Workshops

Our workshop schedule is being updated - keep checking for new workshop listings

To register for a workshop - email kinghws@gmail.com with the title of the workshop.

Once your place in a workshop  is confirmed, you will be given instructions for payment (wait until you have a reply email).

This payment will hold your spot. The workshop registrar will also connect the class with the instructor who will then email you,  providing details about the workshop and supplies or equipment needed.

Please notify us regarding any special requirements such as allergies, therapy dogs etc so we can let other students know.

Once you have paid, we expect you to show up for the workshop. If for some reason, you have to cancel, we might be able to fill your spot and give a partial refund. There will be a penalty to cover administrative time. If your spot can’t be filled, there may be no refund at all. Please understand that instructors plan for a certain number of participants.

Please note, participants under the age of 18 are to be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

Thank you

Introduction to Weaving on a Table Loom

Instructor: Norma Rosier

Oct. 21 – Dec. 16; Monday evenings 6 pm – 8 pm

Minimum 3 - Maximum 6

Member Price: $271.20 (includes HST)

Non-Member Price: $305.10 (includes HST)

No Materials Fee

Description: For new and interested weavers, also suitable as a refresher class. In this 8 week night class (2 hours per week) you will learn the basics of weaving using a table loom or a rigid heddle loom. Table looms are slightly simpler to use than floor looms, but the techniques learnt will apply to both types of looms. Rigid heddle looms are much simpler to set up, but more limited in the types of weaving possible. You will learn how to prepare the loom and weave a small item such as a sampler or scarf. We will also discuss planning a weaving project and understanding patterns. Tuition is geared to the needs and pace of each student.

 

 

Blending Fibres

Instructor: Elaine Horemans

Saturday  January  11, 2025

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Minimum 4 - Maximum 6

Member Price: $105 + HST =  $118.65

Non-Member Price: $120 + HST = $135.60

Materials Fee - $25  (payable to instructor)

Description: Students will learn how to blend both protein and cellulose fibres.

Hand cards, drum carders, blending boards, hackles and combs will be used.

Aspects of blending fibres will be covered, such as fibre type, length, softness and colour.

Students will practice making their own custom blends.

Some previous experience using blending tools is helpful. I recommend taking the drum carding course first.

No spinning experience is required but is helpful.

Rigid Heddle Looms: An Introduction and Exploration

Instructor: Nancy Bowman

Date:   Saturday  January  18, 2025 

 Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (instruction); 12:30 – 4:00 individual weaving time (optional)

Minimum 4 - Maximum 6

Member Price: $45 +hst ($ 5.85) = $50.85
Non member: $60 + hst ($7.80) = $67.80

Materials Fee - $10  (payable to instructor)

Description:

A rigid heddle loom is a small portable tool that allows us to learn the terminology and basic techniques for weaving. For those who have some experience with weaving, you will be able to explore additional techniques and ways that this loom may help you sample for larger weaving projects. At the end of the session, you will have a sampler or small project to take with you and some suggestions for next steps in weaving with a rigid heddle loom. Note: Looms will be warped, this workshop involves weaving only. Participants may leave a deposit and borrow the loom or return to complete their project during studio time (All looms to be cleared and returned by Jan. 30, 2025). No experience needed. Looms are provided.

Rigid Heddle Loom: Weave a Small Project

Instructor: Nancy Bowman

Saturday  February 1, 2025

In this workshop, you will learn to warp a rigid heddle loom (provided)  for a small project (choose a scarf,
coasters, or table runner).

Once the items are woven, we will learn about taking them off the loom and finishing them.

No experience needed -

Materials fee ( scarf - $20; coasters/table runner - $10 payable to instructor at the workshop)
Minimum 4 Maximum 6

Date: February 1, 2025
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm (instruction)       12:30 - 4:00 individual weaving time

● If not finished, participants may leave a deposit and borrow the loom or return to
complete their project during studio time
Cost:
Member: $45 +hst ($ 5.85) = $50.85
Non member: $60 + hst ($7.80) = $67.80

 

Introduction to weaving on an inkle loom

Instructor: Alison Ginn

Saturday February   8, 2025

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Minimum 4 - Maximum 8

Member Price: $105 + HST =  $118.65

Non-Member Price: $120 + HST = $135.60

Materials Fee - $3  (payable to instructor)

Description:

Inkle looms are small looms used to weave narrow bands. In this workshop, the focus will be on the basics of warping and weaving on an inkle loom.

Project planning – including choosing materials and designing patterns – will also be covered.

A materials list will be supplied.

 

Blending Colours

Instructor: Elaine Horemans

Saturday March  1, 2025

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Minimum 4 - Maximum 6

Member Price: $105 + HST =  $118.65

Non-Member Price: $120 + HST = $135.60

Materials Fee - $20  (payable to instructor)

Description: Students will learn how to blend colours using the principles of colour theory.

Blends of 2, 3 and 4 colours will be made, and tips to avoid muddying will be given.

Hand cards, drum carders, Blending boards, hackles and combs will be used.

Students will practice making their own custom blends. We will restrict ourselves to wool only for this workshop.

Some previous experience using blending tools is helpful. I recommend taking the drum carding course first. No spinning experience is required but is helpful. 

Summer and Winter (weaving)

Instructor: Susi Reinink

Saturday April 12 and Sunday April 13, 2025

Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Minimum 4 - Maximum 6

Member Price: $210.00 + hst($27.30)  = $ 237.30

Non-Member Price: $240.00 + hst($31.20) - $271.20

Materials Fee - $4.00  (payable to instructor)

Description: Note:  Loom ( table or floor loom) to be warped before the start of this workshop

Summer and Winter weaving

 

Designing an attractive block motif either on four or eight shafts with the use of a profile draft is the starting point for the sampler.

All four basic treadlings will be explained and woven. The remainder of the warp will be used for a great variety of other treadlings, including pick-up techniques to expand design possibilities.

The difference between a standard tie-up and a skeleton tie-up will be pointed out. Designing on more than eight shafts, quadrants, polychrome and turned Summer & Winter will be covered in theory.

 

Summer and Winter weaving

Workshops we have offered this year

Basket Making - Barbara Heins - October

Double Weave, Multiple Cloth with Susi Reinink

How to Use a Drum Carder - Elaine Horemans

Introduction to Spinning on a WHeel - Stacey Robb (Nov. 3 and 17)

Introduction to Floor Loom Weaving - Barbara Heins

Fabric Analysis - Susi Reinink

If you have questions, or requests, contact us by email kinghws@gmail.com

 

 

Workshop Registration

Email your interest to register  to kinghws@gmail.com.  Once you receive a confirmation reply, your payment will be requested to reserve your place in the workshop.  Cheques (payable to KHWS) may be dropped off at our studio or sent by mail to the address below.  We are now able to accept e transfers Once your regisration has been confirmed, you will be provided with instructions for e transfer.

Kingston Handloom Weavers and Spinners
Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning
205 - 370 King Street West
Kingston, ON
K7L 2X4

If you are not yet a Guild member contact us Here for more details. NOTE:  Our membership year begins June 1 and ends May 31.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 4 weeks before the workshop unless a replacement participant can be found (6 weeks for visiting instructors). If a workshop is cancelled by KHWS (e.g. if there are insufficient registrations), then a full refund will be given.

Materials  and printing fees are payable to the instructor. Supplies/equipment lists will be distributed closer to the workshop.

Studio looms or spinning wheels are available to reserve (included in Introductory Workshops). Work must be removed from looms within 2 weeks of a workshop, after which a rental fee will be charged if the loom is not required for another workshop.

Participants under 18  must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

In addition to scheduled workshops, we offer introductory classes whenever we have enough participants. If you and three friends want a particular workshop we can make arrangements.

You do not need to be a member to register for a workshop, but members benefit from reduced workshop fees.

Guild members have access to our studio equipment and extensive library.

We have mentors in spinning, weaving, basketry,  and felting.