Weaving narrow bands is a fun and portable way to start weaving. This skillshare will introduce a tabletop, portable loom traditionally used for band weaving called an inkle loom.
Learn how to weave a colorful narrow band, a textile staple with serious historical credentials. The first evidence of woven bands dates back 8,000 years. All cultures of the world have used them for everything from folk dress belts, straps, sashes, headbands, and decorative trim, to horse reins, leashes, musical instrument straps, and shoelaces. They’re not only strong and beautiful, but like so many textile traditions they’re used to express and preserve cultural identities and history.
Participants will learn how to weave a simple warp-facing plain-weave design. Everyone will have time to weave at least one bracelet-length band and leave with practical knowledge on how to warp the loom, and where to get materials.
No prior weaving experience required.
Suitable for ages 16+. Under 16 are welcome to register if accompanied by an adult.
Instructor: Kathy MacPherson
Registration required. At this time we cannot offer drop-ins
RELATED CLASSES
Interested in learning how to build your own inkle loom, or get more in-depth instruction? Check out these workshops:
Inkle Loom Build & Weave One or Two Day Workshop): Friday, October 23 & Saturday October 24
Inkle Loom Build & Weave (One Day Workshop): Sunday, November 22
SKILLSHARES AND LIFE.SCHOOL.HOUSE
What is a skillshare?
Skillshares are informal meet ups of people to share knowledge and skills with each other, in a non-monetary structure. Compensation is barter-based, with participants bringing a small barter item in appreciation.
What is Life.School.House.?
Life.School.House. is a community folk school movement started in Nova Scotia, Canada where neighbors gather to learn, make, and connect through barter-based skillshares. Life.School.House. began in K’jipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia, Canada, by a couple that started hosting gatherings at their home. The project grew bigger, and they now provide guidance and structure under the Life.School.House. model to communities in Canada, United States, and Denmark.
How it Works
Skillshares are organized by a Host and the learning is led by folks who step in as teachers by sharing a skill or craft. They’re generally called a Facilitator, to encourage people who may not see themselves as traditional “teachers.” Skillshares are small, relational, hands-on, and shaped by the interests and strengths of each community.
Participants bring a small barter item to show appreciation for the sharing — something meaningful from their life such as a recipe, a poem, a handmade item, fresh produce, a plant. The item isn’t expected to have a direct value in relation to the skill being shared. The emphasis is on meaning and appreciation.
The host provides the venue and organizes everything. Venues can be homes of the hosts, but can also be pop-up locations in community centres, restaurants, cafes, local businesses that have the space, etc. Skillcraft Institute is Host for the current skillshares offered here. But we want to encourage and support folks in the community to host as well. As we work on developing guidance for this, we’ll keep the website updated on how we can help grow the model beyond the IdeaWorks studio. You can learn more and propose a skillshare class!