26227 Blocks and Units
Class | Available
Registration deadline: 8/4
What is the difference between a block weave and a unit weave? Aren’t they both block weaves? This class will delve into weave structures such as summer and winter, lace weaves, overshot and twills among others as we examine their differences and similarities as well as their special notations of profile drafts and the often needed skeleton tie-up. No looms are required as we will be working on graph paper supplied by the instructor and studying samples both woven and viewed on the WaFAC computer and projector. Students only need to bring notepaper, pencil and a good eraser. The instructor will check with participants ahead of time for specific questions they wish to explore.
AGE: Adults
- MATERIALS FEE: $3.00 paid to instructor for handouts.
- STUDENT SUPPLIES : Notepaper, pencil, good eraser
Mimi Smith
My first interest in textiles began with sewing for myself and two little daughters which culminated in a desire to create the actual fabric. Belonging to a craft group and meeting several weavers encouraged me to take classes in weaving. I was soon enthralled with the process and started to weave scarves and sweater-vests which I sold at the Clothesline for several years.
However, I began to feel isolated weaving alone. I joined the Weavers Guild and through them started on a long journey of teaching in various venues. These included stints with the Rochester Presbyterian Home, The Psychogeriatric Unit of the Rochester Psychiatric Center, Rochester Museum and Science Center, and various fiber shops. The teaching has been most rewarding and satisfying, and is definitely my niche. I have taught at regional guilds and national conferences such as MAFA, MidWest, Complex Weavers, and Convergence. However, my favorite teaching places have been at the Weaving Center and the Creative Workshop of the Memorial Art Gallery. Here I have a chance to teach new students and watch their delight as they discover patterns, textures and color in weaving. I'm able to encourage returning weavers to stretch themselves and develop their creativity. Weaving is so open-ended that there is a place for almost everyone in the myriad of possibilities it offers.
In the recent past I have increased my teaching of textiles to include paper making, felting, and marbling. The exploration of new techniques constantly intrigues me, and I try to combine them with my continual fascination of weaving.