20 Sep SHADOW WEAVE – September 2025
Tutor: James Donald
Saturday 20 to Monday 22 September 2025
Mary Meigs Atwater (1878 – 1956) is credited with inventing this technique where she explored parallel threading and lifting and kept the technique a carefully guarded secret for many many years. However in this three day workshop you will be led through various steps + techniques to achieve your own woven project that will result in fabrics that are in keeping with the air of mystery that Atwater promoted.
James will be introducing a variety of differing shadow weave lifts and techniques which generate differing pattern/shadows within the same threading and he will also encourage the development of your own shadow weave designs. Detailed warping instructions plus other information will be sent out in due course about colour/ yarn choices as well as additional technical information.
As always top tips will be given through out including looking at colour, the optical effects of colour, how to manage your selvedges using two differing wefts, finishing processes etc … Many of the top tips can be applied to any woven fabrics.
After graduating from art school in 1993 James Donald established his handwoven label PickOne in 1997 and currently works from two studios spaces within the creative Coburg House Art Studios complex, based in the Shore area of Leith, Edinburgh. James has also exhibited and sold his handwoven work both nationally and internationally, exhibiting across the UK, Europe, American, China, Japan and Australia.
His preferred yarn of choice is British merino lambswool giving a rich, comforting and heritage aesthetic to the PickOne brand of Scottish-made handwoven products.
Over the last 20 years James has developed a teaching practice which guides students through the weaving process on 4, 8 and 16 shaft looms. He has also developed an Open Access Studio space for weavers who can make use of a second 32 shaft Megado, which was in part funded by Creative Scotland and the Inches Carr Trust.
Course Costs: £360.00
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 for details.
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