Harbor in the San Juans starting in 2019. I so appreciated and have leveraged her Zen approach to rigid heddle weaving. My son’s lawn mower sheep contributions opened the world of spinning yarn. I have several rabbit holes in the fiber arts and have explored some more than others such as but not limited to: knitting, spinning, weaving, crocheting, tapestry, dying, and even needle felting. I consider myself a “fiber explorer” always eager to apply my love of learning and what skills I have to new approaches.

Number of Students: Min.= 2      Max.= 6

Equipment/supplies that the students need to bring:

• Rigid heddle loom and stand (or clamps to attach to a table)
• One heddle  – 7.5, 8, or 10 dent size is fine – bring the right size for your yarn
• Warping peg(s) with clamps – one or two
• Your yarns (warp and weft yarns) ~ 500-600 yards – see note below**
• Threading hook
• Shuttle stick(s) – one at least, or two if using different weft colors.
• Two carabiners – 3” size
• Empty gift paper carboard rolls or paper towel rolls if you have them.
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• A large paper bag or bowl for the floor to hold the yarn you’ll be warping.
• Craft paper (or your choice of material) for warp separator – see note below **
• Pen or pencil (for taking notes)
• Bring your own drinks and lunch/snacks