Fibers & Weaving
The imagination can be freed working with textiles, where fiber art techniques such as shibori, batik, silk-painting, or block-printing can be adapted from global traditions, cultural symbolism, or the human imperative for mark-making.
And our 50 floor looms, located on the two floors of the Priest's House on the Ursuline Campus, are considered to be the largest teaching collection in the U.S., and are enjoyed by an active community of adult student weavers..
Tuition Assistance
A limited number of scholarships for tuition assistance are available for classes in the Fibers Department. Adults interested in studying fibers may apply for tuition assistance by contacting Casey Galloway.
Fibers & Weaving Material List
Materials List
Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.
Registration
Spring 2020 Registration Dates
Friends of SSA: Online | Tues, Dec 3 at 9:00am
Phone | In-Person | Thurs, Dec 5
Open registration | Tues, Dec 10
Fibers Course Descriptions
2001a | Introduction to Weaving
Level: Beginning | Instructor: Nancy Heneghan
Dates: Wed, 1/22/2020 to 3/25/2020 | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Studio: Maxham Fibers Studio, 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $285.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $270.00
Learn the fundamentals of weaving on a four-shaft loom. This foundation class focuses on loom set up, understanding basic weave patterns (plain weave and twill variations), double weave construction and material considerations. Creating sound structure and developing good weaving habits will be emphasized. Reading drafts will also be covered. Each student will have the exclusive use of a floor loom for the semester. A supply list will be provided at the first session. Note: This class is a prerequisite to 2002 On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects.
2001b | Introduction to Weaving
Level: Beginning | Instructor: Nancy Heneghan
Dates: Thurs, 1/23/2020 to 3/26/2020 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Studio: Maxham Fibers Studio, 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $285.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $270.00
Learn the fundamentals of weaving on a four-shaft loom. This foundation class focuses on loom set up, understanding basic weave patterns (plain weave and twill variations), double weave construction and material considerations. Creating sound structure and developing good weaving habits will be emphasized. Reading drafts will also be covered. Each student will have the exclusive use of a floor loom for the semester. A supply list will be provided at the first session. Note: This class is a prerequisite to 2002 On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects.
2005 | Tapestry Weaving: Textures & Raised Surfaces
Level: All Levels | Instructor: Liza Collins
Dates: Sat & Sun, 3/28/2020 to 3/29/2020 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Studio: Student Lounge | Building: Urschel Building
Tuition: $210.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $195.00
An intensive weekend class giving you the opportunity to explore some of the techniques that make tapestry weaving such a truly unique pictorial art form. Learn how to blend and shade tones and colors, and create exciting surface textures. Techniques covered include hatching, weft-blending, weft interlocking, warp/weft variations, and raised surface techniques. Looms and materials will be provided; please bring a lunch both days.
2156 | Nuno Felting Techniques
Level: All Levels | Instructor: Liza Collins
Dates: Sat, 2/1/2020 to 2/1/2020 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $135.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $120.00
In nuno, or laminated felting, loose wool fibers are fused with a pre-existing woven fabric to create stunning and highly textural effects. Using the process of wet felting, the wool fibers that are placed on top of the pre-existing fabric migrate through the woven structure are locked in place. As the wool fibers shrink they pull the fabric with them causing ruching, puckering and pleating. Nuno felts are generally lightweight, flexible, and extremely versatile for use in making garments, accessories, or fine art pieces. No previous experience necessary. See SSA website for a list of materials; please bring a bag lunch.
2493 | Advanced Pattern-Making
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Melinda Adams
Dates: Fri, 2/14/2020 to 2/21/2020 | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $170.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $155.00
Ready to take pattern making to the next level? This class will cover advanced pattern manipulations including torso blocks for jackets and dresses as well as how to draft patterns for pants. Basic sewing and math skills are required. You will need to purchase the required book and take measurements prior to class. The measurement chart depending on which edition is either an Appendix in the back of the book or it is with how to do measurements, which is in Chapters 2 & 3. Please see the SSA website for a list of materials; please bring a bag lunch.
2843 | Print Print Print
Level: New | All Levels | Instructor: Jean Dahlgren
Dates: Sat, 3/14/2020 to 3/14/2020 | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $135.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $120.00
Join us for a day of fun creating tools to use for printing on fabrics. This class will be exploring and experimenting with many different printing processes and materials including found objects, stamps, stencils, discharge printing, rubbings, foiling, and deconstructed screens. You will also be encouraged to mix and layer these techniques to build depth in composition. Please see the SSA website for a list of materials and please bring a lunch.
2888 | Saori Weaving
Level: New | All Levels | Instructor: Kathy Utts
Dates: Sat, 2/8/2020 to 2/8/2020 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Studio: Russell Hill Rogers Lecture Hall | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $150.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $135.00
Saori-style weaving has recently taken hold in North America, attracting both novice weavers and experienced traditional weavers due to its forgiving "no rules' free-form nature and strong emphasis on the individual's creative expression. This 6-hour workshop will introduce students to the history and philosophy of Saori, and you will weave saori-style on pre-warped floor looms, (or you may bring your own pre-warped loom) and all materials will be provided for creative play. Participants will learn techniques used in Saori, focusing on creative use of color and textures, and will take away an individual piece of art-wall hanging, scarf or artful fabric to embellish a pillow! Please see the SSA website for a list of materials and please bring a lunch.