Basketmaking, chair seating and willow work

Textile basketry – twining and looping using moulds with Mary Crabb

Ref: SWE08889

Beginners/Intermediate

£269.00
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About this course

Learn techniques of twining and simple looping, making a connection with basketry and textiles. Work around simple moulds to make samples using both techniques and achieve an understanding of how to create woven structures, using a range of fine flexible materials.

Course Description

The focus of the making will be working around a mould, which either becomes part of the finished piece or is removed to leave a hollow form.

Twining requires the weaving of an active element around a passive warp. The weaving is worked in the hands with the use of a few simple tools. Looped stuctures are formed using loops with either the fingers or a needle. The resulting fabric can be either tightly worked and therefore firm or loosely worked and more fluid.

Working around simple moulds, samples will be worked using both techniques. You will be encouraged to work with a range of different fine flexible materials, all of which will have their own qualities. This will provide a variety of results when moulds are removed. Some of the moulds will be incorporated into the piece, meaning that the work almost covers the mould, for example working around a pebble.

Mary will demonstrate techniques, provide visual notes and offer individual support to enable you to create your own decorative pieces.

By the end of the course you should be confident with the basics of the technique of twining and simple looping. Also have an understanding of how to work around different forms to create a woven structure. The course will highlight the differences in materials and their characteristcs.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • The course fee includes the cost of providing materials shared amongst the group; including thread, wools, string, paper yarns, twine and cords, in a selection of colours and textures
  • Tools will be available on loan if required.

What students need to bring

  • A notebook or sketch book for recording any additional information
  • A camera may also be useful for recording
  • Scissors, a pair suitable for cutting string and twine, and a finer pair for threads, any large eyed needles you have
  • Please wear covered shoes in the workshop.
  • Any examples/images of twined or looped structures would be useful

Available to buy

  • A selection of needles.
  • String - office string and upholstery twine
  • Garden twine - some may be available in the West Dean Garden shop

Tutors

Mary Crabb

Mary Crabb is an award-winning contemporary basketmaker. Having originally worked in willow, Mary now works with fine flexible materials, both natural and man-made, to create small, detailed and decorative woven forms exploring the connection between basketry and textiles.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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