Band C from Hochdorf c. 530-520 BCE
Chelles, France, 704 BCE
Object 1.45, one of the narrow bands, c. 530 BCE
Chelles, France, 680 BCE
Using fewer than four threads per tablet, a technique dating back to the Hallstatt culture (c. 1500BCE), allows the weaver more flexibility in design, produces a less bulky band, and requires that the weaver have a good working knowledge of how tablet weaving works. In this workshop we will survey the range of vacant-hole techniques historically available to the weaver, examine the variables which control tablet weaving, and weave both a three-thread and a two-thread sample band. We will also discuss and practice both warping and drafting for the two techniques. Students will receive an extensive handout, including information on many of the techniques surveyed.
Skill Level:
Advanced beginner to intermediate. Potential students should be familiar with tablet weaving, having independently woven bands in at least two different techniques. Any questions or concerns about a student’s preparedness for taking this workshop should be directed to the instructor.
Materials required:
Students will be working in the backstrap method. If you have a portable warp-weighted tablet weaving loom, feel free to bring it. Due to the differences between historical and modern tablet weaving please do not bring an inkle loom. If you have concerns about weaving backstrap, feel free to contact the instructor.
Students should bring scissors, a belt long enough to go loosely around the hips, a shuttle and a beater (or combination), and a magnetic board with magnets to hold drafts. The instructor will provide tablets, thread, and other required supplies.
Registration:
SWG Members: Noon on February 11, 2023
Non-members: Noon on March 4, 2023 subject to space available.
Dates:
Friday, May 19th- Sunday, May 21st, 2023
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Class size:
Max 15
Cost:
Estimated cost $200 (based on 10 students enrolled) plus a $20 material fee. Final cost will depend on the number of students enrolled. Final payment is due during the workshop. Deposit of $100 is required at registration.
Location:
Edmonds Artworks in Edmonds, WA
About Kris:
Kris Leet has been tablet weaving and teaching for over 40 years. Her current weaving and research obsession is Iron Age and Medieval tablet woven bands and techniques, especially those created using less than four threads per tablet. She is co-author, with Linda Malan, of The Willful Pursuit of Complexity, focusing on the Icelandic Vacant-Hole technique, and author of articles and papers, including “Tablet Weaving at the Dawn of the Iron Age: The Verucchio Twist Patterned Bands,” “In Praise of Complexity: A Comparison of Modern and Medieval Tablet Weaving,” “Decoding Archaeological Textiles,” “One Loom or Two: A Foundational Myth Explored,” “Reconstructing the Thorsberg Cloak: Preliminary Considerations.”