Important Dates and Information

Workshop dates:

Friday, Saturday & Sunday. March 27th, 28th & 29th, 9:00 am - 4:30pm each day

Members: $325 Non-members: $365

Material fee and what it covers: No material fee

Registration opens:

For members: Tuesday, December 16th, 12:00 noon (You must have the TWG members only password to register during the early registration period)
For non-members: Tuesday, January 13th, 12:00 noon

Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 25th

Cancellation deadline: Friday, January 16th

Location: Triangle Fiber Arts Center Auditorium

Description:

This on-loom workshop takes fiber in a new direction by creating “crimp cloth.” You will learn to create fabric with permanently crimped designs that hold their memory even when washed. This stash-busting technique can be applied to any threading, leading to endless possibilities for creating magic cloth for garments, wall hangings, or even sculptures.

Pre-workshop handouts and instructions for dressing looms will be sent 2 months before the workshop.

The workshop begins with lectures explaining the art of drafting and weaving crimp cloth. You will then start weaving samples and processing them to heat-set the crimp. By weaving multiple samples, you can begin to explore the vast array of patterns this technique offers. Continue “drafting” at the loom and experiment with “what-ifs”. It’s a workshop where there’s no such thing as a mistake. Anything goes! A chance to let creativity run wild.

Any one of your samples could become the inspiration for fabric for a garment or textile art. You will learn how the fabric can be used for one-size-fits-all garments that flatter any figure, scarves and shawls that won’t slide off your shoulders, and knit-look ribbing for a sweater or jacket collar. Additionally, you will receive valuable tips on garment design and sewing throughout the workshop. I enjoy individual discussions with students regarding their crimp cloth weaving plans to pursue after the workshop. (No sewing experience is required.)

Watch HGA's Textiles and Tea Interview with Dianne Totten on YouTube

Prerequisites for participants:

Beginners, with the ability to warp a loom independently and throw a shuttle, throughAdvanced weavers find their level of understanding and satisfaction learning the technique.

Materials to be provided by/Additional Instructions for students:

Prior to the workshop, loom must be warped according to the workshop preparation information sent to registered students 2 months prior to the workshop.
For more information about the workshop and yarn requirements, click one of the following links.
PDF or Word doc.
Minimum of 4 shafts necessary – 8 or more shafts is even better! Table looms or floor looms.
Yarn (preparation information will be sent to registrants in advance of workshop)
2 Shuttles
Several bobbins
Usual items needed to repair a broken warp
Reed/Heddle hook
Scissors (small with a good snipping point, if you have one)
A bobbin winder (we’ll need a few for the workshop, bring your own if you wish)
A few straight pins, safety pins, just in case
Tape measure
For weft crimp: 2 dowels or narrow flat sticks at least 2″ wider than the warp width in the reed but narrow enough to wind onto your cloth beam. (Looms with an 18" weaving width or less, may need a slightly narrower warp.)
For warp crimp: an extra dowel or stick. Sticks need to be strong enough to hold the tension of the warp.
Strong cord for lashing the stick to the front beam. (Nothing bulky, just a strong cord for lashing the stick to the front beam.
Fray Check – no substitutes (can be found at Walmart or fabric stores)
Note-taking materials
A few Band-aids (for protection when gathering pull threads)
Camera or cell phone for pictures (optional)

Bring your lunch and any snacks you may want! Access to a refrigerator and microwave is available, along with a coffee pot and a hot water kettle for tea.

*The guild has a limited number of looms available. You will be able to reserve one on the registration form - it is a two step registration request - follow the instructions. Any weaving required to finish your project after the workshop must be done at TFAC during Drop-in hours or other prearranged times. Looms may not leave the facility.

For questions about the workshop, contact Sue Jaken (suejaken@gmail.com) or Marty Mason (fosterdog49@yahoo.com)

For questions about your registration, contact the Registrar (twg.registrar@gmail.com)

W2026-01 Crimp and Create Workshop with Dianne Totten