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Workshop 2016

Please note: the next Organic Matrix Workshop is scheduled for May 3—6, 2016.

We are now taking reservations for Workshop: 2016. A schedule of fees is posted on  room and board.

We are adding an option for those who live within commuting distance of Searsport and would like to join in the workshop, the first night dinner gathering, and lunches.

Arriving early? A pro-rated charge for your room will be added for each night; breakfast is included.

January 13, 2016

RESOURCES

Workshop participants who have asked about techniques, you might enjoy checking these out:

•    A simple, yet comprehensive statement about tapestry: “Tapestry is…”  under “resources” at

http:// americantapestryalliance.org

•   UTube videos on tapestry technique, see

http://americantapestryalliance.org/tapestry-weaving-technique-videos/

Think of this as an overview of valuable background information for the workshop—we won’t be focusing on specific techniques, yet some comfort in working with technical principles will nurture versatility in our explorations of making.

•   Take a look at books about knots, wrapping, stitchery, quill work, hand made barbed wire (historic examples of) and any other fluidly linear processes that you enjoy, keeping in mind that there is no better inspiration than to look at the real thing.

SUPPLIES

Basic Frame Loom

•  small    You will need a portable frame loom that comfortably accommodates a working image area of about (at least) 10 inches x 14 inches.  This measurement need not be exact, but in the ballpark.

•  basic design    A very simply designed loom (Navaho style) will serve you best in this workshop. Any kind of heddles, attached beaters or stands will get in your way, and a vertical standing loom will impose limitations on the weaving process (limitations which could interfere with how you “embrace” your projects.)  A tension-able copper pipe loom or light weight PVC pipe loom are excellent and inexpensive to make.

•  portable   I suggest that the loom fit inside your suitcase fully warped, in the event that you want to carry an unfinished piece home under tension.

•  example shown in the photos   My frame loom was purchased at a craft store. I think it was intended for stretching needlework, or for a child’s use.  I chose it because it is made of large wooden dowels, and the metal bolts and nuts that secure the corners are counter-sunk into the frame (no snags, nicer to handle and easier on the table top). The wooden knobs, which cover the nut heads from the back, act as feet when the loom is horizontal, and make tightening the nuts when tensioning easier.

 • • essential features   The two essential features that make this loom work for “grown-up” quality tapestry weaving are:

1) the warp can be tensioned from top and bottom

2) the warp threads are wrapped around beams which are thick enough to create space between alternating warp threads (making upper and lower groups, like a shed).

• • customizing   My custom touches include a beam cut from a favorite broom handle (yellow), leather from a beloved, mateless glove, and an upper warping beam wrapped in rubbery shelf liner.

front: full view and details of lower corners

back: detail of upper corner showing wooden knob

Hand Tools

tapestry tools:   small beating forks, and tapestry needles (2″—4″ with blunt tip, cylindrical or flat); picks, smooth sticks

other:   needles—fine to medium, small scissors—embroidery or slightly larger, crochet hooks—small and medium

+ personal favorites