hartford artisans
weaving center
Rigid Heddle
weaving
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Rigid heddle looms are small, easy to store, and simple to set up. While the word "rigid" might suggest limited options, this loom style allows for versatile patterns and techniques.
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This weaving option is wonderful for those interested in beginning to understand weaving, or advancing students who would like a more portable loom option.
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We are an authorized Schacht loom dealer, so you can buy rigid heddle looms directly from the Weaving Center if you are interested.
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Summer Class and Workshop registration is open!
Continuing Rigid Heddle Summer Workshop:
Introduction to Tapestry on Rigid Heddle with Sophia De Jesus-Sabella
This two-part workshop is an introduction to tapestry weaving techniques on the rigid heddle loom. Students will bring looms pre-warped to instructor’s specifications and have access to a variety of wefts to learn joinery and image-making techniques. Students will create a 12" x 12" sampler and a 12" x 12" tapestry of their own design.
About the Instructor: Sophia De Jesus-Sabella is an artist, weaver, and educator based in Hartford CT. She teaches weaving at Hartford Artisans Weaving Center and mending workshops out of her private studio. Her work is inspired by her upbringing and relationship to materials and colors.
Students should bring:
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A working Rigid Heddle loom warped with 8/4 cotton warp in any color at 12” wide, 2 yds long in 7.5 or 8 dent heddle
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Tapestry beater or a metal fork
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At least 2 stick shuttles
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Simple Drawings or images. We'll work together in class to create a "cartoon" of the
tapestry design that you will use -
All other materials will be provided by the Weaving Center.
Prerequisites: Completion of Beginner Rigid Heddle Class, must own a
working Rigid Heddle Loom and able to warp loom independently.
Instructor: Sophia De Jesus-Sabella
Location: Manchester Historical Society, 175 Pine Street, Manchester
Fee: $220 payable by check or credit
Dates (2 options): Saturdays 7/22 and 7/29 OR Wed 7/26 and 8/2
Time: 10:00-3:00 (includes a break for lunch)
Note: All weaving classes are held in our upper level classroom which is only accessible by stairs.
Beginner Rigid Heddle: A 2 Part Class
Description:
This class is your introduction into rigid heddle weaving. In the first class,
students will learn how to dress a loom, and will be weaving by the time class
ends. Between classes, looms can be taken home for a week of weaving practice
and exploration.
The second class begins with cutting off your sample and learning finishing
techniques. Participants will dress their looms a second time, learn to hemstitch,
learn about appropriate yarns and sett, with tips and tricks included to get you
excited about this new weaving journey!
Supplies needed: Please bring a scissors, tape measure and a tapestry needle and 2 colors of #4 weight yarn, approximately 300 yards each. Suggested #4 yarns are Lily Sugar n' Cream (cotton) or Paton's Worsted Wool. Both of these are readily available at Michael's, Joanne's and Walmart, as well as online retailers. Schacht Cricket Looms will be provided for use.
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Note: All weaving classes are held in our lower level classroom which is only accessible by stairs.
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August Beginner Rigid Heddle
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Location: Manchester Historical Society, 175 Pine Street, Manchester
Fee: $135 by check or credit
You will have the option to purchase or rent your loom at the end of class.
Dates: Saturday August 12 and Saturday August 19 with Peggy and Shari
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm each day
May Beginner Rigid Heddle
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Location: Hartford Artisans Weaving Center, 42 Woodland Street Hartford
Fee: $135 by check or credit
You will have the option to purchase or rent your loom at the end of class.
Dates: Saturday May 6 and Saturday May 13 with Roberta and Lisa
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm each day
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Join our email list to receive the latest
class announcements.
Additional Registration Information as of March 15, 2023
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Please review our current COVID updates at weavingcenter.org/covidupdate
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Check payment is due within 2 weeks of your registration to secure your spot.
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Refunds and Class Cancellations:
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The Weaving Center reserves the right to cancel a class at any time. Should we do so, students will receive a full refund.
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Registered Students: Please notify the Weaving Center as soon as possible if there is a need to cancel your registration. -
- If there is a waiting list and the spot can be filled, a 3% processing fee will be deducted from the total refund.
- If a spot cannot be filled, no refund will be offered. -
No-shows forfeit any refund.
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