Master Weaver Certificate
What can you expect from this program/course?
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.
What will you learn?
Levels 1 through 4 includes 5 consecutive days (30 hours) of a face-to-face workshop, followed by 125-175 hours of independent study on homework assignments. The face-to-face workshops take place annually at Olds College Fibre Week, and the homework assignments are due a year after the workshop is completed. Successful completion of the homework allows students to then enrol in the next level at the next Fibre Week.
Each level builds off skills mastered in the previous level.
- Beginning Weaving: If you have never had any weaving experience, but are interested in exploring the art, we offer a Beginning Weaving workshop during Fibre Week. Please see our Workshops section of Fibre Week for more information.
- Master Weaver Levels 1 through 4: Refer to course details for information on master weaver levels 1 through 4.
Course Details
Master Weaver Level 1 - Confirmed
The foundation class for the Artisan designation of the Master Weaver Program. It provides the basis for an ongoing exploration into weave structures, colour & design, and focuses on refining skills with materials and equipment. In this fast paced and challenging week, students will improve their weaving skills & management of materials, and challenge themselves to become more than “recipe” weavers. Note: classroom will be available in the evenings to weave samples during the week.
Pre-requisite: Basic weaving experience is necessary for this course. If you have never had any weaving experience, but are interested in exploring the art, we offer a Beginning Weaving workshop located during Fibre Week.
Course Requirements: A table loom + Level 1 supply list.
Instructor: Kami Johnson
Master Weaver Level 2 - Confirmed
These studies expand on knowledge and skill gained from working through the coursework and assignments of Level I.
- Tools: the history and use of simple looms
- Structure: expand on plain weave, twill and supplementary weft to explore double weave, twill treadlings and overshot
- Design: colour interaction in the woven structure
- The characteristics of cotton as a material for weaving
- Planning and designing for weaving, including drafting, calculations and finishing considerations
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.
Instructor: Shannon Nelson
Master Weaver Level 3 - Confirmed
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.
Instructor: Velma Hudson
Master Weaver Level 4 - Confirmed
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:
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Fundamentals of Design
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Colour in Weaving
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Implementing Design in Weaving
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Colour & Weave, Texture, Stripes & Checks, Plaids & Tartans
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History of Flat Woven Textiles
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Developing a portfolio
Pre-requisite: Master Weaver Level 3.
Course Requirements: A table loom and Level 4 supply list.
Instructor: Linda Wilson
Master Weaver Level 5
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.
Tuition: $655.00
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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.
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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.
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Refund requests, accompanied by the original course receipt, received at Olds College three (3) full work days prior to the start date of a course will be granted in full, less course specific material fees that have been incurred, non-refundable deposits and an administration fee of 20% of the course tuition or $150, whichever is less. No refunds will be issued less than three (3) full work days prior to the start date of a course. Non-attendance does not constitute notice of withdrawal. In the event that a course is cancelled, registrants will receive a full refund.