BSWG hosted Sarah Goslee for a Tablet Weaving Workshop (also know as Card Weaving) in March 2009.

12 participants attended the workshop and enjoyed an indepth, hands on study of this technique.  A set of mini cards were provided each day along with the colored warp yarns in Perle Cotton.  Everyone used different choices of color for their samples so most weaving was unique to each individual.

On Day 1 the class learned how to thread the cards and tie them onto a simple frame to aid in weaving ease.  We learned the difference between S threading and Z threading, turning the cards forward vs backwards and top vs bottom.  Patterns created were diagonals, double face and 3/1 broken twill.  Some basic drafting instruction was also given.

On Day 2 the class warped their cards with only 2 colors of perle cotton (vs 3 colors used the day before).  Surprisingly, the two colors gave a wide variation of weaving design possibilities.  It was a bit more difficult to turn the cards due to their uneven support from the threading.  Techniques learned included Warp twining 2 different ways, plain weave, and Hochdorf pebble weave.  Many variations were explained and samples displayed.

This workshop was very comprehensive.  Everyone seemed to grasp the concept although not all techniques.  Many went home eager to continue weaving the design they were working on at the end of the class.  This weaving method has so many possibilities for use...

It may be that the guild invites Sarah back for a followup class in the future.   I'm sure there are a few in the class that would appreciate a refresher after awhile.

Wini Labrecque