Explore the possibilities of pile rugs! In this class, we will learn about weaving rya in the Swedish tradition to create our own contemporary work. Students will weave a small rya sample rug (roughly 12"x12") of their own design on a floor loom. In class, we will learn design and material calculation, rya knot technique, edge treatment to make the rug strong, material and color blending, and finishing techniques. We will also explore the Scandinavian history of pile rugs from their purely utilitarian purpose in the Viking Age to the expressive designs of Mid-Century Modern and more contemporary pile rugs. This method of hand knotting rugs is slow and focused, but so rewarding. When leaving the class, students will have a solid foundation in rya practice to make their own larger scale rugs or wall hangings in this global knotting technique.

This class will be taught at North House Folk School, in person!

REGISTER for this in-person class here!

Textiles are integral in our lives, yet so often overlooked! Creating one’s own cloth empowers expression through color, texture, and design. In this course, we will explore these elements through weaving on a four-harness floor loom. Students will learn the principles of handweaving, including designing a project, preparing a warp, dressing a floor loom, and weaving their own cloth. After this 4-day course, students will gain an understanding of how woven cloth is created, how to read a pattern draft (the language of weaving), and basic weave structures. Each student will create a finished wool scarf, an expression of their own aesthetics.

REGISTER for this in-person class HERE

I’ll be selling a collection of handwoven goods at the American Craft Made, hosted by the American Craft Council in St Paul! Come on by and shop vibrant textiles and check out the rest of the incredible artisans. I’ll be at booth #625.

Weaving turned twill is the ideal opportunity to learn about weave structures, play with color, and begin to draft your own patterns. In this class, we will explore a weave structure category called “block weaves” using a classic two-block turned twill. Turned twill is an 8 shaft weave structure that contains two design blocks showing more warp on one side of the cloth and more weft on the other. Students will begin the class by learning about block weaves and designing their own unique geometric textile with tips from the instructor. Then they will warp the 8 shaft loom with their design and create their choice of several towels, placemats or a table runner. A variety of colors of cotton will be provided.

REGISTER for this in-person class HERE

We all have an innate color personality - colors that we're drawn to that describe who we are and how we see the world. Just as painters mix colors on a canvas, weavers combine colors on the loom to create new combinations optically. However, the colors that we're drawn to don't always react as predicted on the loom! In this class, we will study color theory and apply it to textiles and weave structures, while learning various techniques for designing on and off the loom to create stunning weavings. Through curiosity and playfulness, students will weave four cotton samples in various weave structures and a variety of colors of their choosing. Prior experience in floor loom weaving is helpful for this course.

REGISTER for this in-person class HERE

Please note: North House is looking forward to hosting this course on campus in the safest way possible. Students must agree to wear a mask at while indoors on campus, and to practice social distancing of 6 feet, as well as adhere to other safety protocols in some cases, regardless of their vaccination status. See the full details of our COVID-19 protocols here.

Textiles are integral in our lives, yet so often overlooked! Creating one’s own cloth empowers expression through color, texture, and design. In this course, we will explore these elements through weaving on a four-harness floor loom. Students will learn the principles of handweaving, including designing a project, preparing a warp, dressing a floor loom, and weaving their own cloth. After this 4-day course, students will gain an understanding of how woven cloth is created, how to read a pattern draft (the language of weaving), and basic weave structures. Each student will create a finished wool scarf, an expression of their own aesthetics.

REGISTER for this in-person class HERE

Please note: North House is looking forward to hosting this course on campus in the safest way possible. Students must agree to wear a mask at while indoors on campus, and to practice social distancing of 6 feet, as well as adhere to other safety protocols in some cases, regardless of their vaccination status. See the full details of our COVID-19 protocols here.