WORKSHOP & LECTURE INFORMATION
Schedule a weaving workshop to learn to weave with wire and metal from Susan McGehee, artist, teacher of weaving and lecturer.
Schedule a weaving workshop to learn to weave with wire and metal from Susan McGehee, artist, teacher of weaving and lecturer.
phone: 310 545 4112
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Warping table loom with wire |
Student weaving a woven wire sampler |
Susan will be teaching a workshop for the Southern California Handweavers Guild
at Los Angeles Valley College, June 14 & 15, 2009.
Contact Ann Dimock, anndimock@pacbell.net
Weaving with Wire and Metals Lecture
Approximately one hour, 15 minutesSusan McGehee uses traditional weaving techniques and tools, but does it with wire and metals. Susan will show slides and talk about her work, how she works with wire on the loom and the materials she uses. Along with a slide presentation, she will discuss and show actual pieces. Handouts with suppliers and a brief bibliography will be provided by Susan. Time will be included for questions.
Equipment needed:
Screen, extension cord, podium, two tables on which to display my work.
Weaving with Wire and Metals Workshop
Level of expertise for participants: INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED
Maximum enrollment 15, minimum at the discretion of the conference planners
Course Content
Intermediate and advanced weavers will learn that wire has many similarities to yarn and is easier to weave than they thought. A variety of wires and metals will be used to create a 3-inch wide, 72-inch long sampler. Techniques how to handle metals on the loom, sources of materials and a history of woven metals will be discussed. Everyone will go home with a positive attitude towards using wire on the loom, a sampler and a metal neckpiece.
Course Outline
I. View slides of woven wire and metals
II. Warp looms
Brief introduction to the tricks of warping with wire
Protect beams with toweling
Use warping board or mill to measure warp
Thread 3 inches wide, 72 inches long wire warp
Secure warp
Attach to loom
III. Weave
Students will be given handouts with patterns to try twills, double weave, laces, ryaDiscuss variations of threading, color, and materials
At the end of the warp weave a neckpieceIV. Sources for materials and helpful books
V. Finishing and hanging techniques
VI. Discussion of completed samplers and future projects and possibilities
Needed equipment and facilities
Classroom or conference room with a conference table and chair for each participant and floor space for floor looms if anyone brings a portable loom
2 tables for instructor’s materials
Podium
Movie screen, and table to support my projector
Participant equipment and supplies
Table loom or portable floor loom with at least 4 harnesses and a 12, 6 or 4 epi reed. Small, light metal looms are not heavy enough to be successful with wire
Flat shuttles, tape measure, wire cutters, heavy-duty scissors. filler for weaving header, notebook and pen and pencil
Warping board or mill, sharing with a friend is a good idea
Optional: lamp with extension cord
Optional: Nylon jaw flat nose pliers
I will bring
Handouts
Appropriate drafts for weaving with wire for both 4 and 8 harnesses
Hints on how to warp and weave with wire
Bibliography of magazines, books
List of sources
A wide variety of wire and metals for each participant to create a 3 inches wide, 72 inches long sampler
Lengths of ball chain for neckpieces
Corrugated cardboard to separate the warp as it rolls on
Extra tools in case some participants forgot or brought the wrong thing
MATERIAL FEE: $40, required of all participants. Includes all materials needed and handouts. This avoids the participants needing to spend money to buy materials they may not use again and eliminates any confusion trying to obtain the appropriate wire and metals.
FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN AT 310 545 4112 OR METALSTRANDS@AOL.COM
©Susan McGehee 2008
