Unprecedented

These are unprecedented times.  There is uncertainty and panic.  Students want to know when their classes will run and what they need to do to be prepared.

So I am posting a synopsis here for future reference.  I have posted this info piecemeal so many places, and people still keep asking, so obviously it is time to put it all in one place.

Level One

Covers Wool as the fibre.  Weave structures are plain weave, twill and twill variations.  Value and Hue  If you take level one from me, you get a big chunk of ergonomics and efficiency.  Reading drafts.

If students are interested in taking level one, focus on your processes and practice your physical skills - getting the loom dressed, shuttle handling, working on consistent beat.

Level Two

Covers cotton as the fibre.  Weave structures are twill and twill variations, overshot and double weave.  Colour wheels in saturated hues.  Backstrap weaving (or if taking from me, other body tensioned types of looms)

If students are interested in taking level two, work on physical skills - consistent beat, selvedges.  (This is an on-going focus because as different yarns are used, how they will be woven may change.)

Level Three

Fibres are silk and linen.  Weave structures are unit weaves, profile drafting, weaving software, colour and weave effects.  Understanding profile drafts and how to convert them into weave structures - once you understand how that works, the actual weave structure used doesn't matter so much so long as you understand how THAT weave structure works.

Students interested in taking level three should make sure they understand profile drafting and understand how silk and linen are the same and how they are different from each other and wool and cotton.

Level Four

The focus is on design principles.  Colour and weave effects, design tools, how they apply to weaving.

Students interested in taking level four should come prepared to explore those design principles and apply them to the cloth they want to make.



I understand the disappointment of students who assumed they would be able to get their next level this year.  Believe me, I was looking forward to teaching!

But these are unprecedented times.  That doesn't mean students can't continue their studies on their own.  Most cohorts have Facebook groups to stay in touch.  I would hope that they are acting as support groups for each other, encouraging each other, helping everyone keep their spirits up as much as possible given the times we are experiencing.

While Olds Fibre Week has been cancelled for this year, Level two and four are scheduled for Cape Breton in September.  As things progress I will try to keep everyone informed.  But I am trying to communicate to too many groups and information is falling through the cracks.  So I urge students to follow this blog.  Use the OldsCovid label for updates.  And please, pass information to YOUR group as it comes available.  I will also attempt to post updates to the Ravelry group for Olds that I moderate.

It is time for everyone to step up and help each other.  We are community.  We are family.  Let's help each other get through this.  I cannot be repeating the same information over and over again.  There are too many groups and I am losing track of who wants what, where.