Weaving Weekend

Weaving is a truly captivating art form that allows the weaver to immerse themselves in a world of creativity, rhythm, and tactile pleasure. As the loom takes shape and the threads intertwine, a symphony of colors, textures, and patterns emerges, bringing a sense of enchantment to the weaver’s fingertips.

Join experienced weaver Tabitha Gilmore-Barnes for an introductory tapestry weaving workshop where participants will learn about basic weaving techniques, weaving tools and materials.

The joy of weaving lies in the infinite possibilities it offers. From the selection of materials to the choice of patterns, every decision is an opportunity for self-expression and exploration. Each workshop participant will receive a Harrisville Designs Lap Loom Kit to keep so they can continue their practice at home.

This workshop is suited for kids and adults ages 10 and up.

The Weaving Weekend schedule will be as follows:

Day 1- July 15

-warping the loom

-setting up waste yardage as hem on the loom

-weaving 3 different geometric shapes on the loom that includes interlocking wefts and slit (non-interlocking wefts)

homework:  free design that incorporates geometric shapes, hills, valleys, and circles

Day 2- July 16

-weaving free design using both interlocking wefts and slit techniques

-sewing up slits

-setting up hem

-removing and washing/finishing tips

About teaching artist, Tabitha Gilmore-Barnes:

Since 1980, I have been selling handwoven textiles for the wardrobe and home for Tabitha Gilmore-Barnes Studio under the tag line “BRING HOME THE COLORS OF THE CATSKILLS” ™. However, 2016-2017 marks my transition to weaving tapestries (‘drawing in wool’) and participation in regional and local exhibits. 

These tapestries are inspired by two sources: studio views of the Catskills here in Delaware County, NY, and Scripture words and images. The Catskills inspired tapestries highlight the open skies of towering cumulus clouds, the ranges of seasonal colors seen in the garden, and local streams. The Biblically inspired tapestries focus on key words, woven in the calligraphic Hebrew alphabet, or Latin and Greek; the symbolic colors and imagery aim to encourage and reinforce the viewer’s understanding of Scripture. Color is an important component in these tapestries, hence I handle dyeing and spinning locally accessed wool to provide variety in coloring and yarn thickness.

I attended SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology as an evening student in the Textile & Surface Design Program during the mid 1970s. In the early 1990s I took a tapestry workshop at the Center for Tapestry Arts (now defunct) in New York City, and completed my B.S. Art Education at SUNY New Paltz in 1995. Upon joining the American Tapestry Alliance in 2017, I expanded my tapestry weaving skills through ATA’s Mentor Program with Margaret Jones and online classes with Rebecca Mezoff.

For Gallery Photos, detailed Resume, and scheduling a Studio Visit, please visit: https:.//tabithagilmore-barnesstudio.com

Memberships:

American Tapestry Alliance, since 2017
AMR Artists, Inc, since 2012
Catskill Mountain Artisans Guild, 2007-2022
Catskilled Crafters, since 2018