| Weaving Workshop |
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During Mary's workshop, students will be making multiple tapestry weavings. Tapestry weaving differs from other weaving techniques in that the underlying warp structure does not show. This makes tapestry weaving the closest weaving technique to painting as the colors of the yarns act as the paint, supplying the "picture." Each student will be given a packet that contains a loom, card of string warp and plastic needle. Students begin their weaving by putting string around the loom, warping the loom. The string will provide the basic structure of the weaving. After the loom has been warped, the students pick the colors of yarn they would like to use for their weaving and thread the needle. Mary demonstrates how to weave the yarn over and under on her portable demo loom.
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After the students have mastered simple weaving, Mary introduces them to striping, creating narrow combinations of color, thus adding variety to the students' weavings. By the end of the second class, each student has finished their first weaving. During the third and fourth classes students will continue to create additional weavings. Mary shows them further possibilities for their weaving designs; various geometric patterns, alternating wedges and blocks of colors, initials, and simple figurative designs. With this inspiration, students can then create their own personal designs, limited only by the loom size and the warp sett (the spacing of warp strings). Many students end the fourth class with a smaller weaving that they can use as a bracelet, bookmark or key ring.
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Mary
Dieterich enjoys introducing students to the 9000-year-old tradition of
tapestry weaving. At the beginning of her workshop, she shows students
examples of 10 different weavings. The examples of weavings are from
places such as Chile, Guatemala, Sweden, Thailand and Alaska. In
addition to looking at the beautiful artistry, students find the
countries and regions that the weavings are from on the world map. 
