Laverne's Backstrap Weaving for Beginners

Backstrap weaving is one of the oldest textile making traditions in human history, with origins dating back thousands of years. It is an ancient craft developed by women of the Andes. The tools are basic and transportable and you can learn the skills in a day!

Our teacher for the workshop, Laverne, is an expert backstrap weaver, having learnt from the traditional weavers in the Andes for over 20 years. In this 6 hour workshop she will pass on these ancient techniques to help you weave and create your own simple backstrap bands.

This is a process-based class where you learn these simple skills and techniques to carry on after the workshop has ended. You will take home simple narrow woven bands that can be made into straps for bags, guitars, belts or stitched together to make small purses or bags. You will take home the skills to continue practicing, gradually advancing to wider longer woven bands.  The more you weave the better you become.

Date: Saturday 22nd August

Time: 9.30am-4.30pm with a lunch break

Class Size: Max 8 people

Cost:

Members early bird: $120

Members $140

Non members $160

This workshop covers:

• Creating a working vocabulary of basic weaving terms

• Operating a simple backstrap loom

• Weaving narrow bands patterned with combinations of vertical and horizontal stripes

• Winding a “warp” (the lengths of threads) and arranging them so that participants are able to set up and weave their own band projects at home

• Discussing uses for narrow woven band

What to bring:

• If wearing pants or jeans, please bring a towel or length of fabric to lay across your lap. It will be a sort of ‘safety net’ to catch fallen tools.

• Bring a firm cushion if you'd like to work on the floor

• All yarn is provided.

Laverne Waddington has been learning to weave on various kinds of simple looms with indigenous teachers in South America since 1996. She combines elements of traditional designs with her own original patterns to create unique pieces on a simple  backstrap loom using the various techniques and structures she has studied in South and Central America as well as with backstrap weavers from Vietnam and Myanmar.

You can find out more here: https://backstrapweaving.com/                                            

Morning tea/coffee/milk and biscuits are supplied. Bring your own lunch.

(we have a Nespresso coffee pod machine if you would like to bring your own pods)

We use the Humanitix ticketing platform to help us manage our workshops and classes. Humanitix charge a booking fee which we split with you 50/50. Humanitix is a registered charity and 100% of their profits go to social impact projects with a particular focus on closing the education gap.