Classes

Winter/Spring 2010

I am delighted to be teaching at several places in the next few months.
I have given instructions on how to register for each location. It is best to register early as most classes require the ordering of materials or equipment. Please contact me by e-mail or phone to if you have any questions about the classes listed below.

Beginners Weaving Workshop ( at my studio) updated 2/9/10
     This workshop is open to beginners who want to learn the art of weaving-from choosing yarns and designing a warp to dressing and threading a 4 harness loom. This is not a project class, but one where you will make lots of samples that will give you a good foundation in the art of weaving.
     Through sampling , you will learning the basics of yarn properties , weave structures, dyeing and finishing techniques. The class will work in a round robin fashion, learning from each other’s choice of yarns and set- ups. Emphasis will be placed on both design and technique with lots of time for experimentation.
    Classes will take place at my studio in Roxborough where I have looms, yarns, books , videos and all that you need to begin your weaving experience. Limit 4 students.

Thursdays 12pm-3pm
Feb 18-April 8 8 weeks
Fee: $200 plus materials and loom rental
Loom rental – studio looms, $10 week
New looms - $20 week
Rental fee can also be applied to the purchase of a used or new loom.

My Classes at the Phila Guild of Handweavers
3705 Main St. Phila. PA 19127 ( Manayunk) pghw.org
     Please call me to register at least two weeks in advance of the first class to see if there is a space.
Registration forms can be downloaded from thier website. Full payment is due with registration. Make checks to : PGHW and send to my address.

Beginner Handspinning
Monday, March 22, 29 and April 5, 12, 19, 26
6-8 p.m.
Course fee: $115 members, $125 non-members
Materials fee: $25
     Spinning can be both relaxing and productive. Learn to spin your own yarns, first on a drop spindle and then on a spinning wheel. We will learn how to prepare, spin and ply wool fiber. Then we will incorporate dyeing into the process so you can create your own “designer” yarns for knitting, weaving and crocheting.   The Guild owns several wheel that can be used during class (first-come, first-serve) or bring your own. We will also discuss different types of wheels if you are considering purchasing one. Materials fee includes drop spindle and wool fiber. Limit six students.

Weave II -Twills
Thursdays – April 8 – May 13 (Class will be held on an alternate night the week of May 6 due to a Guild meeting.)
6 – 9 p.m.
Course fee: $180 members, $195 non-members
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Pam Pawl, pam@pampawltextiles.com or 215-483-7157
     This on-loom studio course provides a learning atmosphere where one structure or technique is studied in depth during the six class sessions. This session focuses on twills. Students will learn to design and weave plan and fancy twills, including points, snowflake, advancing, entwining, and block designs. Classes are held round robin style, so everyone will have samples from all the variations.
Limit six students.

Introduction to Dyeing Series
Level: beginner
     Creating your own colors on yarns or fabrics is exciting and fun but knowing what dyes to use is essential for long lasting color. Learning how to measure and mix colors and proper dyeing techniques is economical and safest for our environment. The following dye classes are for suitable for beginners and serve as a good basis for future more advanced dyeing classes.

April 10
Introduction to Fiber Reactive Dyes - Cotton, silk and other cellulose
10-2pm
     Dyeing cotton is a cold water process using Fiber Reacitve dyes. Learn how it's done, what equipment you need and go home with 3 2oz. skeins of yarn that you dye to a color of your choice.
Please bring rubber gloves , an apron and 3 - 2 quart plastic tubs or containers to dye in ..
Tuition: $40 plus $10 materials fee

May 8
Introduction to Acid Dyes- Wool, silk and other protein fibers
10-2.
     For those who have been wary of chemical dyes, "Greener Shades” acid dyes are new , contain no heavy metals and are environmentally friendly. Dyeing protein fibers is a hot water process using acid dyes. Learn how it's done, what equipment you need and go home with 3 2oz. skeins of yarn that you dye to a color of your choice.
Please bring rubber gloves , an apron and 3 - 2 quart plastic tubs or containers to mix dye and rinse skeins
Tuition: $40 plus $10 materials fee .

June 11,12
Introduction to Natural Dyeing
Friday evening June 11. 6-9 pm
and Saturday, June13   10-4 pm

    There is a new interest in the age old art of natural dyeing using plants, barks and nuts. Learn to identify which plants produce permanent colors and how to get many color variations from just one plant.
    Friday evening we will scour and mordant the wool skeins and prepare several dyestuffs for the next day. On Saturday. we will run the dyebaths and create additional shades of each dyestuff through post mordanting. Students will receive sample skeins from all dyebaths, printed instructions and a resource list so they can dye at home. No experience necessary.
Tuition: $80 members, $90 non-members
materials fee:$20

Please register by June 1 so I have time to order materials.

My Classes at Phoenix Village Art Center
207-209 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
To register: Call 610 983-9430
e-mail: phxvillage@verizon.net

Painted Yarn Workshop
Saturday February 20th 1:00 to 4:00
Members $30 non-members $35
    Join in a fun, creative workshop with acid dyes and a skein of white wool. Afterward, you can use your painted skein anyway you like - for weaving, knitting, crochet, etc. The effect will produce a one of a kind hand-dyed fiber art work. All materials included, wear suitable clothing, and bring your apron. Supply Fee $10 per skein of wool

My Classes at the Newark Museum
49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 596-6550
     This museum is a gem and the weaving workshop has been in existance since the 1930's. The dedicated studio space is well equipt with
4 and 8 harness looms a library and shelves full of yarn. A great place to learn and be inspired by others.
Please check the museum's website for registration information.
www.newarkmuseum.org or contact me directly

The Weaving Workshop
Wednesdays March 24- May 12, 2010
10-4pm
This session's focus: Doublecloth
     Beginning through advanced students explore weave design through color , surface and the qualities of fibers while learning the mechanics and technical part of weaving on a floor loom . Students   work on 4 and 8 harness looms and use the computer as an aid in understanding weave structures and creating their own designs. Dyeing and finishing techniques will be taught to complement the on -loom weaving experience. Students will be encouraged to use the Museum's collections for inspiration and delight.

What's in Your Stash?
Saturday ,April 17
10-4pm
     Every knitter and weaver has as a "stash " of yarns that they have collected over time ( sometimes months, sometime years). In these lean times, many of want to use what we have but are not sure about it's identity.
     Take the anxiety out of planning a project by learning what you have and what you need.   In this workshop you will learn to use the burn test for identifying fibers and how to use the Mc Moran balance to easily calculate how many yards of yarn you have. We will cover the yarn industry's standards so that you can calculate how much yarn you need . Learn to interpret cone and wrapper labels and to substitute one yarn for another in a project.   What does worsted , woolen and mercerized mean? What are the characteristics of the "new" natural fibers? Will answer these questions and more. Please bring a notebook , scotch tape , calculator and a few yards of your "mystery yarns".

PamPawl Handwoven Textiles | 284 Fountain St. Phila., PA 19128 | 215 483-7157 | pam@pampawltextiles.com