The Interplay of Structure and Yarn – a 4 day course

Tutor: Sharon Kearley

12 & 13 and 19 & 20 October 2024 (2 weekends)

The combination of yarn and structure is an essential element of weave design, the scientific properties of one or more yarns in a design working with or against one another. These subtle interplays of ‘yarn personalities’, their reaction and interaction with one other, their behaviour combined with certain weave structures are the core elements of this four-day workshop designed for the intermediate weaver.

The subject of yarn and fibre is massive and continually developing as technology, science and textiles work alongside one another. Therefore, the purpose of this course is to build on your knowledge and offer insight into how to use the scientific properties of yarn to your advantage, with possible ideas for warp and weft yarn combinations.

The course is fairly structured initially where you will work to set lifting plans, slowly you will learn how to incorporate colour, texture and weave structure to exciting design effect; branching out on your own personal projects towards the end of the course. Sharon provides permission to be playful and curious in your weave approaches, allowing you create mistakes and ‘happy design opportunities’ in her exploratory workshop.

You will leave with a selection of woven samples, technical notes and the confidence to continue to push your creative enquiry. Playful pleats, succulent seersuckers and cute crinkles are just some of the structures you will play with alongside an array of interesting yarns.

Participants will be provided with a teaching pack containing guidance on how to prepare your loom according to supplied warping instructions. Please also bring shuttles, a notebook and pencil, fabric scissors, dressmaker pins, your warp yarn and a selection of wefts. It is also handy to bring a camera for visual notes, a mobile phone camera is fine. You are also invited to bring any inspirational visuals that you may like to work from when designing your own fabrics.

Sharon will provide: detailed handouts, a selection of books to peruse, a range of warp and weft yarns for experimentation and some samples for you to study.

Suitable for intermediate weavers

Course Costs: £430.00

Cancellation: refundable up to 3 months prior to the commencement of the course.

Reserve List: If a course is oversubscribed there may be a reserve list available – please contact us via the website for details.

Accessibility: If you have any specific questions regarding the demands of the course please contact us via the website prior to booking.

Covid: We take the well-being of our members and students very seriously. We ask that you do not attend a course at the Workshop if you test positive for Covid or have recently been in contact with someone who has.