Classes and Workshops 2019-2020
Warp Painting/Dye Day
Two 1-day sessions are being offered: Friday, May 31, 2019, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm - New! Saturday, June 1, 2019, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Instructor: Mary Kircher Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $45 for members, $65 for non-members plus a materials fee of $10 paid to instructor Maximum class size: 8 Registration deadline: May 24, 2019 |
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.
Pre-requisites: No dye experience is necessary, but you must be prepared to prepare a warp prior to class. Participants should bring two prepared warps 3 yards or shorter (cotton, linen, tencel, bamboo, or silk) and a willingness to experiment. Details about preparing warps will be provided by the instructor before the workshop. Plan to bring your lunch and a snack if you like. Hot drinks will be available at TFAC. This class is now closed! |
Traditional Shibori Techniques
Saturday, June 8, 2019 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Instructor: Kelli Crispin Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $60 for members, $80 for non-members plus a materials fee of $15 paid to instructor Maximum class size: 8 Registration deadline: May 25, 2019 |
The Japanese term “shibori” describes a variety of techniques for compressing and securing cloth to create beautiful dye resist patterns. The class will cover many traditional shibori resist techniques, including binding, wrapping, itajime (folding and clamping), arashi (pole-wrapping), and stitching. You will learn techniques inspired by nature motifs, such as mountain path, spiderweb, storm, and snowflake, and dye the fabrics in an indigo vat. All levels of experience are welcome.
Pre-requisites: None. $15 materials fee covers fabrics and scarves, indigo dye, and use of dye vat Participants may bring your own fabric and wearable items made from plant fibers (cotton, linen, hemp, rayon), silk, or wool (finer weight, not bulky). Blends of these fibers that contain a small amount of polyester will also work. You also may wish to bring rubber gloves. Wear old clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dye on, and bring a lunch. This class is now closed. |
Taste of Tapestry: An introduction to basic tapestry technique
3 Sundays, June 9, 16 & 23, 2019, 1:00 - 4:00 pm Instructor: Mary Kircher Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $90 for members, $110 for non-members plus a materials fee of $5 paid to instructor Maximum class size: 8 Registration deadline: May 31, 2019 |
This class will provide a foundation for tapestry weaving on a tapestry loom or basic frame loom. We will make a sampler utilizing several weaving techniques, guidelines for traditional tapestry, how to use a cartoon and finishing. As time allows, eccentric weaving, twining and collage will be included.
Pre-requisites: None.
Participants should bring a tapestry or frame loom if you have one and a blunt tapestry needle. A variety of weft yarns will be provided for all participants, although you should bring any yarns you would like to experiment with.
Pre-requisites: None.
Participants should bring a tapestry or frame loom if you have one and a blunt tapestry needle. A variety of weft yarns will be provided for all participants, although you should bring any yarns you would like to experiment with.
- Mary can provide instructions to any participants who would like to make your own frame loom from stretcher bars. They are very easy to build and inexpensive. Assistance will also be available at a TFAC Drop-In for those interested in making their own.
- The guild has a limited number of looms available on a first-come, first-served basis if you would like to borrow one. Guild looms may be taken home between sessions and for up to 2 weeks after the class concludes to finish your weaving. Non-members who borrow a loom to take home 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 loom.
Over and Under: Weaving Basics
Friday - Sunday, July 12 - 14, 2019, 2 1/2 days Friday 3 pm - 7 pm, Saturday 9 am - 5 pm & Sunday 9 am - 5 pm Instructor: Leslie Fesperman Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $200 for members, $240 for non-members plus a materials fee of $25 paid to instructor Maximum class size: 5 Registration deadline: July 9, 2019 With the intention of functioning as an ‘on ramp’ to the craft of weaving, this introductory course offers new students the opportunity to begin their study. Through weaving a rayon scarf, the beginning weaver will be introduced to the four-harness loom while learning vital weaving skills including reading a draft, planning projects, preparing the loom, and weaving. Materials provided by teacher/TFAC: Four harness loom and accessories (shuttles, bobbins, sley and reed hooks, etc.) and yarn for scarf ($25 materials fee paid to instructor) Student should bring: Notebook/sketchbook; pencils, pen, highlighter. Bring your lunch on Saturday and Sunday and snacks if you like; hot drinks will be available. This class is now closed! |
Sakiori! Silk and Batik as Wearable or Functional Art
Saturday, July 27, 2019, 10:00 am-4:00 pm Instructor: Dawn Hummer Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $60 for members, $80 for non-members plus a small materials fee paid to instructor for any purchased materials Maximum class size: 10 Registration Deadline: July 13, 2019 |
Enjoy Sakiori weaving and choose your own project: a wearable mobius/scarf or a wall/table piece. This “no rules” style of weaving allows for designing in the reed, meaning you will create without a plan and design as you go – freestyle! Focus on color, texture, spontaneity and experimentation, resulting in a completely unique piece of wearable art or home décor! Techniques will include looping, alternative selvages, double and triple interlocking weft, floats, inlay, knots, inserts, slits and windows, Sakiori techniques, finger fringing and characteristics of specific yarns.
Sakiori utilizes cut or torn fabric strips of silk, cotton, batik, etc. for the weft. Strips of recycled and repurposed fabrics are perfect for this purpose. Bring your own stash of recycled silk or batik fabrics, torn into strips, or purchase from the instructor for a small materials fee. A sharing basket of “treasures” will be available if you would like to contribute bits and pieces of special yarns for pops of color along the way. This is your project so sett and fiber are totally up to you. The class will focus on weft techniques. Black or navy in any fiber are suggested for the warp to allow for maximum designing with weft. While no specific sett is required, 8-20 epi work well depending on your fiber. Also, while no specific warp width or length are required, 7-20” in width are recommended. Looms must be warped in advance of the class. You can use your own loom, rent one of 4 pre-warped Saori looms from the instructor for $25, or use one of a limited number of guild looms available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guild looms will need to be warped at TFAC prior to class and remain on the premises at TFAC. TFAC will be open on occasion during the week before the class to provide time for warping. Please indicate on your registration form if you would like to rent a Saori loom from the instructor or use a guild loom. Prerequisites: Ability to warp a loom independently unless renting a pre-warped loom from the instructor. Participants should bring a tapestry needle and your warped loom with plenty of weft fabric strips and yarns for your project. Bring your lunch and a snack if you like; hot drinks will be available. This class is now closed. |
Double Weave Overshot
September 5, 6, and 7 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day Instructor: Jackie Heller Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost for each class: $180 for members, $220 for non-members plus $5 materials fee handouts Level: Intermediate and above Maximum class size: 6 Registration Deadline: August 15, 2019 |
Any draft that is threaded in an odd-even order can be used to create a double weave overshot structure. The resulting fabric looks like the original design but it is an integrated two-layered plain weave structure which avoids the problem of long floats, making it a very stable cloth.
Participants will choose one of four patterns provided by the instructor. Looms will be warped back-to-front. The instructor will provide instructions in advance for winding a 2 ½ - 3 yard warp that will need to be wound onto the back beam prior to the first class and ready for threading during class. Time permitting, the instructor will demonstrate converting a four-shaft overshot drawdown to a double weave pattern using FiberWorks PCW. Prerequisites: Intermediate or higher weaving experience. Students should be very comfortable threading a lot of heddles and warping their looms independently. Participants should provide your own 5/2 cotton for warp and weft in two colors: one dark and the other light/contrasting. You will need approximately ¾ lb. of each color. You may also choose to bring a third color to change the appearance of the underside of the fabric. This is a two-shuttle weave; bring your own shuttles if you like. Plan to bring your lunch each day and a snack if you like. Hot drinks will be available at TFAC. NOTE: Any 4 harness loom can be used for this workshop. However an 8-treadle loom will make the treadling for this project simpler. The guild has looms available for participants to use if needed (and some of those looms are 8-treadle looms). The guild looms must remain on the premises at TFAC so you will need to plan to beam your warp at TFAC if using a guild loom. TFAC will be open on occasion during the week before the class to provide access to the looms. Please indicate if you need to use a guild loom on your registration form. This class is now closed. |
Color Blending and Texture: A Workshop with Jan Friedman
Friday- Sunday, Sept 27-29, 2019, 9:00am – 4:00pm Instructor: Jan Friedman Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $275 member, $315 non-member, plus a $40 materials fee covers 1 bag of yarn gradations, silk and fabric strips as well as a small bag of accent yarn Registration Deadline: September 6, 2019 Class size: 16 student limit |
This workshop will teach you how to weave slow color gradations using color groupings. This approach is effective not only in tapestries but also in rugs, table linens, and garments. It is possible to achieve wonderfully rich colors by combining numerous thin yarns of varying shades. By choosing different fibers such as rayon, wool, cotton, silk, and metallic yarn, you also can add subtle textural interest to your work. Further textural effects will be explored by working with dyed silk, and cotton fabric strips.
Check out Jan's website: www.janfriedmanfiber.com
Prerequisites: Some weaving experience; ability to warp a loom independently
Participants should bring:
Note: There are a limited number of looms available for students to use on a first come first serve basis. Misc weaving tools are also available.
This class is now closed.
Check out Jan's website: www.janfriedmanfiber.com
Prerequisites: Some weaving experience; ability to warp a loom independently
Participants should bring:
- A pre-warped floor, table or tapestry loom, threaded at 6 epi, straight draw, 10” wide, 2 yards long, using natural carpet warp or cotton seine twine (12/6 or 12/9) for warp. Weaving accessories used for weaving, e.g. shuttles, bobbins, beating forks, etc), loom bench.
- Bring lunch and a snack. Hot drinks will be provided.
Note: There are a limited number of looms available for students to use on a first come first serve basis. Misc weaving tools are also available.
This class is now closed.
Spin to Weave, Add the Fancy, Delete the Fear:
A Workshop with Patsy Zawistoski Tuesday & Wednesday, October 29-30, 2019, 9:00am – 4:00pm Instructor: Patsy Zawistoski Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $225 member, $265 non-member, plus a $40 materials fee covers all fibers (wool and mohair) for class work and extra yarns to take home; plus weaving and spinning worksheets and booklets. Registration Deadline: October 1, 2019 Class size: 16 student limit Ready to spin and then weave with your own unique yarns? Don’t be intimidated about spinning warp any longer. Learn to spin different types of smooth and fancy textured warp yarns and I’ll help you understand why these yarns meet the requirements for warp. We’ll also spin fluffy weft yarns. Warping requires some calculations - I'll cover these and how to adapt them to your own situation. Next, we’ll do some wrappings and small weaving to sample warp ideas. Students will choose a colorway: purple/blue, blue/green, green/yellow, yellow/orange, orange/red, or red/purple. Fibers and rovings in the student’s chosen color way will be provided. |
Prerequisites: Intermediate spinners, who spin, ply and weave, but are ready to branch out into other styles of yarns.
Participants should bring:
Participants should bring:
- A good working wheel
- hand cards and/or hand combs
- lazy kate and 3 bobbins for yarn construction
- hole punch, small cards and baggies for labeling fibers and yarns
- hand towel for wet finishing yarn
- usual tools, oil, etc for their wheel
- Optional – you may spin some smooth warp prior to workshop for Patsy to look at.
- If you want to coordinate the class yarns with some from your handspun stash, bring about 100 yards of smooth 2 or 3-plied handspun in your chosen colorway. This could be part of your warp. In class, we’ll spin the complementary wool and mohair as fancy textured warp and weft yarns.
Get Your Warp On - A Beginning Weaving Intensive Study
Saturdays and Sundays, October 12-13, and 19-20, 2019, 9:30-2:30, Saturday, October 26, 9:30-2:30 and Sunday, November 3, 1 -3 PM Instructor: Marion Flint Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $240 member, $280 non-member, plus a $20 materials fee covers syllabus, photo CD, and yarn Registration Deadline: October 7, 2019 Class size: 6 student limit |
This class is designed for:
No prerequisites 4-Harness Floor looms and all materials will be provided. Note: Although the sessions are planned to give time for completing the projects, students may need to come into TFAC drop-in sessions (Tuesday and Saturday afternoons) to weave between classes. This class is now closed. |
Beginning Color
8 Wednesdays, beginning August 28, 2019, 1-3 pm (August 28; September 4, 11, 18; October 2, 9, 30; and November 13) Instructor: Rose Warner Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $160 member, $200 non-member, plus a $10 materials fee for handouts and boards for wraps Registration Deadline: August 23, 2019 Class size: 8 student limit |
Have you ever felt paralyzed when trying to decide what colors to use for your weaving project? This class will teach you about color and design theory and how to combine colors to build your confidence in making color choices that will produce beautiful woven goods. Class participants will experiment with a variety of color schemes (monochromatic, complementary, analogous, etc.) and learn the importance of color value, tints, and tones. Class activities will include reading, extensive color study homework, and 3 weaving assignments to be done at home between sessions. The class will meet at TFAC on 8 Wednesdays over 3 months from August 28 through November 13.
Participant Requirements:
Registration for this class has closed. |
Beginning Weaving 101
Saturday January 25, 2020, 9 am - 5 pm (bring lunch) plus 4 additional half-day sessions, 9 am - 1 pm: Sunday January 26, Saturday and Sunday Feb 1-2, and Saturday February 8 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: January 10, 2020 Class size: 6 student limit Materials: The guild will provide 4-shaft looms with 5/2 cotton yarns |
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 (Saturday, January 25).
This class is now closed.
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 (Saturday, January 25).
This class is now closed.

The Tapestry Journal: An Exploration in Bookmaking and Tapestry
Wednesday afternoons, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2019, 1 - 4 pm
Instructor: Mary Kircher & Deb Suchoff
Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC)
3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705
Cost: $160 for members, $200 for non-members
plus a materials fee of $25 paid to instructor - details below
Maximum class size: 8
Registration deadline: December 23, 2019
Journaling can take many forms: sketchbook, diary, tapestry diary, and collage. In this class we do it all. Learn how to make a unique accordion style journal that is as versatile as your imagination. Then start filling the journal with small collage-based tapestry. Have a story or just like to experiment with technique and color. Join us for a creative “in-the-box” journal, “out-of-the box” experience.
Wednesday afternoons, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2019, 1 - 4 pm
Instructor: Mary Kircher & Deb Suchoff
Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC)
3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705
Cost: $160 for members, $200 for non-members
plus a materials fee of $25 paid to instructor - details below
Maximum class size: 8
Registration deadline: December 23, 2019
Journaling can take many forms: sketchbook, diary, tapestry diary, and collage. In this class we do it all. Learn how to make a unique accordion style journal that is as versatile as your imagination. Then start filling the journal with small collage-based tapestry. Have a story or just like to experiment with technique and color. Join us for a creative “in-the-box” journal, “out-of-the box” experience.
The materials fee of $25 covers the Tapestry Journal Kit which includes: a reusable box which serves as a case for finished book, 3 5” laser-cut weaving cards, watercolor paper for 6 page journal, 2 tapestry needles and other supplies.
Students should bring:
A note will be sent to enrolled students before class. Students will be asked to bring the following if they already own them:
Students should bring:
A note will be sent to enrolled students before class. Students will be asked to bring the following if they already own them:
- Self healing cutting mat
- Bone folder (for book making)
- Scissors
- This is a collage class. At the second class, bring found objects, things that tell your story such as photos, ticket stubs, fortune cookie papers, feathers, sticks, any alternative weaving material, flat rocks, leaves, ephemera! requested materials list will be emailed to participants before the class begins.

Introduction to Inkle Weaving
Saturday, February 15, 2020, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Instructor: Barbara Koch
Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC)
3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705
Cost: $30 for members, $45 for non-members
Maximum class size: 7
This class will introduce participants to the types of inkle looms and the bands which can be woven on them. You will have an 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.
Materials to be provided by participants: Please bring an inkle loom if you have one; looms will be provided for those who do not. If you need to borrow a loom, please indicate that on your Registration Form. You also may want to bring a 5”-7” belt or stick shuttle if you have one, along with paper and pencil for taking notes. Bring a snack or lunch if you like; hot drinks will be available.
TFAC will provide yarn for all participants. TFAC also has stick shuttles and other supplies as needed for the class.
TFAC will be open for Drop-In for the afternoon so you can stay and weave 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 loom.
This class is now closed.
Saturday, February 15, 2020, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Instructor: Barbara Koch
Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC)
3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705
Cost: $30 for members, $45 for non-members
Maximum class size: 7
This class will introduce participants to the types of inkle looms and the bands which can be woven on them. You will have an 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.
Materials to be provided by participants: Please bring an inkle loom if you have one; looms will be provided for those who do not. If you need to borrow a loom, please indicate that on your Registration Form. You also may want to bring a 5”-7” belt or stick shuttle if you have one, along with paper and pencil for taking notes. Bring a snack or lunch if you like; hot drinks will be available.
TFAC will provide yarn for all participants. TFAC also has stick shuttles and other supplies as needed for the class.
TFAC will be open for Drop-In for the afternoon so you can stay and weave 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 loom.
This class is now closed.
Beginning Sewing with Your Handwovens – Zip it Up
When: Saturday, February 29, 2020, 9 am - 5 pm Instructor: Kelly Walsh Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $80 for members, $100 for non-members plus a materials fee of $10 paid to instructor for fusible interfacing & zipper Maximum class size: 10 students Registration deadline: February 3, 2020 In this one-day class students will learn some basic tips and tricks for sewing with handwoven fabric! They will construct a zippered pouch perfect for use as a pencil carrier or make up 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. Student should bring: Sewing machine with zipper foot. Two pieces of handwoven fabric approx. 10” x 7”, two pieces of commercial fabric to use as lining the same size as handwoven fabric, matching thread, sharp scissors, pins. Bring additional handwoven fabric if you want to make more than one pouch (materials fee of $10 will be collected for each pouch you make). 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. This class is now closed. |
Beginning Weaving: Weekend Scarf
When: postponed until further notice Instructor: Kelly Walsh Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost: $240 for members, $280 for non-members plus a materials fee of $25 paid to instructor for yarn & handouts Maximum class size: 6 students Registration deadline: April 10, 2020 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. Materials provided by teacher/TFAC: Four harness loom and accessories (shuttles, bobbins, sley and reed hooks, etc.) and yarn for scarf ($25 materials fee paid to instructor) Student should bring: Pencil & paper for note taking and a lunch or snack. Postponed until further notice |
Basics of Feltmaking
When: Saturday, May 16th, 2020, 10am - 5pm Instructor: Cynthia Mollenkopf Where: Triangle Fiber Arts Center (TFAC) 3717 Murphy School Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Cost for each class: $70 for members, $90 for non-members plus $15 materials fee to cover supplies Level: This is an introductory class Maximum class size: 12 students Registration deadline: May 1, 2020 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. Visit Cynthia's website: http://www.artifelts.com/ Participant Requirements: No experience necessary. Students should bring 1 large towel, 1 hand towel, and a plastic bag to bring home wet items. Plan to bring your lunch or a snack if you like. This class has been cancelled due to the pandemic, but we hope to reschedule it later. |