A virtual conference means a new format for 2021 with a mix-and-match approach
Classes are offered as two-hour single sessions, one-day classes (two-sessions), or two-day classes (two sessions per day for two days).
Classes overlap and to avoid double-booking yourself, we encourage you to download and use the schedule-at-a-glance and build-your-own schedule worksheet to mock up your schedule before registration opens.
Note all class times are Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4).
Find details about all our classes in the list below. Use the filters in the sidebar to refine the class list.
WAITLIST: Due to our class structure this year with overlapping sessions, and that we have already increased all the class sizes we can, THERE WILL BE NO WAITLIST FOR FULL CLASSES.
FULL ~ Weaving I: Efficient Warping
Good cloth starts with a good warp and step one is knowing how to wind a warp so it goes onto the loom smoothly and evenly.
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FULL ~ Weaving II: Dressing the Loom
This class will help you get your wound warp onto the loom and ready to go.
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FULL ~ Weaving III: Efficient Weaving
This class will focus on establishing good weaving habits.
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Weaving IV: Are We There Yet?
In this class we’ll talk about cutting the fabric from the loom, finishing techniques, hemstitching, fringe-twisting, record keeping, and continue our discussion on drafts in more depth.
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FULL ~ Unlocking the Magic of Blended Drafts
Learn to integrate two or more weave structure or pattern drafts to create a blended draft.
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Eight-Shaft Straight Twill Variations
Expand the possibilities of 8-shaft straight twill—learn to weave many variations on a single warp by varying the tie-up and/or the treadling.
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FULL ~ Turned Beiderwand: One Threading, Multiple Structures. Part 1 of 4
Turning a beiderwand draft on 8 shafts creates clean pattern blocks, better drape and faster, one-shuttle weaving than its traditional supplementary weft method.
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18th Century Household Textiles
18th Century domestic handweavers produced a wide variety of fabric from their rustic looms for clothing, bed coverings, toweling and table linens.
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FULL ~ Using Photographs to Design for Tapestry. Part 1 of 2
Many of us carry a smartphone everywhere and we take lots of photos that inspire us. But how can we turn those images into tapestries?
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FULL ~ Building a Color Palette for Tapestry. Part 1 of 2
How can we take the inspiration we find in nature, in photographs, in cityscape, in fashion and design or in our emotions—and turn it into a color scheme with big impact?
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FULL ~ Echo and Jin: Variations on a Theme. Part 1 of 4
Working with a variety of yarns, tie-ups, treadlings and setts, you’ll weave a series of designs in Echo and Jin (Turned Taqueté).
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Combining Warps and Structures for WOW! Yardage
Magically combine structures and different yarns to create inspiring and truly unique fabrics.
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FULL ~ Exploring Parallel Threaded Weaves: Color, Structure, and Fun! Part 1 of 2
Students will learn how to create their own original parallel threaded designs, including both computer and manual drafting methods. Part 1.
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FULL ~ Interpreting 19th Century Southern Counterpane Drafts
Early southern counterpanes, woven with fine weight cotton, provided a lightweight bedcovering for hot summer months.
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FULL ~ Unlocking the Mysteries of 19th Century Coverlets and Manuscripts. Part 1 of 2
Experience the art of early-American coverlet pattern weaving, while learning about the simplicity of planning with weaving software.
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FULL ~ Unlocking the Mysteries of 19th Century Coverlets and Manuscripts. Part 2 of 2
This is Part 2 of a 1-day, 2-session class. See Weaving 124, Unlocking the Mysteries, for full details.
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FULL ~ Weave a Porch Weave Stool
Learn the basics of weaving the New England Porch Weave on a stool.
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“Ripped” About Rep Weaves
This overview documents both the design process and practical details of the weave structure known as warp-faced rep.
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FULL ~ Loom Controlled Tapestry-like Effects
This workshop will explore inlay, overlay, pickup,and unblocking the block as ways to create free form woven design.
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FULL ~ Ten Steps to Designing a Tapestry
Fun multimedia exploration to exercise your imagination. Ten steps to expand your creative ideas and tips to get them down on paper.
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The History of Sakiori and an Introduction to Western Sakiori Techniques
Sakiori is a form of Japanese rag-weaving used by peasants from the mid-18th to the mid-20th centuries to make durable, warm cloth for work garments and other utilitarian textiles.
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The Technique of Split-shed Weaving
Split-shed weaving allows one to break out of blocks, create freeform designs and blend colors, using only 4 shafts.
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FULL ~ An Introduction to Network Drafting
Network drafting is a method for creating designs with curves. It may not look intuitive; however, there is a method-to-the-madness.
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Weaving Innovations from the Bateman Collection
Robyn Spady will share some of Dr. Bateman’s most innovative work and how he took some weave structures to new heights.
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The Beauty of Lace Weaves
Lace weaves are some of the most beautiful fabrics in the world but have you ever wondered what the difference is between Atwater-Bronson lace, Swedish lace, and huck lace is and why you would choose one over the other?
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What Shall I Weave Next? Part 1 of 2
Students will discover their path and chart a course on the incredible journey of weaving guided by a weaver who has been traveling for 60 years.
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What Shall I Weave Next? Part 2 of 2
This is Part 2 of a 1-day, 2-session class. See Weaving 136 for full details.
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Almost Ikat
Be amazed as the complex ancient dyeing/weaving technique (ikat) is transformed into spontaneous designing directly on the warping board.
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FULL ~ Beyond Plain Weave on the Rigid Heddle Loom
After mastering plain weave on the rigid heddle loom, let’s explore color and textures. Weave along or watch and listen.
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Design Inlay Rag Rugs and More…
Learn to add a unique touch to your rag project—whether it is a rug, wall hanging, table runner, or placemats.
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Explore Drafting with Software Using PCW Fiberworks
Learn to save time and explore many more variables using weaving design software.
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FULL ~ Designing at the Loom with Multiple Warp Chains – NO WAITLIST
Learn techniques for working with multiple warp chains while designing at the reed.
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Ikat I: Introduction to Ikat
A visual and historical overview of the ikat technique as it has been practiced in different cultural and global textile centers over the ages.
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FULL ~ Ikat II: Planning, Stretching & Wrapping
This class will provide a basic template and teach the first set of skills required for creating a warp ikat scarf.
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Ikat III: Dyeing Ikat
This class, the third of four beginning ikat sessions, covers the virtuoso of the ikat orchestra, dyeing.
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FULL ~ Ikat IV: Warp Shifting Techniques
Instruction will be given in four different warp shifting techniques that you can easily implement at home on any loom to create both subtle and smashing visual ikat effects.
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FULL ~ An Introduction to Network Drafting (Repeat)
Network drafting is a method for creating designs with curves. It may not look intuitive; however, there is a method-to-the-madness.
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FULL ~ Designing at the Loom with Multiple Warp Chains (Repeat) – NO WAITLIST
Learn techniques for working with multiple warp chains while designing at the reed.
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Spinning I: Fiber Prep and Drafting Methods
In this class you will learn about the properties inherent in different fiber preparations and which drafting techniques work well in combination.
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FULL ~ Spinning II: Harnessing the Power of Twist and Grist
Learn how to control the amount of twist in your yarns, and how your twist choices influences project outcomes.
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Spinning III: Harnessing the Power of Color
Explore various techniques for desired color outcomes.
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Spinning IV: Plying Beyond the Basics
Explore the many ways to spin fiber into singles there are many ways to ply those singles to create different yarns.
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Norman Kennedy’s Ethnic Spinning Slides
This slide show presents a collection of fascinating images of spinners and weavers from around the world collected by Norman Kennedy.
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FULL ~ Spinning with Northern Short-Tailed Breeds. Part 1 of 2
Explore some of the different fleece types from the Northern European Short-Tail breeds.
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Spin The World I
You don’t have to be a spinner, just a fiber fan! Travel to Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, and The Netherlands, spinning yarns with fibers and materials.
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Spin The World II
You don’t have to be a spinner, just a fiber fan! Take a trip around the world, spinning yarns with fibers and materials from Luxembourg, Monaco, Italy, The Holy See, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Greece.
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Spin The World III
You don’t have to be a spinner, just a fiber fan! Take a trip around the world, spinning yarns with fibers and materials from Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Jerusalem & the West Bank, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia.
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Spin The World IV
You don’t have to be a spinner, just a fiber fan! Take a trip around the world, spinning yarns with fibers and materials from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Mexico, Cuba.
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FULL ~ Inspirational Fiber Blending
Gain the knowledge and techniques to create a physical fiber representation of an inspirational picture by blending fibers on a blending board.
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Inspirational Fiber Blending (Repeat)
Gain the knowledge and techniques to create a physical fiber representation of an inspirational picture by blending fibers on a blending board.
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Spinning Beehives and Lace, and Locks
Learn to purposefully spin thick-and-thin singles, then ply to create a beehives & lace yarn. Also, have fun spinning with locks.
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FULL ~ Flax to Linen: Prep, Spin, Scour. Part 1 of 2
Flax is a classic fiber, albeit very different than wool. It will easily become another joy of spinning after you learn new techniques to manage its particular characteristics.
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FULL ~ Flax to Linen: Prep, Spin, Scour. Part 2 of 2
This is Part 2 of a 1-day, 2-session class. See Spinning 215, Flax to Linen, for full details.
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Hemp and Ramie: Spinning Historic Fibers
Hemp and ramie are back! These important historic cellulose bast fibers, have moved in and out of vogue, but now they are very much in.
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Bamboo: Spinning Old and New Fibers
Learn more about spinning and using bamboo, an important historical bast fiber.
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African Blues: My Life In Indigo
Indigo, where it comes from and what it represents in the Yoruba culture in Africa.
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Traditional Yoruba Tie-Dye Demonstration
Learn and try two traditional Yoruba tie-dye techniques.
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The Science and Magic of Eco-Printing. Part 1 of 2
This class will explore using natural materials such as leaves, flowers, fruit, minerals and the like to print and color our projects.
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The Science and Magic of Eco-Printing. Part 2 of 2
This is Part 2 of a 1-day, 2-session class. See Dyeing 303, The Science and Magic of Eco-Printing, for full details.
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FULL ~ Best of Both Worlds: Enhanced Botanical Printing
An entertaining overview of the botanical printing process along with enhancements that make prints engaging and gorgeous.
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Amazing Ice Dyeing on Cellulose Fibers
You’ll be amazed at the gorgeous, intricate color splits and how very simple patterns get rendered into mind-bogglingly advanced looking results.
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Easy Shibori with Fiber Reactive Dyes
Shibori can be created so simply and easily at home.
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FULL ~ Singing the Blues. Part 1 of 2
This course will focus on working with fresh-leaf Japanese indigo and the myriad of techniques that can be used with it.
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FULL ~ Dye A Natural Color Wheel. Part 1 of 2
Use just three dyepots to get colors to make up a “Natural Dyed Color Wheel.”
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FULL ~ Dyeing to Please You: Dyed Warp Techniques – NO WAITLIST
Learn techniques for dyeing cellulose based fiber warps and skeins.
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NEW ~ Amazing Ice Dyeing on Cellulose Fibers (Repeat)
You’ll be amazed at the gorgeous, intricate color splits and how very simple patterns get rendered into mind-bogglingly advanced looking results.
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FULL ~ Fun and Fabulous Felt Flowers
Transform wool roving/top into beautiful felt flowers using just your hands, imagination, and a little soap and water.
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Fun and Fabulous Felt Flowers (Repeat)
Transform wool roving/top into beautiful felt flowers using just your hands, imagination, and a little soap and water.
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FULL ~ Felted Beads
Felted Beads are so much fun to make using the wet-felting technique, and you can use them in so many ways.
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Hardworking Hue, Enigmatic Intensity and the Beauty of Color Relationships. Part 1 of 2
Learn about color theory from the new perspective of developing a personal “color constant”.
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Hardworking Hue, Enigmatic Intensity and the Beauty of Color Relationships. Part 2 of 2
This is Part 2 of a 1-day, 2-session class. See Other 501, Hardworking Hue, for full details.
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Introduction to Spräng Lace: Making Holes on Purpose
Discover ways to make holes in spräng cloth on purpose.
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Classic Hems for Your Machine Knitted Sweater
Classic hems are a great foundation for single bed machine knitting.
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CANCELED ~ Saori Clothing Construction: A Primer
This class has been canceled. Find the joy and fun in learning that we each have the ability to design our own unique wearables, regardless of sewing experience.
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CANCELED ~ Saori Clothing Construction: A Primer (Repeat)
This class has been canceled. Find the joy and fun in learning that we each have the ability to design our own unique wearables, regardless of sewing experience.
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FULL ~ Leftovers Again? From Leftovers to Gourmet. Part 1 of 2
Piece together all those handwoven scraps, knitted swatches and leftovers into something wonderful.
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Lattice Braids of Kongō Gumi: 16-element Braiding on a Foam Disk
Bring your round foam braiding disk, key rings and yarns to learn the movements of Kongō Gumi braiding on the foam disk.
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FULL ~ Pattern Draft a Boxy Tee/Drapey Tunic. Part 1 of 2
Cal will teach you how to draft a pattern for a simple woven top that can easily be customized in myriad ways.
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FULL ~ Tai Chi for Weavers
Join me in this natural, gentle exercise set to recharge and revitalize your weaving time!
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Garment Closures without Buttonholes
Robyn will share different ideas and techniques to create closures that don’t require a buttonhole in your garment or fashion accessory.
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Create the Mystical “Swirl” Temari
One of the most iconic patterns in Japanese temari is the “swirl” ball, and we are going to unlock its secrets together.
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KINDLE, New Beginnings Basket. Part 1 of 2
Prepared willow bark and finely sized yellow cedar lay out a foundation of natural materials that yield softly to classical basketmaking techniques.
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KINDLE, New Beginnings Basket. Part 2 of 2
This is Part 2 a 1-day, 2-session class. See Other 517, KINDLE, New Beginnings Basket, for full details.
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Let’s Talk Basketry: Growing, Harvesting, Weaving from Nature
There are so many plants you know, or grow, that yield wonderful soft and supple, strong and stable, sensational weaving materials!
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Exhibits Opening
Even though MAFA 2021 is going virtual, we are planning a fashion show and exhibit, fiber art exhibit, and towel exchange.
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Blue in Baltimore
Join us for a talk and discussion about Blue Light Junction, the Indigo Shade Map project, and the Baltimore Dye Initiative by Kenya Miles and Rosa Chang.
Sponsored by TATTER.
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All About Japanese Temari
Learn all about the Japanese art of embroidered thread balls.
Sponsored by Long Thread Media.
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Effective Use of Materials and Color
Do you have yarn in various colors, textures, weights, yarn types that you are not sure what to do with?
Sponsored by Handweavers Guild of America.
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Living in Creative Community
A strong creative community supports its members and bears witness to the power of making as a source of sustenance and joy.
Sponsored by Heddlecraft.
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Hemp Fibers and Textiles
Why should fiber artists be interested in this amazing plant?
Sponsored by Lancaster Spinners and Weavers Guild.
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Spräng: What is it? What can you do with it?
Learn about the history of spräng from the Bronze Age to the 1800’s as well as ideas for modern practical uses.
Sponsored by Westfield Weavers Guild.
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