Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving

Date: Monday Apr 13, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm. Ticket: $75+ Eventbrite fee. Instructor: Nancy Niemeyer. Materials fee: none. Skills Needed: Beginners - no previous weaving experience needed. Class Limit: 5 Sales End: 4/6

Rigid Heddle weaving is a great way to get started weaving in a simple way. Rigid heddle looms are inexpensive, portable, and quick to warp. You will learn to direct warp a rigid heddle loom, learn the basics of weaving, and create a beautiful plain weave scarf of 5 to 7 feet in just 6 hours. The instructor will have a 5 page handout and the necessary equipment (including a loom) for you to use in class. The only thing you need to supply is the Marble Chunky yarn in the color of your choice. We use a 5 dent heddle and bulky yarn to make the weaving go quickly. If you have your own rigid heddle loom and do not have a 5 dent heddle you must let the instructor know so an alternate yarn can be suggested. The yarns listed below will not work with any heddle other than a 5 or 6 dent heddle.

This weaving class involves direct warping techniques, which require certain physical abilities to ensure a successful and comfortable experience. Participants should be able to:

1. Walk back and forth between the loom and the peg (approximately 10 feet): Direct warping requires walking short distances to arrange and tension the warp threads. This will involve walking from the loom to a peg (about 10 feet away) and back multiple times throughout the warping process which takes about an hour.
2. Stand or sit for extended periods: You will need to be able to stand or sit comfortably while working at the loom, adjusting the tension, and threading the warp.
3. Use hands and fingers with dexterity: The direct warping process requires threading yarn through the heddle and other loom components, which calls for fine motor skills and finger dexterity.
4. Focus on detailed tasks: Participants should be able to focus on detailed tasks for an extended periods.

Supplies to buy:

• One (1) ball of James C. Brett Marble Chunky. Marble Chunky is available locally at Silk Road Textiles on Hamilton Ave. in College Hill or many online yarn retailers. If you cannot get the recommended yarn, please contact the teacher.

Problems registering? Contact the Education Committee at [email protected].

Questions about this class? Contact the instructor, Nancy Niemeyer at [email protected].

Nancy Niemeyer is a local fiber arts teacher who's been knitting and weaving close to 20 years. Nancy mostly teaches rigid heddle weaving at the Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati but has also taught weaving at the Art Barn in Mariemont, and both knitting and rigid heddle weaving at a few local yarn shops. Follow her on Social Media:

Facebook: Measured Threads

Instagram: @measuredthreads

Website: measuredthreads.com

Supplies to Bring:

• One ball of James C. Brett Marble Chunky
• Bring a lunch and beverages. A refrigerator and microwave are available to use.

If you are not feeling well, please contact the instructor instead of coming to the class. On a case-by-case basis, we may be able to reschedule you into a future class or provide a make-up lesson. Ticket fees are not normally refunded.

Depending on the for Hamilton County at the time the class is held, a mask may be required. If so, you will be notified before the first class.

Unless specifically stated, Weavers Guild classes are designed for ages 18 and above. On a case-by-case basis, a minor may be permitted to register for a class but must be accompanied by a registered adult who agrees to assist the minor during the class. Contact the Education Committee Chair at [email protected] for permission before registering any minor in a class.

Fees are non-refundable. Your fee will only be refunded if the class is canceled or changed to a different date. Three registrations are required for a class to be held. Students will be notified before the start date if a class is canceled due to an insufficient number of students. Eventbrite processing and credit card payment fees will not be refunded if a student cancels for any reason.

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