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..
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
Summer 2019 Registration Dates
Friends of SSA: Online | Tues, Apr 2 at 9:00am
Phone | In-Person | Thurs, Apr 4
Open registration | Tues, Apr 9
Fibers Course Descriptions
2001a | Introduction to Weaving
Level: Beginning | Instructor: Nancy Heneghan
Dates: Wed, 6/5/2019 to 8/7/2019 | 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, 6/6/2019 to 8/15/2019 | 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. No class Jul 4.
2005 | Tapestry Weaving: Textures and Raised Surfaces
Level: All Levels | Instructor: Liza Collins
Dates: Sat & Sun, 6/29/2019 to 6/30/2019 | 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Studio: Ursuline Student Lounge | Building: Urschel Building
Tuition: $210.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $195.00
An intensive weekend class giving students the opportunity to explore some of the techniques that make tapestry weaving such a truly unique pictorial art form. Students will 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.
2035 | Wax as a Resist
Level: All Levels | Instructor: Jean Dahlgren
Dates: Sat, 6/8/2019 to 6/8/2019 | 9:30 AM- 3:30 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $155.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $140.00
Wax can be used as a resist to prevent dye from penetrating fabric. By printing, brushing, or stenciling wax onto cloth, patterns or designs can be developed in the over dye process using MX dyes. The process can be repeated numerous times to create complex, multicolor designs. Soy wax is a non-toxic and biodegradable wax, which can be easily washed out of the fabric with hot water. Please see the SSA website for a list of materials and please bring a lunch.
2156 | Nuno Felting Techniques
Level: All Levels | Instructor: Liza Collins
Dates: Sun , 8/4/2019 to 8/4/2019 | 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Studio: Drawing Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $130.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $115.00
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.
2345 | Natural Dyeing: Red, Yellow, Blue
Level: All Levels | Instructor: Casey Galloway
Dates: Sun , 6/16/2019 to 6/23/2019 | 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $185.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $170.00
Get a glimpse into the remarkable colors natural dyes have to offer. Participants will explore historical and regional dye plants that give the primary colors. With the use of mineral salts and over dyeing, infinitely more colors can be created. In this introductory class, students will learn how to prepare several types of fibers and cloth for dyeing, along with mordanting, dye extraction, growing and responsible harvesting, historical information and so much more. Students will have a book of samples by the end of class and will be equipped to explore other dyes. See SSA website for a list of material.
2493 | Advanced Pattern-Making
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Melinda Adams
Dates: Mon - Wed, 7/1/2019 to 7/3/2019 | 9:30 AM- 2:30 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $185.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $170.00
Ready to take pattern making to the next level? This week-long 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. Students will need to purchase 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.
2990 | Indigo + Shibori + Quilt
Level: Visiting Artist/Special Class | All Levels | Instructor: Kim Eichler-Messmer
Dates: Fri - Sun, 7/12/2019 to 7/14/2019 | 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $365.00 | Friends/Seniors (65+): $350.00
Indigo and shibori have been used together for centuries to create beautiful patterns on cloth. With the addition of the sewing machine, we can take the pattern potential to the next level. In this three-day intensive workshop we will cover the basics of starting and tending a natural indigo vat, a variety of machine sewn shibori techniques to create patterns with depth and complexity, and we will end by creating small hand and machine quilted studies with our one-of-a-kind fabric. See the SSA website for a list of materials prior to registration; please bring a lunch each day. Please register by Jun 15.
2900 | Textile Studio Workshop in Oaxaca
Level: Study Abroad | Special Class | All Levels | Instructor: Casey Galloway
Dates: , 8/3/2019 to 8/13/2019 | -
Studio: Off Campus | Building: Off Campus
Tuition: $2,200.00 | Members/Seniors (65+):
Through 10 days of interactive studio visits, workshops, and immersion in the daily lives of textile artist Porfirio Gutierrz and his family, students will come closer to Zapotec history, culture, and contemporary daily life. Learn natural dye techniques with native plants and insects, weave on traditional floor looms, and visit other artisan studios. Woven in, this immersion will include day trips to significant archaeological sites and museums in the area, as well as assisting with meal prep-all and all to give students an understanding of how the past and the present are intertwined in modern day Zapotec culture. Cost includes: workshops and materials, transportation and entry fees, interpreters and guides, housing (double occupancy), and meals while at the studio. Students can anticipate additional expenses for airfare, travel insurance, day trip meals and beverages, individual excursions during free time, and personal purchases. Workshop Dates | Sat - Tue, Aug 3 - 13 Tuition: $2,200 Single Room additional charge: $475 $200 Deposit is due by Feb 1 Tuition Balance is due Mar 15 Cancel by Mar 15: 100% refund minus $200 non-refundable deposit Cancel by May 15: 50% refund minus $200 non-refundable deposit No refunds after: May 15. Visit the Study Abroad webpage to register.