Laura’s Loom

From my studio base at Farfield Mill Arts and Heritage Centre in Sedbergh, I offer a variety of handloom weaving courses suitable for complete beginners (including children) to those who already have some weaving knowledge. The course fee includes use of weaving equipment, yarns, handouts and refreshments. A simple lunch at the Mill’s delectable tea room is also included for day-long courses.

Taster Sessions — £25

Half a day (approx. 3 hours)
(suitable for children of 7 years plus)

We play with rigid heddle, inkle and four-shaft looms, exploring a variety of weave structures, patterns, colours and textures. Looms are prepared in advance. You will weave samples which can be taken home at the end of the day.

Workshops — £60 / £120

(Includes lunch but not accommodation)
One- and two-day workshops covering a variety of topics for rigid heddle, 4-shaft and 8-shaft looms, including (but not limited to):

• Warping and Dressing a Loom
• Project Planning, Design and Drafting
• Basic Weave Structures
• Beyond the Basics (more advanced weave structures such as summer & winter; waffle weave; overshot; double weave).

Upon request looms can be prepared in advance for you to weave a variety of samples.

Learn to Weave (4-shaft loom) — £250

This course is taught in 10 half-day (approx. three hour) sessions. Classes are usually held mid-week but can be combined with weekends by arrangement.

You will learn how to wind a warp and dress a four-shaft loom. Together we will explore the weaving process by sampling basic weave structures and their many variations. To conclude you will design your own project from start to finish. By the time you complete this course you will be fully prepared to weave by yourself.

You can bring your own loom or borrow one for the duration of the course. Extensive handouts are provided and some homework is required!

Weave A Scarf — 3-day Residential £180

(Includes lunch but not accommodation)

Spend a few days in the peaceful setting of Farfield Mill amidst the beautiful Howgills and leave with your very own handwoven scarf!

On this course you will learn how to design and weave a simple scarf. Using your own yarn or choosing some from the tempting array stashed in my studio, you will learn how to wind a warp, dress a four-shaft loom and weave your scarf.

Course Availability

I teach throughout the year except for the months of January, July and August. Courses are arranged to suit demand. Please telephone for further details or to check availability.

Group Sizes

I like my courses to have at least two students because I believe the learning process is better accomplished where two people are learning together, but I am happy to work with individuals if this is preferred. Groups of three or more benefit from a discount, please enquire for further details. Maximum group size is currently 4 for four-shaft weaving and 6 for mixed loom courses such as taster sessions.

Accommodation

Sedbergh, England’s Booktown, has many lovely B&Bs and self-catering cottages plus lots of bookshops! It is situated within the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park and is just a short drive from the Lake District to the west and the dramatic Pennines to the east. More information on Farfield Mill, the town of Sedbergh, its surroundings and its attractions can be obtained from the following websites:

www.farfieldmill.org
www.sedbergh.org.uk
www.visitcumbria.com/sl/sedbergh.htm

I look forward to introducing you to the magical world of weaving! L a u r a