The Crown Province of Østgarðr invites you to join us for a weeknight crafting workshop to explore pre-modern skills in a hands-on setting.

On Thursday, March, 16, at 7 PM we’ll gather at a home on the Upper West Side, at 255 W 105th Street, Apt 21. (Northwest corner of Broadway, above the Ellington Restaurant, two blocks from the #1 train at 103rd St.) This month’s activity is a make-and-take weaving workshop:

Weaving Writ Large: Using twentieth-century sock-loop potholder looms as swatching tools to explore the weaving structures found in pre-modern historical fabrics.

The study of weaving presents us with a blizzard of terminology used to describe weaving structures, and when we look at examples of woven fabric, the small scale of the threads can make it difficult to see how they’re interlaced. But by weaving jumbo fibers on a small peg loom, we can produce giant-scale swatches that replicate the structure of fabrics produced in the pre-historic, classical and medieval periods, allowing us to more clearly see and understand the differences produced by various tabby and twill patterns.

We’ll examine samples, look at the weaving charts used to produce them, and then everyone will have an opportunity to use those techniques to weave 7″ or 10″ potholders of your own to take home, using the same stretchy loops and metal peg looms you might have played with as children.

The venue requires masking. There will be an open window and an air filter running. A passenger elevator is available to reach the second floor.

The session is expected to last for about two hours. Some folks may choose to go to dinner in the neighborhood afterwards.

This event is free. All are welcome to join us. No Society membership or previous experience required. Modern attire; come as you are. Feel free to RSVP or just show up.

The photograph below shows some of the samples to be discussed. Top Row: 3/1 ribbed twill; 2/1 twill; 3/1 broken twill. Center: 2/2 houndstooth twill; 2/2 broken chevron twill; 2/2 chevron twill; 2/2 diamond twill. Bottom: plain weave with doubled warp; gauze; 3/3 twill.

Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to ensure the health and safety of our event participants, we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during in-person events. By participating in the in-person events of the SCA, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks. You agree to take any additional steps to protect your own health and safety and those under your control as you believe to be necessary.