Väv Immersion
Click here for information about the 2021 Väv Immersion program
Our 15 week Weaving Intensive co-sponsored by Fabric of Life & Vävstuga Weaving School
We are finalizing the details of this program for 2021!
August 12th – November 22, 2019
Scholarships for students between the ages of 18-35 is available, thanks to the continued generosity of the Ddora Foundation!
Our early bird application deadline is just around the corner – March 1st – and our regular application deadline is May 15th. Secure your space in this unique experience! No prior weaving experience is needed. Our cohorts from past years have come with a variety of weaving experience and backgrounds.
See Tammy’s blog for a detailed journey through the 2016 Väv Immersion class
Imagine being immersed in a beautiful rural environment weaving by day and delving into other textile wonders at night for an extended period of time. Inspired by the weaving class Becky took in Sweden in 1981, this comprehensive course includes challenging projects, extensive theory classes as well as an experience to be remembered for a lifetime. Acquire a deep foundational knowledge and capability of this age old craft as you live and learn in a rural setting at the Farmhouse in Shelburne, MA, with weekly visits to our partner organization, Vävstuga Weaving School in Shelburne Falls, MA.
THEORY CLASSES
- fabric analysis
- designing
- drafting
- project planning
- materials
- history
- weaving equipment
- business management
PROJECTS
On your own warp
- Towels in twill variations
- Large Blanket
- Yardage
- Tow linen tablecloth
- Band weaving
On shared warps
- Basket weave breadcloths
- Goose-eye tablecloth
- 10 shaft Damask tablecloth
- Monks belt runner
- Rosepath hanging
- weft-faced ticking
- Fine linen overshot
- Drawloom piece
Structured class time will be held 9 AM-3:40 PM (3pm on Fridays)
Each project will be experienced in depth with ample time for designing and weaving. Practicing the skills of dressing a loom along with writing up each detailed project sheet, ensures that you will build the confidence to pursue your own path in weaving after completion of this course.
Good record keeping is required, assuring that each student leaves the program with a sizable binder or two with preciously stored information. Fabric analysis sessions will strengthen and reinforce the theory behind the textile structures learned in Drafting classes. Our materials lectures include making invaluable sample cards of cottons, wools and linens along with the knowledge of how these various yarns are used and produced.
Inspirational classes in design will engage you in a multitude of techniques and tools for creating your individual masterpieces. A wide range of materials and mediums will be introduced and put to use. The study of history and equipment will give a well rounded view of how the Scandinavian tradition of weaving evolved and has been preserved and passed down to us through several centuries.
Our business portion of the course will teach you the basics on how to sell your work, either to continue weaving as a self-supporting hobby, or turning it into a primary occupation. You will learn how to price your work, to approach galleries, exhibit at shows, and keep the books.
STAFF
Becky Ashenden – Main Instructor
House at 80 Bassett
Home of Vav Immersion class
Becky Ashenden’s 1981 introduction to the wealth of the Swedish textile world at Sätergläntan Hemslöjdens Gård, a school renowned for weaving and other traditional crafts since 1922, gave her the motivation to pursue weaving as a life passion as well as a career. The following 13 years of production and sales added experience to her initial high-level training to build a unique set of complementary skills in both the theory and practice of weaving. Her use of equipment and techniques that have withstood the test of time adds to the value of what she has been offering her students at Vävstuga since 1991. After 36 years of weaving and teaching experience, Becky is putting together a fantastic staff to offer this extensive Väv Immersion program to pass on her legacy and expertise in the Scandinavian weaving tradition
Max enrollment in 2019: 8
Materials: Charged by weight (estimated $50/week depending on amount woven, to be paid monthly)
Date offered 2019: August 12th – November 22nd
Course fee: $9,500 (includes all instruction and studio time, course handouts)
Room & Board: $3,100
Includes a private room, limited wireless internet, utilities, a small refrigerator for each room, use of a small kitchen during the week, and use of the main kitchen during the weekend for 15 weeks.
Board: Includes 3 meals Mon-Thurs and 2 meals on Fridays for 15 weeks; storage for your own personal snacks will be provided.
Financial aid (for students ages 18- 35)
- Students between the ages of 18-35 are welcome to apply for scholarship and work exchange opportunities.