Classes & Workshops
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The Triangle Weavers Guild strives to always engage its members in educational opportunities. Members can participate in variety of classes and workshops where they focus on their craft in a creative learning and fun-filled environment. Participants learn new techniques, master new skills or just enjoy being inspired and sharing information with other experienced and talented artisan weavers or textile artists.
Classes are taught by our talented guild members. These classes include beginning and specialty weaving classes, and classes in dyeing and other fiber arts, . Opportunities for individual instruction are listed on the Teachers page. |
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Workshops are usually offered in a multi-day format and are taught by nationally recognized instructors. Some of the fiber artists who have held workshops for the Triangle Weavers Guild in past years include:
- 2021 Rosalie Neilson - Color & Design in Huck Lace Towels - online
- 2021 Deb Essen - Color in Weaving - online
- 2018 Tom Knisely - Boundweave and Color & Weave Workshops
- 2017 Elisabeth Hill - Discovering Deflected Doubleweave
- 2016 Sara Lamb - Spin to Weave
Covid Safety Precautions
All in-person classes and workshops currently require being fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The registration form for each event describes how to share your vaccination status with us if you have not already done so. For full details on the TWG Covid policy,, click here
All in-person classes and workshops currently require being fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The registration form for each event describes how to share your vaccination status with us if you have not already done so. For full details on the TWG Covid policy,, click here
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Note: In-person classes through the end of October have been cancelled due to the pandemic, but we hope to reschedule them later. We are also exploring online alternatives to in-person classes.
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Illoominations:
Don't forget we have some great Illoomination (practically free mini-classes) for guild members. Check them out on the Illoominations page. |
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Beginning Weaving 101
When: 2 sessions - indicate your preference on the registration form: Session 1: Saturday January 15, 2022, 9 am - 5 pm (bring lunch) plus 4 additional half-day sessions, 9 am - 1 pm: Sunday Jan 16, Saturday and Sunday Jan 22 & 23, and Saturday Jan 29 Session 2: Saturday February 5, 2022, 9 am - 5 pm (bring lunch) plus 4 additional half-day sessions, 9 am - 1 pm: Sunday Feb 6, Saturday and Sunday Feb 12 & 13, and Saturday Feb 26 Instructor: Pattie Lamb Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $240 member, $280 non-member, plus a $20 materials fee Registration deadline: Jan 1, 2022 for Session 1, January 22, 2022 for Session 2 Cancellation deadline: Dec 15, 2021 Maximum class size: 6 students Materials: The guild will provide 4-shaft looms with 5/2 cotton yarns |
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This class is perfect for the student with little or no prior weaving experience. We will be weaving a set of small cotton mats that can be used as mug mats or saved as samples in a notebook for future reference. You will learn to plan your project, decipher a threading draft, measure and wind a warp, dress the loom from back to front, and weave a set of from 4 to 6 mats - each with a different treadling pattern of your choosing.
For the student who completes the first project quickly and is able to spend some independent time weaving during the TFAC drop in hours on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons, there may be an opportunity to put on a second warp with a different threading for a wall hanging sampler or more mats. This would be a great way to reinforce what you learned during the first half of the class. Participants should bring: pencil and paper and their favorite shuttle if they have one (not required). Please bring a lunch for the first meeting date. Instructor is vaccinated. All participants should be vaccinated and wear a mask. Thank you! Both classes are now closed! |
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Introduction to Inkle Weaving
When: 2 sessions - indicate your preference on the registration form: Session 1: Saturday January 15, 2022 9:00-12:00 (Snow day January 22) Session 2: Saturday February 19, 2022 9:00-12:00 (Snow day February 26)) Instructor: Barbara Koch Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Face masks and proof of vaccination will be required of all participants. Cost for each class: $30 for members, $45 for non-members Level: This class is designed for all experience levels Maximum class size: 7 students Registration deadline: January 1, 2022 for Session 1, February 1, 2022 for Session 2 Cancellation deadline: December 18, 2021 This class will introduce participants to the types of inkle looms and the bands which can be woven in them. You will have the opportunity to explore patterns as presented in a variety of reference materials, including books available in the Guild library. You will make string heddles to be used on the looms, put on a warp, and weave.
TFAC will be open for Drop-In for the afternoon so you can stay if you wish. Guild looms may be taken home for up to 2 weeks to finish your weaving. Non-members who borrow a loom must provide a refundable deposit of $50 in cash or check payable to Triangle Weavers Guild due at the class; deposit will be returned upon return of the loom. Participant Requirements:
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Taste of Tapestry: An Introduction to Basic Tapestry Technique
2 Separate Sections: You can sign up for only one
Where: In person! Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Face masks and proof of vaccination will be required of all participants. Cost: $90 for members, $110 for non-members plus a materials fee of $5 paid to instructor for warp & handouts Maximum class size: 8 students for each session Registration deadline: Jan. 24, 2022 Cancellation deadline: Jan. 17, 2022 This class will provide a foundation for tapestry weaving on a tapestry loom or basic frame loom. We will make a sampler utilizing traditional tapestry techniques, learn how to use a cartoon and learn how to finish the piece. As time allows, eccentric weaving, twining and collage will be included. Materials provided by teacher/TFAC: TFAC will provide weft yarn and tape measures or rulers, scissors and other supplies as needed for the class. Student should bring: Please bring a tapestry or frame loom if you have one. Mary can provide instructions to any participants who need to make their own frame loom from stretcher bars. They are very easy to build and inexpensive. To register online, click here |
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Basics of Feltmaking
Date: Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022; 10am – 5pm (1 hr. lunch) Instructor: Cynthia Mollenkopf Where: In person! Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $70 for members, $90 for non-members plus a materials fee of $15 payable to the instructor in class Instructor who will supply wool, embellishments, tools to use during class, resource lists Registration deadline: January 28, 2022 Cancellation deadline: January 15, 2022 Maximum class size: 12 students Feltmaking is an ancient art form used for both the creation of wearables as well as artistic self-expression. Learn about the art of feltmaking and create your own beautiful 2 & 3 dimensional items from wool including a small abstract wall hanging. We will discuss the history of feltmaking, how to make quality felt, choosing the right wool for the project, preparation, combining needle and wet felting, and post production embellishment. This is an in-depth, hands-on, exploration of feltmaking providing the building blocks to take feltmaking in any direction you choose. Great class for those with little or no experience, and for those who have been experimenting with this medium without any in-person guidance. |
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Pre-requisites for Participants:
To register online, click here
- No previous experience necessary
- Students should bring 1 large towel, 1 hand towel, and a plastic bag to bring home wet items.
To register online, click here
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Introduction to Inkle Weaving
When: Saturday March 19, 2022 9:00-12:00 Instructor: Barbara Koch Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Face masks and proof of vaccination will be required of all participants. Cost for each class: $30 for members, $45 for non-members Level: This class is designed for all experience levels Maximum class size: 7 students Registration deadline: March 5, 2022 Cancellation deadline: February 19, 2022 This class will introduce participants to the types of inkle looms and the bands which can be woven in them. You will have the opportunity to explore patterns as presented in a variety of reference materials, including books available in the Guild library. You will make string heddles to be used on the looms, put on a warp, and weave.
TFAC will be open for Drop-In for the afternoon so you can stay if you wish. Guild looms may be taken home for up to 2 weeks to finish your weaving. Non-members who borrow a loom must provide a refundable deposit of $50 in cash or check payable to Triangle Weavers Guild due at the class; deposit will be returned upon return of the loom. Participant Requirements:
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Double Rainbow with Jennifer Moore, In-person, 3 day workshop
When: Friday-Sunday, March 25-27, 2022 9 am - 4 pm each day Instructor: Jennifer Moore Where: In person! Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Face masks and proof of vaccination will be required of all participants. Cost: $285 for members, $325 for non-members Maximum class size: 15 students Registration deadline: February 25, 2022 Cancellation deadline: February 10, 2022
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4 shaft sampler
8-shaft sampler
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Beginning Floor Loom Weaving: Weekend Scarf
When: Friday - Sunday, June 3-5, 2022, 9 am - 5 pm each day Instructor: Kelly Walsh Where: In person! Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Face masks and proof of vaccination will be required of all participants. Cost: $240 for members, $280 for non-members plus a materials fee of $25 paid to instructor for rayon bouclé for scarf and handout Maximum class size: 8 students Registration deadline: May 20, 2022 Cancellation deadline: May 6, 2022 During this 24-hour class spread between 3 weekend days, students will learn how to weave their very own scarf out of rayon bouclé yarn. They will learn how to plan a weaving project, and read a simple weaving draft. After designing their own scarf and measuring the yarn for it, students will be taught how to warp a loom using the “front to back” method. After weaving their scarf, they will learn a variety of finishing techniques, knotting and twisting fringe. No previous experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Pre-requisites for Participants:
Online registration will open at noon on Monday, April 11, 2022 |
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Beginning Sewing with Handwovens – Zippered Pouch
When: Saturday, July 16, 2022, 9 am - 3 pm Instructor: Kelly Walsh Where: In person! Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Face masks and proof of vaccination will be required of all participants. Cost: $60 for members, $80 for non-members plus a materials fee of $10 paid to instructor for fusible interfacing & a zipper for 1 pouch. For additional pouches, more materials available for purchase fron the instructor. Maximum class size: 8 students Registration deadline: July 2, 2022 Cancellation deadline: June 18, 2022 In this one-day class students will learn some basic tips and tricks of sewing with handwoven fabric! They will construct a zippered pouch perfect for use as a pencil carrier or makeup bag out of their very own handwoven fabric. Students will learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine, how to measure fabric and apply interfacing, how to insert a lining and install a zipper. No previous sewing experience is necessary, but students must bring their own sewing machine and zipper foot. Pre-requisites for Participants:
The guild has one sewing machine that would be available for someone to use. Please indicate on your registration form if you would like to use the Guild Sewing Machine for this class. Online registration will open at noon on Monday, May 16, 2022 |
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Beginning Floor Loom Weaving: Weekend Scarf
When: Friday-Sunday, August 19-21, 2022, 9 am - 5 pm each day Instructor: Kelly Walsh Where: In person! Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Face masks and proof of vaccination will be required of all participants. Cost: $240 for members, $280 for non-members plus a materials fee of $25 paid to instructor for rayon bouclé for scarf and handout Registration deadline: August 5, 2022 Cancellation date: July 22, 2022 Maximum class size: 6 students During this 24-hour class spread between 3 weekend days, students will learn how to weave their very own scarf out of rayon bouclé yarn. They will learn how to plan a weaving project, and read a simple weaving draft. After designing their own scarf and measuring the yarn for it, students will be taught how to warp a loom using the “front to back” method. After weaving their scarf, they will learn a variety of finishing techniques, knotting and twisting fringe. No previous experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Pre-requisites for Participants:
Online registration will open at noon on June 20, 2022 |
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Mixing Colors and Fibers with Deflected Doubleweave
ONLINE Workshop with Natalie Drummond
2 sessions: August or September
ONLINE Workshop with Natalie Drummond
2 sessions: August or September
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When: 13 Hours of Online Lecture
August Session:
September Session:
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Instructor: Natalie Drummond
Where: Online! Cost: $130 members, $170 non-members Registration deadline: July 21, 2021 (August Session) August 12, 2021 (September Session) Maximum class size: 10 students Like traditional double weave, this weave structure is woven in two layers. However, there are sections where the two layers are combined, or interlaced. In the sections with separate layers, there are both warp and weft floats, allowing the threads to slide and bend (i.e., deflect), when the fabric is off the loom and wet-finished. The deflections can produce waves and circles, leading to endless design possibilities! In this Deflected Double Weave workshop, you will weave samples to explore the use of different fibers and setts, including selvedge and finishing techniques used in deflected double Weave. Afterwards you will be able to use what you have learned to weave a scarf, if you choose, with the remainder of your warp. On day 1, Weave deflected double weave samples on your pre-warped 8-shaft loom using various fibers and setts. Explore selvedge methods “where the shuttle meets the shed” for beautiful finishing. Discuss various finishing methods with and without agitation. Cut samples off loom and hand wash samples prior to Day 2 On Day 2, we will discuss and compare hand washed samples-movement/deflection v. differential shrinkage. Explore a simple treadle OR tie-up change to weave your own scarf with the remainder of your warp(or sample). |
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Drafts with Material List provided via e-mail (2 drafts)
Pre-Workshop Zoom Question and Answer - one month prior, but after receiving drafts
To learn more about Natalie Drummond and to view more of her work, visit her website: https://www.nataliewoven.com/about
Pre-requisites for Participants:
This workshop is now closed.
Pre-Workshop Zoom Question and Answer - one month prior, but after receiving drafts
To learn more about Natalie Drummond and to view more of her work, visit her website: https://www.nataliewoven.com/about
Pre-requisites for Participants:
- Advanced Beginner to Advanced
- Must be able to read and follow a weaving draft, be able to warp your 8 shaft loom, and be comfortable with 2 shuttle weaving.
- You will need to download the Zoom app on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone before the workshop.
- Photos of your work will be screen shared for discussion purposes and you must be able to send pictures to the studio assistant via email ahead of and during the workshop sessions.
- 8 shaft loom
- 2-4 shuttles,
- Yarns on material list (18/2 zephyr, Tencel or bamboo),
- SOAK for washing samples, and
- Notebook/pen/pencil for draft and samples.
This workshop is now closed.
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Beginning Weaving: Weekend Scarf
In-Person class with Kelly Walsh When: Friday-Sunday, September 24-26, 2021, 9 am - 5 pm each day Instructor: Kelly Walsh Where: In person! Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Face masks and proof of vaccination will be required of all participants. Cost: $240 for members, $280 for non-members plus a materials fee of $25 paid to instructor for yarn for scarf and handout Registration deadline: September 10, 2021 Cancellation date: August 25, 2021 Maximum class size: 6 students During 24 class hours spread over three weekend days, students will learn how to weave their very own scarf out of rayon bouclé yarn. They will learn how to plan a weaving project, and read a simple weaving draft. After designing their own scarf and measuring the yarn for it, students will be taught how to warp a loom using the "front to back" method. After weaving their scarf, they will learn a variety of finishing techniques including hemstitching, knotting and twisting fringe. No previous experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Pre-requisites for Participants:
This class is now closed. |
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Warp Painting/Dye Day
In-Person class with Mary Kircher When: 2 One-day Sessions:
Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Face masks and proof of vaccination will be required of all participants. Cost for each class: $45 for members, $65 for non-members plus $10 materials fee for dyeing materials, handouts, color exercise papers Level: This class is designed for all experience levels Maximum class size: 8 students Registration deadline: September 13, 2021 Cancellation deadline: August 30, 2021 Add unique color to your weaving projects with warp painting. Blend and overlap colors to create your one-of-a-kind palette on scarves, linens, or yardage. The class will include a brief discussion of color theory, dye safety, and color mixing, considerations for dyeing scarves or other projects, and finally warp painting techniques.
Participant Requirements:
This class is now closed. |
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Weave a Scarf: A Next Step Class
ONLINE Class with Pattie Lamb When: 8 Hours of Online Lecture
Instructor: Pattie Lamb
Where: Online via Zoom! Cost: $100 members, $140 non-members Registration deadline: August 29, 2021 Cancellation deadline: August 20, 2021 Maximum class size: 8 students In this class you will have the opportunity to weave a scarf and some samples in either a 4-harness mixed twill or an 8-harness turned twill pattern. This will be a good refresher for planning your project, measuring your warp, and setting up your loom independently with “virtual” support as needed from the instructor. During class we will cover different treadling methods, tips for becoming friends with your loom, managing selvedges, weaving, finishing your projects, and more. Prior to class, students will receive handouts with drafts so they have a chance to look them over. Handouts will include sources for shopping for their yarn. |
Examples of 2 scarves woven on 8 harnesses with 4 colors in the warp
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Prerequisites for participants: Must be able to warp your loom independently
Additional requirements:
This class is now closed. |
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Finnish Style Runner/Cotton Rug Techniques:
A Workshop with Wynne Mattila Now taking a wait list When: Friday-Sunday, October 29, 30 & 31, 9 am - 4 pm each day Cancellation date: September 30 Instructor: Wynne Mattila Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $370 for members, $410 for non-members This includes the $20 materials fee for the handout that will be emailed to you. Maximum class size: 10 students Participants will weave a table runner 15 inches wide by 40 inches long, using the alternating 3-shuttle technique. You will use cotton fabric weft and Finnish 15-ply seine twine warp. Color, design, and craftsmanship will be emphasized. Techniques specific to rug weaving will be taught in this workshop. Topics include lashing on, cutting fabric in one continuous strip, tension, using a temple, floating selvedges, end finishes and more. Floor looms will be warped in plain weave and sett at 5 epi in a 10 dent reed. Pre-requisites for Participants: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate. Ability to wind a warp, read a draft and warp a floor loom.
Wynne Mattila wove her first rug in 1985 at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota and before it was finished, she knew she was a rug weaver for life. Wynne’s goal is always to use color to its full potential to create a beautiful rug. Wynne has been teaching rug weaving for 20 years, focusing on good rug weaving techniques and the creative use of color. Wynne is writing a book, “Warming the Room with Color—Weaving Finnish-Style Cotton Rugs,” in which she shares her passion for rugs and describes her artistic and weaving processes. This was originally scheduled for March, 2020 and had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. The spaces were promised to those who previously registered. This workshop is now closed. |
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