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.
Continuing Education
403.556.4740
1.800.661.6537
coned@oldscollege.ca
What will you learn?
Levels 1 through 4 includes 4 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.
Delivery: Olds Campus
Length of Program: Varies per Level
Course Dates: June 18-22, 2023
Costs & Fees/Level: Tuition: $655 & Materials: $65 + GST
Registration opens on March 1, 2023: Registrations are taken through Olds College and are most easily processed online through the link to the right, 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 their own loom, and the supplies noted in their course's supply list, outlined below. Each level has a different supply list, outlined below. In addition to the supply lists for each individual should bring a 1" binder.
There are a number 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 loom specifications.
Note: Olds College does not promote or endorse the purchase of a specific brand or type of weaving loom.
Course Details
Master Weaver Level 1
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
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
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
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:
- Fundamentals of Design
- Colour in Weaving
- Implementing Design in Weaving
- Colour & Weave, Texture, Stripes & Checks, Plaids & Tartans
- History of Flat Woven Textiles
- 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
