Learn how to weave, BB's weaving school
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Welcome to the platform where you can learn everything about weaving!
Learning to weave can take many different forms and each person has a different preference on how to learn. That is why at BB's weaving school we offer many different ways on how you can learn to weave or simply widen your horizon with new weaving knowledge.
We offer:
- The Handweavers correspondence course (Learn in your own space and pace)
- Workshops, wherever you organise or at the studio in Horse Camp (learn by doing, hands on)
- Individual courses to download (learn the theory at home in your own environment)
- Weaving kits, weaving projects to do by yourself (learn by hands on at home)
The Handweavers Correspondence course
This handweavers correspondence course will provide you with an excellent grounding if you want to pursue a career as a professional handweaver or teacher of handweaving or simply for your own satisfaction.
v project based learning
v collected into easy to follow modules (called packages)
v being able to work in your own pace
v each module includes other subjects like colour theory and fibre knowledge
v gain an beginning to advanced knowledge and understanding of a wide variety of weave structures
v develop your weaving skills to an expert level
v permanent tutor help through email or phone
v build your creative skills and confidence to be your own innovative weaver
We all know that excellence in weaving is about more than just copying a pattern out of a book. A good weaver should:
v be able to design an attractive product
v have the technical knowledge to transform a design functionally
v have the craft skills to produce a finished item to a high standard
BB Yarns weaving correspondence course addresses all these areas.
The course is structured into 3 levels. Each level contains 18 packages (modules).
| First level |
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| Second level |
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| Third level |
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Who is it for?
This is a course for any weaving interested craft person. It can be someone who has never touched a loom before, or simply someone who has done some weaving, but would like to know more.
The most important qualification for this course is a strong desire to improve your weaving.
How long will it take to complete the course?
This is entirely up to you. The modules are designed, so they can be done at any time you like at home by yourself. Each module has some practical work to complete and some take longer than others. This course can easily be completed by someone who has a full time job and enjoys weaving over weekends or after work. There is no time limit on finishing the modules.
What equipment will I need?
You will need access at home to a 4 - 8 shaft loom. The first level can be completed with a 4 shaft table loom. From the second to the third level you will at least need an 8 shaft loom. The whole course could be completed on table looms, but it is recommended to have an opportunity to weave some pieces wider than 50cm.
Who is the tutor and creator of this course?
Ursula Stehle has a diploma in handweaving, achieved in 1993 at BFF college in Switzerland. She has since then vast experience in teaching at all levels from beginners to advanced all over Australia and has had her own highly regarded weaving practice from home. The course is based on her practical experience and studies. Ursula will be available on phone or email to keep in touch or talk through any problem.
How does the course work?
The course consists of modules (called packages) which each contains a part of all subjects to work through. For level 1 with each module once all the exercises have been completed, the pages can be sent back for review. The corrected pages will then be sent out again with the new module to complete. Each new module can only be sent out when old one is completed (level 1). The reason for this is simple, each module contains information, which will be learned and needed for next module. In level 2 + 3 each package/module can freely be picked or skipped forward as desired. Each module will give instructions and practical experience in all subject and will take you one step further into vast knowledge of handweaving.
What are the projects?
The weaving projects are the heart of the course. Each weaving project contains some parts of colour theory, fibre knowledge and drafting to experience. The projects are always designed, woven and presented by you. Each article will be something to use and not just samples for the folder. At the end of each weaving project you will have an article to look at and use, containing all your experience with it.
Is the course affiliated to any awarding body?
No, not at the moment. We want to be free of the constraints imposed by the various awarding bodies so that we can concentrate on offering what our students want to learn. BB Yarn Supply is however expected to be rigorous in ensuring the standards are high!
What will it cost?
Each module costs $42 and has to be paid in advance. The first module also includes the advance payment for the whole material of the first weaving project $50 ($92 for the start of course). The future weaving projects can then be ordered extra through BB Yarn or organised by yourself. Depending on how fast you may work on this course, you might only spend $42 a fortnight or month.
Did I make you interested? Check out the content of all the packages from level 1, 2 + 3 at the links below. Before heading into it and order a package, please download and fill out the enrolment form below and send it in to sales@bbyarn.com
Download enrolment form level 1
Download enrolment form level 2
Level 1 Handweavers Correspondence Course
Level 2 Handweavers Correspondence Course
Level 3 Handweavers Correspondence Course
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Workshops
All workshops are designed by Ursula Stehle, professional handweaver.
"My workshops are designed to learn as much of a weave structure as possible, but at the same time let your own creative flow escape. In my workshops you will learn something new and be shown the basic of the specific weave. After that I like to open it up for everyone to explore the structure by themselves. It is not me telling you how to weave it, you are the creator and develop your own. This way most of my workshops show an enormous variety of different ways for this weave by every participant using their own colour, tie-up, treadling and sometimes even threading. Weaving is not just about copying a pattern, it is the way you make this weave your own!"
There are several 1 or 2 day workshops available for beginners, intermediate or advanced weavers. These workshops are to be held anywhere, where there is space for looms and tables for up to 12 participants (beginner workshop is only up to 8). Costs are a simple daily fee of $400/day plus travel costs and accommodation if needed. (I am happy to be billeted.)
Participants need to be able to bring their own table looms. For most workshops a warp has to be organised by each participants and loom has to be dressed in advance. Cost for yarn is extra and not included in daily workshop fee and is different for every workshop. A requirement list will be handed out as soon as dates and time is confirmed.
Venue, participation and payments has to be managed by workshop organiser.
Can you organise a group of weavers? Then let's weave! Send an email to Ursula on sales@bbyarn.com and work out a suitable date.
Beginners Weaving
Time: 2 days
Number of participants: 8
Skill level: None
Learn how to warp, dress and weave on a multi-shaft loom. This workshop will lead you through winding your first warp, beaming your loom, threading, sleying and weaving. At the end you will go home with your own woven piece of fabric! This workshop is a great introduction into weaving and discover what this craftmanship is all about. The workshop can also be used as a refresher for someone who has done some weaving before, but would like to learn more. Discover the world of weaving and what it involves.
Your own table loom and warping board is required for this workshop.
Review: Katrina Muller July 2024
"Recently I had the pleasure to attend the two day weaving workshop held at Gataker's Artspace. I can't express my gratitude for the time and effort that went into arranging this workshop, it was excellent! Ursula was a wonderful teacher and after having a break from weaving for a few years, I feel confident that I am on the weaving journey again. The course provided a good basis for both novice and returning weaver, with colour theory, loom theory as well as hands-on work. This was my first weaving workshop, so I was very pleased with the quality of both the workshop and the place it was held. Thank you, Katrina"
Chenille making
Time: 2 individual days with at least 3 days in between
Number of participants: 12
Skill level: Beginner
Did you know that the chenille yarn is a woven thread? First day of this workshop we are going to make the chenille thread. The chenille we are going to create will be made out of rags, cut strips from old and used fabrics. This is the perfect way to recycle your old bed sheets or long lost T-shirts. No fabric is too small to be used, stretchy or not as long as it is clean, we will cut it up and weave it into long caterpillars of chenille.
The second day we will take the long caterpillar chenille threads made on the first day of workshop and weave them into a thick and bulky mat. The mat will be colourful and lovely thick, perfect for your wet feet when stepping out of the shower. From now on, don't throw your old clothes away ever again. Use them up and turn them into a chenille mat!
- All you need for this workshop is a 4 shaft table loom and some rug warp yarn, preferably cotton, for the warp.
- It might be good to have these two days a little bit apart to give time to finish weaving the caterpillars.
Echo & Iris
Time: 2 days
Number of participants: 12
Skill level: Intermediate
This two days workshop is based on the book from Marian Stubenitsky "Echo & Iris". The workshop is focused on the basics of the Echo & Iris pattern, what is it, where does it come from and what can be achieved with it. You will learn about Echo and network threading theory and its possibilities. I will show you how to design your won Echo & Irsi pattern and turn it into a finished article. This could be your future masterpiece.
- You will need your own 8 shaft table loom and dress it with a specific warp in advance, ready to weave for the workshop
- Each participant needs to be able to read and understand a weaving draft
Deflected Double weave
Time: 2 days
Number of participants: 12
Skill level: Intermediate
This is a two day workshop, where you will learn everything about the weave structure called Deflected Double weave. Included is the new way of designing Deflected Double weave from Marian Stubenitsky and her book called "Double Twist". This workshop will focus on the basics of the Deflected Double weave pattern, what is it, is it really a double weave? How can it be designed and what are the potentials of this weave structure. First up we will have some theory on how to design a Deflected Double weave. What are the pressure points to look at and how can we achieve a perfect product made with this weave structure. Each participant will receive warping instructions a couple of weeks previous to the workshop commencement. During the two days of workshop you will be able to weave samples to show the potential of this weave. Each threading for the participants will be the same, but there are plenty of different tie-ups and weft colours to choose from. This will give us a tremendous variety of possibilities of what can be done with Deflected Double weave. Each participants will have a different looking pattern in different colours. A great exploration of pattern and colour.
- You will need your own 8 shaft table loom and dress it with a specific warp in advance, ready to weave for the workshop
- Each participant needs to be able to read and understand a weaving draft
Shadow weave
Time: 2 days
Number of participants: 12
Skill level: Intermediate
Learn how to design the "Shadow weave" pattern through threading and explore the diversity of this inspiring weave. Learn the effect of using colours with this pattern in warp and weft by using the whole range of Cottoline yarn. Get inspired and explore its endless variety in pattern and colour. At the end you will end up with a wonderful hand towel to take home.
Picture to weaving using Double weave pick-up
Time: 1 day
Number of participants: 12
Skill level: Advanced
Learn how to take a silhouette picture and turn it into a woven piece. This workshop will show how to turn a simple silhouette picture into a format so it can be woven. There are simple techniques used like window, pater and pencil to transform the silhouette picture into a cross stitch format. This is then woven into a double sided picture.
Review: Katrina Muller Nov. 24
"Wow, what an experience! I have always been fascinated with the idea of double weave however never brave enough to try the technique. Thanks to Ursula's excellent tuition I decided to jump in and participate. While I haven't completed the project yet, the workshop has given me the skills to understand this method of weaving and the ability to apply it in my weaving journey. The workshop was accompanied by written materials to support the face-to-face support provided by Ursula. Being an advanced workshop, I was concerned I might not be able to keep up. This fear was allayed, and I would recommend attending Ursula's workshops to expand their skills through learning new techniques. Thanks again Ursula!"
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Individual Courses
The individual courses are there for you to concentrate and get specialised on just a certain area of weaving. These courses are mainly theory and full packed with weaving knowledge. It is especially helpful if you struggle in some theory and would like to dig a little deeper into that topic.
The theory courses is knowledge from subjects taken out of the weaving correspondence course and put together into a whole "book" of just that topic. It is a theory course on steroids about a certain chapter of weaving. Each course includes lots of exercises to work through and discover new helpful abilities for weaving.
Each of these courses is available digitally (pdf format) or printed.
As the weaving correspondence course progresses there will be more and more theory courses available.
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Weaving kits
Weaving kits will be available in pdf format to download or as a whole kit with yarn and all, ready to start the project.
- Waffle bath mats
- T-towels
- Gym towels
- Warp rep placemats
- Twill apron
- 4 block warp rep weave runner
- Weft rep weave pencil case
- Shadow weave hand towels
and lots more will be available soon .... watch this space!
