This is not just a program about how weavers can use the new needle felting machines. Part humor, part philosophy, part therapy, part technique, this program is designed to motivate and help you focus on realizing your next project and celebrate the way our wonderful weaver minds work!
At some point in our weaving, spinning lives, we become overwhelmed with the stash, the clutter, life’s events, and we just can’t seem to get anything woven or made. Or we are in a rut of using the same color palette, or yarn or structure because we feel safe. I identified with all of the above and went to the Houston International Quilt Show, the Convergence of quilting, to be open to whatever came to me.
I sat down at a needle felting machine and immediately saw the possibilities for this tool in a weaver’s studio. We weavers think differently. Structure and texture play as large a part as color. And oh the potential with all those bags of thrums and scraps of handwoven fabric just sitting there!
What started as a simple curiosity about what a weaver could express with the machine, has turned into a stream of motivation, creativity, discipline and productivity that has re-invigorated my weaving life.
Whether you are curious about this new means to felted expression or need the focus to finish or start your next project, coming to the January meeting will send you home with your juices singing to create. Please bring a writing tool and ideas for what you want to make, learn or complete in 2008.
Known as The Singing Weaver, Nadine travels around the country teaching and performing. She has written books, produced recordings and videos. She weaves pictorial hangings, rugs and clothing.
Have you always wanted your woven designs to flow? Want the freedom to inlay a variety of materials without distorting the ground fabric? Love to work with color and texture? The Theo Moorman technique allows designs to be “painted” on the surface with inlay yarns or fabric.. Learn to apply this technique for wall hangings, clothing, or pillows. Three different threadings achieve cloth to put on, hang up, or show off. Newer weavers and folks who have not woven with the Moorman technique are encouraged to do the Double Play version of the workshop. In this version, designing for this weave structure will be covered as samples are woven for future projects. Student warps will be prepared in several different colors and materials so you can see the endless variations. Weavers who have tried the Moorman technique in the past can do the Painting With Fabrics Strips version of the workshop, trying a new variation of the Moorman created by my co-author Joyce Harter. Quilting or batik fabric strips are used as a background inlay and as design inspiration. Weavers will design and weave a small wallhanging or pillow project. Both versions of the workshop will be taught simultaneously. Warps are prepared by the teacher and sent to students before the workshop. Students bring looms warped to the workshop. A 4H table or floor loom in good working order and ability to warp loom and do plain weave is necessary.
I teach because I love to learn. I welcome weavers of all skill levels in my workshops. If you can get the loom warped, you are welcome in my workshops. My hands-on approach when I teach means I’m constantly walking around the room interacting with each student. I strive to meet each individual where they are at. If you like to be pushed, I can push you. If you prefer to survey what is happening and not dive deep, I give you room. I encourage exploration. I’m not an advocate of “my way is the only way. Please visit my website gallery to see examples of weaving using variations of the Theo Moorman technique www.singingweaver.com
My workshops are not production or speed oriented. They are idea oriented. You weave at your own pace. We start the workshop and weave and design together. You finish the journey at home weaving off the exercise or completing your project. If you are a new weaver, this technique is wonderful to discover early in your journey. If you are an experienced weaver, it’s time to see how your ideas can be expressed through the Moorman technique. We all have different learning styles, so I I create a positive and eclectic atmosphere at workshops by using music, stories, technique, exercises, and laughter to aid the learning process. My delight is seeing a student light up when they realize their own creative potential at the loom.
You will receive your pre-made warp one month before the workshop. Warping directions and complete information on what to bring and how to prepare for the workshop are included.
General program questions can be directed to the Program Committee. We hope to see you at the January meeting!