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Weaving Shaker Tape Workshop

Saturday, July 15, 2023 9am-3pm On-site / In-person / Outdoors

The Shakers are renowned for their woven fabric tape that is used to seat chairs. In this fun outdoor workshop, artist Susan Perrine will teach you the secrets of weaving with a very simple, portable loom, just like one from the 1600s. This Rigid Heddle loom, or Tape Loom, was used to generate ‘tape’ a highly functional article in a pre-Scotch Tape era. Use it to weave long, narrow straps that may be used to tie packages, reinforce hems or edgings on fabric, or be used in large quantities for seating a chair.

Each loom will be set up with sturdy cotton yarn and ready to weave about 3 feet of Shaker-style tape. We will learn to follow a pattern and set up the threads using a draft. The looms hold 27 threads and colors are used to create patterns.

Materials students must bring: -Scissors -Large Eye Sewing needles -Very small crochet hook, if available -Masking tape

All other materials will be provided.

No prior experience necessary. All ages welcome (children will need to have a guardian present)

Looms and supplies will be available for sale if you’d like to start weaving at home.

Class size: 10 max.

9am-3pm