Building and Weaving on a Backstrap Loom

A 2-Day workshop with Pamela Wilson

(exhibiting artist in ReAct! An EcoArt Call to Action)

Saturday & Sunday, September 24 & 25-- 2-5pm

$100 for both days, all materials included.

Grange Hall Cultural Center

317 Howard Avenue, Waterbury Center, VT 05677

This is a 2-day workshop, with 2 sessions lasting 3 hours each.

$10 materials fee due to instructor at start of workshop.

Space for up to 12 participants. 

Information and registration here

or by contacting [email protected] or 802-244-4168

Backstrap looms are a simple, portable method of handweaving that show up across multiple global weaving traditions. This loom design, which is worn by the weaver, allows for first-time weavers to learn the basics of simple plainweave designs and makes it possible for more experienced weavers to experiment with complex pick-up patterns. In our first session, we’ll experiment with several different kinds of backstrap looms, then build and begin dressing our own looms from recycled/repurposed materials. On the second day, we’ll begin weaving on the looms we’ve built. Students head home with their looms, tools they’ve made during the workshop and fiber to continue their weaving journey!

Teens/Adult, however, as age is not always the most useful rubric for assessing skill level, the following skills are necessary for successful participation in this workshop: Participants should be familiar with tying a square and overhand knot, using scissors and x-acto knives, be able to count beyond 100, estimate measurements and multiply and have the manual dexterity to thread a wide-eyed needle.

Pamela Wilson is a visual artist who brings traditional fiber, clay and pigment extraction processes to contemporary design. Making functional work and bespoke art pieces, she utilizes labor-intensive methods to explore closed-loop systems of materials use and climate-beneficial making practices. Her current body of work focuses on extending the life of precious art-making materials by exploring their application across multiple mediums. She works out of her studio at Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT.