This site is intended as a central location for my class notes and working pages. Currently, it includes historical class notes, which may need updating before the next class session. Eventually, I hope to revise each sheet, and ultimately add links and photos to illustrate each point. I am also uploading photos of many of my projects.

Please feel ( Read more... )

1.  Attach top cross-piece to uprights with round pegs.

2.  Lean against wall in convenient location.

3.  Attach lower cross-piece/shelf in either set of lower holes, using pegs to hold shelf-arms onto uprights.

4.  Attach warp/cloth beam arms into top set of holes, using pegs to hold into place.

5.  (Note: Warp beam is assumed to have a warp, with ( Read more... )

1.  Pick a location where a short tablet-weaving band can be securely attached, with enough space on one side to accommodate a length of warp, wrapping around a post or other object (to separate the two parts of the warp).

2.  Warp up 6-8 tablets, alternating S- and Z-threading, with enough thread to weave a band the width of the desired warp plus ( Read more... )

64 threads of two-ply white handspun wool (Colonial sheep wool), separated into two sections, with 32 threads of plied red handspun wool/red commercial linen thread, plied back on itself for strength and stability ( Read more... )

Introduction
These notes are still evolving, as I gain more experience with the various threads I am playing with. The inspiration for this class was a desire to learn more about the fibers I have available to me, and an interest in finding others who are equally curious about the possibilities for tablet weaving that surround them.

Threads -- how ( Read more... )

Of linen cloth
”The next thing to this, which our English housewife must be skilful, is in the making of all sorts of linen cloth, whether it be of hemp or flax, for from these two only is the most principal cloth derived, and made both in this, and in other nations"
- Gervase Markham, The English Housewife (1615)

During medieval times, linen was the ( Read more... )

This class is intended as a basic introduction to tablet (or card) weaving. We will begin with a deck of already-warped tablets, with the goal of getting everyone comfortable with the act of weaving and with handling the tablets.

Tablet weaving is a method of weaving that produces narrow bands. Tablets with holes in the corner (usually 4 holes, ( Read more... )

Double-faced tablet weaving is a technique that allows for individual manipulation of cards, making possible the creation of intricate designs using the contrast of dark and light threads in each card. It is done with cards threaded with two dark threads in adjacent holes, and two light threads in the other adjacent holes. With the dark threads in ( Read more... )

Tablet weaving, as a fiber art, is one of the easiest and least expensive crafts to take up. No major outlays of cash are necessary for materials, and beautiful weaving is possible with a minimal amount of practice. Most classes, however, teach how to do the actual weaving -- very few take you from the point of a pack of cards and spools of thread ( Read more... )

I have been asked to take on two tasks for Pennsic University at Pennsic 39. One is to start setting up an Artisan's Row within some of the tents usually used for classes. I have already started asking questions about what artisans would like to see in such an arrangement, and I plan to be expanding my inquiries to more venues soon ( Read more... )