W02 TWILLS IN RUG WEAVING

S402 LEARNING TO WEAVE WITH MY FATHER

M501 UNDERSTANDING SHAFT SWITCHING

Jason Collingwood
UK

Jason began weaving in 1987 having learned the craft at his father Peter’s studio. He has about 120 rug designs which he produces using the shaft-switching technique. Large commissions include a series of rugs for a castle in Switzerland and 24 wall-hangings for the Sheraton hotel in Sar-es Salaam, Tanzania. The Tate Gallery purchased one of his rugs for their contemporary arts collection. In 1995 Jason was invited to join the Crafts Council index of selected makers. He has produced a video on rug weaving techniques. He teaches 10–12 weeks each year in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

This workshop will look at 2/2 weft faced twills and the many designs this technique allows. Concentration will be on straight twills, using many different color sequences to create different patterns. Also covered will be broken twill and twill on opposites; techniques such as crossed wefts and clasped wefts; shaft switching in relationship to twill; rug finishes and general rug design.

Supplies:A 4 shaft loom is required-(table loom O.K.) A detailed list of requirements for warping, etc. will be mailed to students well in advance of the workshop.
Fee:No extra fees.
Level: An ability to warp a loom and a basic understanding of weaving.

This is a personal account of growing up with Peter as my father, my unusual introduction to weaving and Peter’s resultant influence on me. Slides of both my and Peter’s work will be shown.

Supplies: None
Fee: None
Level: All

A comprehensive look at shaft switching, from its origins up to the methods now in production. Some of these more basic methods require no adaptations to the loom. A loom will be available so that everyone can learn how to install a shaft switching system at home. Slides will detail how the more complex “platform” system works. Shaft switching will be explained in relation to many different weave structures. Slides will show the great design possibilities opened up by this exciting technique.

Supplies: Note-taking materials
Fee: None
Level: All

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