Exposed Warp Tapestry Weaving

This workshop explores the contemporary art of Exposed Warp Tapestry Weaving, focussing on bold imagery inspired by strong shapes in the natural world. Using thick weft bundles and translucent materials we will weave in such a way that the coloured warps beneath remain exposed and become an intrinsic part of the design. Coloured warps are incorporated within the image, but can also extend beyond its boundaries to add an interesting and creative background. Card inserts can also be used to form a template at the bottom of your tapestry that will dictate the shape of your woven design, moving away from the traditional straight edge. You can get creative with colour and choose warps that either compliment or contrast with the colours in your woven image.

We will explore surface texture and pattern using a variety of weaving techniques, from the basic plain weave to the more advanced distorted weave, whipping, knots, twining, supplementary warps, etc. We encourage you to bring along images to work from that inspire you, paying attention to strong bold shapes, colour, texture and pattern in nature. Some ideas for inspiration are fruit slices – oranges, kiwis, dragon fruits – seashells, flowers, leaves, lichens etc. We will also have a stock of source images available for you to choose and work from.

We will provide a range of materials to work with on the day, such as cottons, wools, linens and unusual yarns for experimental weft blending. Should participants wish to use a particular material, they’re welcome to bring it along. We actively encourage a sustainable approach to making and you are very welcome to bring along materials for re-use such as soft plastics, clean cling film, fishing line etc to upcycle and incorporate into your design. Your loom and bobbin will be yours to keep at the end of the day, so there is no pressure to finish and cut your design from the loom before you are ready, and you can carry on weaving at your leisure, putting all that you have learned into practise!

OUTCOMES

• Measure out and warp up a simple frame loom
• Translate designs and images into tapestry, inspired by strong shapes in the natural world
• Select and incorporate coloured warps into the design
• Use card to dictate the bottom shape of the tapestry, away from the traditional straight edge
• Finish off and present their work

This skill building workshop is suitable for crafters of all abilities – from complete beginners to those looking to add new skills to their repertoire or refine their existing weaving knowledge. We will begin with basic techniques and move on to more advanced methods as we all get up to speed. We strive to create a friendly and relaxed learning environment, where every learner can work at their own pace.