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2 and 3 Color Taniko - Weft Twining with a Twist

Indigenous peoples have long incorporated weft twining. Used in both textile and basket making, different cultures have developed their own unique patterns and approaches. My work has been inspired by the textiles of the indigenous Chilkat of Northwestern America and Canada and the Maori people of New Zealand.
One of the features of these techniques is that they are very versatile, and the projects are portable. They can be set up and removed intact at any time during weaving from a support (i.e.. frame loom). Another attribute is that one can use a variety of supports while weaving which will be discussed. The projects can be very time-consuming, and the participant may not be able to complete the project during the workshop but can finish on their own later.
This workshop starts with a PowerPoint presentation showing textiles from these two cultures, followed by my interpretations and ways that these can inspire the participants' designs. Then we will move on to creating a Taniko-inspired mug rug incorporating 2 or 3 different weft colors to create a pattern. I have designed and will provide 9 patterns and give the participant the choice of one to begin in class while having the others available to finish on their own. Woven samples will be available for reference.
Class participants will work on their own looms with an opportunity to collaborate with other students.
This is a self-paced class with students open choose which colors and design to begin with.
There will be a kit available for purchase for $10 that has everything needed (warp, weft, and kumihimo bobbins) to complete one sample of the Taniko project. Class participants can choose from 9 patterns/colors.

Duration: 2 days
Level: Beginner and beyond
Equipment needed:
Frame or Tapestry Loom (no shedding device) minimum of 8 inches wide x 6 inches long
with the ability to stand on a table. If the loom cannot stand on its own, a small tabletop
easel to hold the frame / loom upright will help.
Materials Fee: 
$25, which includes:
$15. - A color, spiral-bound instruction booklet illustrated with diagrams, pictures, and 9 patterns.
$10. - A kit for weaving the second project of a 2 or 3-color sample including warp, weft, and kumihimo bobbins.
Supplies needed (student supplied):
- A simple frame or tapestry loom with the ability to stand on a table - no shedding device required. If the loom cannot stand on its own, a small tabletop easel to hold the loom upright.
- scissors
- tapestry needle
- tape measure
- pencil and paper to take notes
- anything else that helps you with your weaving such as reader glasses and a small light.

Instructor bio:
Like many of us, Dawn began exploring the fiber arts at a young age. Her passion for
learning and fiber arts has driven her to explore many areas of the medium and Dawn’s years as a hairstylist contribute to her deep understanding of fiber and color. Dawn received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and drawing from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from Montana State University in 2000. Dawn earned The Handweavers Guild of America’s Certificate of Excellence for Level 1: Technical Skills in Handweaving in 2020, and Level 2: Master Weaver in 2022. She has also received the HGA’s Award that honors outstanding exhibited works of fiber art and first place in HGA’s Wearable Art Exhibition at Convergence in 2024. Dawn is a member of the Southwest Montana Fiber Arts Guild, the Helena Spinners and Weavers Guild, and the current president of the Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners (MAWS). Dawn enjoys sharing her knowledge through teaching and conducting workshops in fine art, weaving and spinning.