(109) Mug Rugs, Miniatures, and More!

This workshop explores miniature patterns and compares the original, contemporary style of Bertha Gray Hayes with Josephine Estes’ downsized interpretations of ancient coverlet patterns. What better way to illustrate blended weaves than a mash-up of a Hayes with Estes? For those who prefer one-shuttle weaves, a turned draft makes it possible to weave a two-shuttle draft with one. And to illustrate one of the many other ways or “fashions” one can weave on an overshot threading, there is a lace treadling. 

The “more” focuses on blended drafts, checkerboard overshot, turned drafts, and a lace treadling with instructions on how to apply these techniques. Each student receives a notebook with drafts, notes, an extensive bibliography, and space to calculate shrinkage after finishing. And for those who are tired of going home with a book full of samples, the end product of this workshop is a stack of unique mug rugs! Some students have sewn them together in the manner of a mini-friendship quilt or framed individual squares.

Suitable for beginner to intermediate–must be able to properly warp a loom, and to read and follow a draft.

Instructor:

Deborah Todhunter

Experience Level:

Beginner, Intermediate

Maximum Class Size:

18

Materials fee:

$40 covers pre-wound warp and shipping, tabby weft yarn, pre-workshop handout to students, class handouts including all drafts, an extensive bibliography, and 3-ring binder and sleeves for drafts, notes, and space to calculate shrinkage after finishing.

Equipment required

4-shaft Loom, 8-shaft Loom, Pre-warped

Student Supplies:

  • Pre-warped loom.
  • 5/2 cotton in color of their choice for sample wefts.
  • Several bobbins wound with their weft thread (to keep from rewinding bobbins frequently).
  • Scissors.
  • String tags to affix to student’s sample as they move from loom to loom.
  • Tapestry or yarn needle to affix tag to sample.
  • Needle for hemstitching or fray check if they don’t plan to hemstitch.
  • Pen and paper for notes, if they wish.

Homework:

  • Pre-warp loom with warp and threading draft provided by instructor. 
  • Label levers or treadles with removable masking tape;
  • Weave a sample to ensure there are no threading or sleying errors;
  • Some participants may be asked to weave more than one sample before the workshop. (This number will be determined based on the number of participants vs. the time allotted to ensure that all participants go home with a full set of woven design samples with no weaving required after the workshop.)