Fiber Arts

Arbutus has a wide variety of fiber arts classes, covering everything from spinning and dyeing, to knitting and weaving. Join our master artisans in learning a skill that has been fundamental to cultures throughout history.

Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving
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In beginning Rigid Heddle weaving you will learn the parts of a rigid heddle loom and the importance each part plays in your weaving. You will learn how to warp a loom and weave a scarf. You will also learn hemstitching that holds woven yarn in place after the scarf is removed from the loom. We’ll talk a little about Fibonacci sequencing that will help you design future projects. We will also discuss different weave structures and how color can really impact your woven items. Our first woven project will be a houndstooth scarf made out of worsted weight yarn, wool will work best. You will choose your own two contrasting colors, preferably one light and one dark. A traditional houndstooth pattern is made from very light grey or off white and a charcoal grey or black color palette. However, this is your scarf so your color choice will be perfect. Just make sure to pick a light and a dark color. You will need to bring:
- Two skeins of yarn at approximately 220 yard per skein, average cost $25
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Tapestry needle
To meet the Washington Safe Start COVID-19 protocols we can only permit 5 students and one to two instructors in the studio at one time. All individuals are required to wear a mask at all times and to submit a health verification form before each class meeting. By registering for this class, you agree to follow our health and safety precautions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Please visit our website for a detailed description of the precautions we are taking during the COVID-19 pandemic and for the requirements for all who visit the school. Youth of 13 and up welcome if a parent is also enrolled.
Show Description
Fee: $168.00
Instructor: Joan Hoffmeyer

Capacity Remaining: -3
Dates: 3/26/2021 - 3/27/2021

Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sessions: 2

Days: F Sa
Building: Arbutus Folk School

Room: Woodshop
Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm

Weave a Sampler on a Rigid Heddle Loom
Your next step in weaving is to learn warp faced, weft faced, Leno lace, and so many other possibilities in addition to plain weave. We will make a sampler using different weights and textures of yarn, pick-up sticks, finger manipulation, and other techniques to create a unique-to-you woven wall hanging. You will complete your piece during this two-day class.

Instructor will provide all necessary materials - please bring $15 to give to the instructor on the first day of class. Materials will include all the yarns you will need and a hanger for your completed work of art.

This is an intermediate class. Students should have a working knowledge of the rigid heddle loom.

Youth of 13 and up welcome if a parent is also enrolled.

Show Description

Fee: $140.00
Instructor: Joan Hoffmeyer

Capacity Remaining: 3
Schedule Details: Friday and Saturday, March 12 & 13, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm

Dates: 3/12/2021 - 3/13/2021
Times: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sessions: 2

Days: F Sa
Building: Arbutus Folk School

Room: Woodshop

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Contact Us

Email: Info@ArbutusFolkSchool.org

Message phone: (360) 350-0187

Mailing Address

Mailing Address:
120 State Avenue NE, #298
Olympia, WA 98501

Visit Us

Facility Physical Address (no mail please):
610 4th Ave E.
Olympia, WA 98501

Funding for Arbutus Folk School has been provided by Humanities Washington and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan of 2020, and by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving

Weave a Sampler on a Rigid Heddle Loom

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