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..
Students enrolled in: 2002 | On Loom Weaving Studio Projects have access to the studios for working independently outside of class time during the following days and times: Monday & Thursday 4pm – 6pm; Tuesday & Wednesday Noon – 2:30pm; Friday 9am – 1pm; and Saturday 10am – 2pm Maxham Fiber Studio 1st & 2nd Floor | Tobin Building
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.
Fibers Course Descriptions
2001a | Introduction to Weaving
Level: Beginning | Instructor: Nancy Heneghan
Dates: Wed, 5/30/2018 to 8/8/2018 | 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Studio: Maxham Fibers Studio, 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $285.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $270.00
Learn the fundamentals of weaving on a four-shaft loom. This foundation level 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.
2001b | Introduction to Weaving
Level: Beginning | Instructor: Nancy Heneghan
Dates: Thurs, 5/31/2018 to 8/9/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Maxham Fibers Studio, 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $295.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $280.00
Learn the fundamentals of weaving on a four-shaft loom. This foundation level 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)
2002a | On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Casey Galloway
Dates: Mon, 6/4/2018 to 8/6/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Maxham Fiber Studio, 1st & 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $285.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $270.00
This program is designed for intermediate and advanced student-artists who wish to pursue their own direction in weaving. Acquiring new structural and manual skills and exploring new materials will be emphasized. Individual planning sessions and group instruction will allow students to proceed at their own pace. Each weaver will have exclusive use of one of the Fibers Department's large collection of floor looms and two-week use of the dye lab. Prior to registering: Students must contact the Galloway at cgalloway@swschool.org for approval, between Mar 15 and Mar 29. Approved students will be contacted by e-mail on, or before, Mar 30. Anyone on the waitlist will be contacted by May 22, if spaces open up. The instructor reserves the right to restrict enrollment. Prerequisite: Beginning Weaving or equivalent experience. To register, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 210.200.8217/8227.
2002b | On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Casey Galloway
Dates: Tues, 5/29/2018 to 8/7/2018 | 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Studio: Maxham Fiber Studio, 1st & 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $295.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $280.00
This program is designed for intermediate and advanced student-artists who wish to pursue their own direction in weaving. Acquiring new structural and manual skills and exploring new materials will be emphasized. Individual planning sessions and group instruction will allow students to proceed at their own pace. Each weaver will have exclusive use of one of the Fibers Department's large collection of floor looms and two-week use of the dye lab. Prior to registering: Students must contact the Galloway at cgalloway@swschool.org for approval, between Mar 15 and Mar 29. Approved students will be contacted by e-mail on, or before, Mar 30. Anyone on the waitlist will be contacted by May 22, if spaces open up. The instructor reserves the right to restrict enrollment. Prerequisite: Beginning Weaving or equivalent experience. To register, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 210.200.8217/8227.
2002c | On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Casey Galloway
Dates: Wed, 5/30/2018 to 8/8/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Maxham Fiber Studio, 1st & 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $285.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $270.00
This program is designed for intermediate and advanced student-artists who wish to pursue their own direction in weaving. Acquiring new structural and manual skills and exploring new materials will be emphasized. Individual planning sessions and group instruction will allow students to proceed at their own pace. Each weaver will have exclusive use of one of the Fibers Department's large collection of floor looms and two-week use of the dye lab. Prior to registering: Students must contact the Galloway at cgalloway@swschool.org for approval, between Mar 15 and Mar 29. Approved students will be contacted by e-mail on, or before, Mar 30. Anyone on the waitlist will be contacted by May 22, if spaces open up. The instructor reserves the right to restrict enrollment. Prerequisite: Beginning Weaving or equivalent experience. To register, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 210.200.8217/8227.
2002d | On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Casey Galloway
Dates: Thurs, 5/31/2018 to 8/9/2018 | 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Studio: Maxham Fiber Studio, 1st & 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $295.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $280.00
This program is designed for intermediate and advanced student-artists who wish to pursue their own direction in weaving. Acquiring new structural and manual skills and exploring new materials will be emphasized. Individual planning sessions and group instruction will allow students to proceed at their own pace. Each weaver will have exclusive use of one of the Fibers Department's large collection of floor looms and two-week use of the dye lab. Prior to registering: Students must contact the Galloway at cgalloway@swschool.org for approval, between Mar 15 and Mar 29. Approved students will be contacted by e-mail on, or before, Mar 30. Anyone on the waitlist will be contacted by May 22, if spaces open up. The instructor reserves the right to restrict enrollment. Prerequisite: Beginning Weaving or equivalent experience. To register, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 210.200.8217/8227.
2003 | Fiber Study for Weavers
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Casey Galloway
Dates: Dates and times to be arranged with instructor, 6/4/2018 to 8/7/2018 | Arranged through Department- Arranged through Department
Studio: Maxham Fibers Studio, 1st Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $120.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $105.00
This class will follow along with 2002 | On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects, however without exclusive access to a loom. Students will attend weekly lectures covering topics of weaving structure, materials, contemporary fiber artists, cultural and historical subjects, dyeing techniques, critiques, and so much more. Students will weave two samples of structures that are discussed in class and will have a two-week dye lab to explore dyeing techniques. Prior to registering: Students must contact the Fiber Department, cgalloway@swschool.org, for approval for registration. Instructor will place students in an appropriate session according to their schedule. The instructor reserves the right to restrict enrollment. Prerequisite: Beginning Weaving or equivalent experience. Supplies will be discussed in class. To register, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 210.200.8217/8227. No class Jul 4.
2004 | Tapestry Weaving: The Basics
Level: Beginning/Intermediate | Instructor: Liza Collins
Dates: Sat & Sun, 6/30/2018 to 7/1/2018 | 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Studio: Student Lounge | Building: Urschel Building
Tuition: $180.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $165.00
This intensive two-day class will lead students step-by-step through traditional flat tapestry weaving techniques. Tapestry is the most basic of weave structures, but offers the artist a wide range of visual possibilities. Students will learn how to prepare a warp and weave simple shapes. The class is designed for both beginners and those with experience wishing to refresh their skills. Looms and materials will be provided; please bring a lunch both days.
2267 | Patterning Your Favorite Garments
Level: All Levels | Instructor: Melinda Adams
Dates: Thurs-Fri, 7/5/2018 to 7/6/2018 | 9:00 AM- 2:30 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Urschel Building
Tuition: $150.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $135.00
Learn to draft patterns for your favorite store bought garments or alter your favorite paper patterns. In this class, we will go over the basics of how to create patterns from garments you already own as well as basic manipulations to alter these patterns for sizing needs. See SSA website for a list of material.
2345 | Natural Dyeing: Red, Yellow, Blue
Level: All Levels | Instructor: Casey Galloway
Dates: Sat, 7/28/2018 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM and Sat, 8/4/2018 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $185.00 | Members/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.
2980 | Indigo Dyeing & Clay Resist
Level: Visiting Artist/Special Class | All Levels | Instructor: Analise Minjarez & Sarah Westrup
Dates: Sat, 7/7/2018 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Sun, 7/8/2018 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $225.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $210.00
Learn to print on cloth with clay resist paste and over dye with organic indigo! The first day, students will learn how to make collograph plates out of easy to find materials, discuss cloth stretching techniques, review fabric gridding methods, and learn simple textile printing approaches to create their clay resist printed cloth. The second day, students will learn how to make and maintain an organic fructose indigo vat and will work in groups to dye, rinse, and hang their clay resisted artworks. Cotton and silk noil fabrics will be used and students will leave with samples of printed cloth with unique designs for use in future projects. Please see the SSA website for a list of material.
2988 | Not Your Mother's Coiling
Level: | Instructor: Jackie Abrams
Dates: Fri - Sun, 7/13/2018 to 7/15/2018 | 9:30 AM- 4:30 PM
Studio: Drawing Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $330.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $315.00
This is perhaps the closest you will come to "random" coiling-the stitching is simple and functional-while the core materials (plastic bags, fabrics, raffia) are exposed and celebrated. Create a traditional basket form, a wall hanging, or experiment with more sculptural techniques. Stones, shells, and other small objects may be incorporated using a looping/knotless netting technique. The possibilities are limited only by your interest and imagination. See SSA website for a list of material; please bring a bag lunch.