Shadow Weave is a subset of color-and-weave; and it is related to many techniques, other structures, and contrivances in weaving. This sometimes makes it feel unattainable. If we take it one characteristic or method at a time we are able to traverse the many pathways it offers.
This workshop will be a round robin style exploration of the method developed by Marian Powell for weaving Shadow Weave. You will be weaving brand new drafts developed by your instructor. Each loom will have a different draft. Participants will be given all the drafts in a multiple page binder filled with colorful handouts.
Drafts will be for 4, 6 or 8 shafts and participants will need looms with these configurations to match their assigned draft. Please note 4 shaft Shadow Weave drafts are actually a bit more difficult to understand and to weave than 6 or 8. All participants will arrive at the workshop with a loom warped with 10/2 mercerized cotton following the instructions and drafts given by the instructor.
Through this process as described, participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of how to weave new Shadow Weave drafts, how Shadow Weave works within block theory, and how to create their own unique Shadow Weave drafts.
Skill Level:
This 3-day workshop is for intermediate weavers, who understand basic structures, such as plain weave and twill. It would also be helpful for participants to know or have heard of profile drafts in weaving. We will explore exactly how these work in Shadow Weave. If the participants have knowledge of these topics, it is assumed they are well past the struggle of learning to warp a loom.
Materials required:
All participants will arrive at the workshop with a loom warped with 10/2 mercerized cotton following the instructions and drafts given ahead of time by the instructor. Other supplies include enough weft for the assigned warp, at least 2 bobbins for weft, 2 shuttles, scissors, tags or tape for marking samples, header material or yarn to divide your sample from the others, note taking materials, and other weaving tools of choice.
Registration:
SWG Members: noon on November 12th, 2022.
Non-members: noon on December 3rd, 2022, subject to space available.
Dates:
Friday, February 24th- Sunday, February 26, 2023
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Class size:
Max 18
Cost:
Estimated cost $260 (based on 12 students enrolled), plus $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
Book to be reissued end of February 2023
About Rebecca:
Rebecca Winter is the author of the new book “The Enigma of Shadow Weave Illuminated: Understanding Classic Drafts for Inspired Weaving Today.” She has two, Level II Certificates of Excellence in Handweaving from the Handweaver’s Guild of America. Fiber arts has always been a part of her life.
Artist Statement:
Working with fibers, yarn, fabric, and paper is my passion. They have been a part of my entire life. I remember playing under the quilt frame at the Grange Hall as the women tied another quilt to be given to some family who needed one.
As I worked more and more in my medium, which includes all aspects of fibers and textiles, my pieces developed from folk art into something more. My training in art school challenged me to stretch and develop an aesthetic sense more congruent with the world of fine art. I also began seeking inspiration from deeper spiritual sources.
I will always be creating something in fiber, and working to push the form beyond where I have been before. This process of pushing the limits includes having learned the rules and the demands of the medium thoroughly. Once the rules are known, they can be stretched. In this lies the truly unique - the new design.