The Master Weaver Program consists of four progressive levels of classroom and independent study involving skill development, research studies and project assignments. It provides an educational environment in which an individual can acquire the skill to become an independent weaver. Completion of the four levels earns you an Artisan Certificate. For those interested in research, there is a self-directed level 5 study that earns you a Master Weaver Certificate.
For a complete guide to the Weaver Program, please see the the Master Weaver Student Handbook.
Please note students are eligible to enroll in the next level of Master Weaver even if their work from the previous year's level has not been submitted yet. Homework for the higher level will not be marked or grades awarded if the previous level was not successfully completed.
Certification: Certificate
Delivery: Olds Campus
All instructors will be selected from our qualified roster of Master Spinner instructors.
Length of Program:
Course Dates:
Costs & Fees Per Level:
Registrations are taken through Olds College and are most easily processed online, or by phone using a credit card.
Materials fees collected at the time of registration are for fibres, etc supplied by the instructor for use during the class. They are not meant to be of sufficient quantity for homework completion.
5% Canadian Goods and Services Tax will be added to all registrations. For more information, please visit the Canada Revenue Agency's web page on Visitors to Canada.
Required Supplies & Materials: All students are required to bring the supplies noted in their course's supply list. Each level has a different supply list, outlined below.
These studies expand on knowledge and skill gained from working through the coursework and assignments of Level I.
Students are encouraged to bring their own loom and equipment.
Pre/Co-requisite: Master Weaver Level 1.
Course Requirements: A table loom and Level 2 supply list.
The coursework in this level focuses on Block Weaves, Profile Drafting, and Multi-shaft Weaving. The use of linen and silk in weaving, complex looms, and different computer weaving programs will be discussed. Students will be competent to apply the Profile Draft to various weave structures, and execute true unit weave structures, non-unit weave structures, and grouped thread projects. Students will demonstrate understanding and competency of a multi shaft weaving project and demonstrate competency in the use of both linen and silk fibres in an appropriate way.
The use of a multi-shaft loom in class is necessary, check with the host or college regarding rentals if you don't have access to one for this class. Access to an 8 shaft loom for homework, although desirable, is not required.
Pre/Co-requisite: Master Weaver Level 2
Course Requirements: A table loom and Level 3 supply list.
This course requires the student to use all the information learned thus far in the Master Weaver program to develop a personal language utilizing the fundamentals of design and colour as applied to the woven structure. The fundamentals of design will be covered as they relate to the whole, and then in relation to weaving. Colour theory will be covered and then practiced in class. The majority of the classroom work will be in theory and on paper covering competencies in:
Pre-requisite: Master Weaver Level 3
Course Requirements: A table loom and Level 4 supply list.
Master Weaver Level 5 is the capstone course for the Master Weaver Program. Students will plan, develop and present an in-depth weaving research project of their own design. Students will develop a research proposal with their selected project including research objectives, design methods. Once approved, students will demonstrate relevant cultural and historical knowledge of their selected topic, implement their methodology, and assess their project results. A final project report will be required.
Dates: September 23, 2024 - September 23, 2025
There are a small amount of looms available for rent on a first-come basis. Contact the program coordinator for reservations and make your rental payment when you register. View the rental wheel specifications.
Note: Olds College does not promote or endorse the purchase of a specific brand or type of loom.
Please include a copy of the requirements you used when you send your work.
Check with your marker for any special instructions before mailing your work. For Levels 1-3, include a cheque equal to your mailing cost for return postage (payable to the marking instructor).
When shipping workbooks across the Canada/US border, please label them as "Educational materials only. No Value. Will be returned to the USA" and address them to the marker. The best way to avoid any fees and shipping confusion is to use the US/Canadian Postal System, not services like UPS. This will ensure timely, cost effective processing.
Homework must be submitted for marking within 12 months after the class has ended. If the work has not been submitted by this deadline, the student will not receive credit for the course.
An extension to the deadline can be requested by completing the Homework Extension Request Form. This request must be received at least one month before the due date. If granted, the extension will not exceed four months beyond the original completion date. Only one extension date will be allowed per course level.
A processing fee of $75 will be applied for extensions.