Chimayo weaving
Begun in the early years of the twentieth century, this style is basically two stripes and a center design. The stripes are clearly derived from the Rio Grande blanket, and the center design is an outgrowth of Saltillo tapestry techniques. Along with a uniform texture obtained by the use of commercial yarn from a standard source, the style was very distinctive. Sizes in the industry became standardized and over the years new products developed. What was still essentially a blanket-weight wool fabric was transformed into warm and durable clothing, purses, pillows, furniture mats, seat covers, couch throws, wall hangings, and one-of-a-kind tapestries. For more information go to: http://www.chimayoweavers.com
Lisa Trujillo, award winning weaver. Lisa and her husband Irvin are the owners of Centinela Traditional Arts in Chimayo, New Mexico. Their weaving has received recognition through articles, awards, museums, galleries and competitions. Their weaving is collected throughout the world, including the Smithsonian.
Lecture on May 2 at 11:00 during the guild meeting:
History of Chimayo Weaving
Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa
Non-Guild Members welcome
Three day workshop on May 3, 4 and 5 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm:
Fundamentals of Chimayo Weaving Workshop.
216 E. School Street, Cotati, CA 94931 (Copeland Room)
Description: The workshop is primarily an introduction to the fundamental techniques of shuttle and tapestry weaving that are necessary to weave in the Chimayo style. The workshop also introduces concepts underlying the logic of Chimayo designing. Minimum 8 participants, Maximum10 participants.
Requirements: portable floor loom or table loom with stable tension, 4 shafts already warped.
3-day workshop for guild members: $215.00 includes fee for Chimayo Weavers Guidebook
3-day workshop for non-guild members: $225.00 includes fee for Chimayo Weavers Guidebook
Cancellation Policy: Refunds will only be made for cancellations if the remaining registration meets the minimum participant requirement for the workshop. Refunds will not be made for workshop costs already incurred at the time of cancellation (such as materials fees).
To register: Fill out and submit the registration form at right. Then submit payment either via the PayPal button or by check.
For more information: contact Jamie Blumenthal at musictherapy@msn.com or 707 695-4145.
Workshop requirements:
- Must be able to warp your loom.
- Maximum Number of Students: 10
Student Materials Fee:
$15 for “A Chimayo Weaver’s Guidebook” which is included in the workshop fee. Additional fees not included are for weft yarn. Lisa, the instructor will bring Clasgens 4-ply yarn to make available for students to purchase at the workshop at $20/lb, but students may use weft yarns from their own supplies as long as they aren’t too thick to create a weft-faced weave on a warp set at 8 EPI. Looms need to be warped and ready to weave prior to workshop. Yarn for warp is not included in workshop fees.
Student Loom Requirements:
Looms need to be able to sustain tension across the width of the warp. Looms with gears to tension the warp are more suitable than cable brakes, and bigger gears are preferable to tiny gears. Floor looms are preferable to table looms, but table and tapestry looms will do fine for workshop purposes. The only looms that are consistently unable to sustain sufficient tension for a weft-faced weave are rigid heddle looms.
Warps are made from J&H Clasgens 2/12 wool warp or an equivalent wool warp. The warp should be 10 to 20 inches wide, set at 8 EPI, and provide at least a yard of weavable warp. Students will finish either one or two pieces during the workshop, depending on how challenging their weaving choices are relative to their current experience/comfort level.
Students Need to Bring: Looms warped and ready to weave on. Each student should have: extra warp for making repairs, a tapestry needle, measuring tape, small sharpie, and two shuttles.