Workshops

Below are the workshops I'm currently teaching.  I’m always developing new curricula, so if you’d like me to teach something that you don’t see below, please ask.  —Syne

Basics of Rigid-Heddle Weaving

Curious about weaving?  Come learn how to weave on the fun and easy-to-use rigid-heddle loom!  Using beautiful hand-painted yarn, we will warp the looms using the super-easy direct peg method of warping.  Rigid-heddle weaving is fast; you should be able to warp and weave off your scarf in one day!

Beyond Plain Weave: Lace and Patterns on the Rigid-Heddle Loom

Love your portable and easy-to-use rigid-heddle loom?  Want to weave exciting and fun new structures on it?  In this hands-on, workshop we will explore innovative ways to use a rigid-heddle loom.  Topics covered include: lace weaves, textures and patterns (as popularized by Betty Davenport), supplemental warps and wefts, and color-and-weave.

Double-Heddle Bookmarks on the Rigid Heddle Loom

Weaving with two heddles on a rigid-heddle loom opens up new possibilities!  Using 10/2 Tencel yarn and two heddles, students will weave fine cloth (24 ends per inch) on a rigid-heddle loom.  They will also have three options for playing with color-and-weave effects in the cloth (easy, intermediate, and advanced) while creating beautiful gem-like bookmarks.  This class is great for weaving quick holiday presents.

Woven Shibori on the Rigid Heddle Loom

Shibori is a beautiful and organic tie-dye technique.  Come learn how you can use a rigid-heddle loom to easily insert “stitches” into the cloth as you weave.  Once the scarves are woven, we will pull the threads to create a resist and then over dye the scarf to create richly textured designs. 

eTextiles for Knitters and Weavers

Learn how to design textiles that light up, sense temperature, play sounds, and more!  Imagine a sweater that glitters with a hundred LED stars, socks that count how many steps you take, a scarf that tells you how cold it is outside, laptop bags that announce when you’re in a wifi zone, etc.  Modern eTextile technology makes creating this sort of interactive garment easy, attractive, and fun!

Students will learn the basics of eTextiles by either knitting or weaving LEDs and a battery into a scarf.  We’ll discuss additional ideas and examples while you work.

Note: No previous electronics experience necessary.  (If you can read a knitting pattern or a weaving draft, you’re more than qualified to take this class.)

Weaving with Handspun on the Rigid Heddle Loom

Rigid-Heddle looms are ideal for weaving handspun!  Their plastic heddles and lower weaving tension are gentler on handspun, and handspun shines in the simple fabrics rigid-heddle looms create.  Syne Mitchell is both a spinner and weaver and talks from both sides of the loom: how to spin yarns suitable for weaving, and how to weave with handspun yarns, whether plied or singles.  Bring your piles of handspun and your heddles and in class we’ll plan a project (figuring out yardage needs and sett) and start weaving.  Other topics covered: sizing, managing energetic yarns, wet-finishing ,and more!

Clothing from the Rigid Heddle Loom (co-taught with Selah Barling)

Learn to create flattering and fun garments from fabric woven on a rigid-heddle loom.  Size does not matter!  Fabric can be only 6 inches wide and still be useful.  Bring your handwoven cloth and ideas, and professional tailor Selah Barling, and weaving instructor Syne Mitchell will help you create a top or jacket that you’ll be proud to wear.

How to Hire Syne

I enjoy teaching and meeting weavers around the country.  If you’re interested in having me teach at your guild or conference, please use the Contact Page and select “Teaching Inquiry”.