8-Week Series

Date: Thursdays – July 16 – September 10, (no class meeting on August 13)

Time: 6pm-9pm

Description: Natural fibers connect us all – from our ancestral weavers to local history and landscapes, and from the global economy to our contemporary textiles and fiber art. Experiencing the diversity in these fibers in these contexts can inform and grow our weaving practices in the present.

In this 8-week course, experienced and new weavers alike will work together to uncover the roots of four natural fibers – linen, wool, cotton, and silk – and experiment with the diversity of options and techniques for weaving each.

Participants will spend two days with each fiber which will include tactile experiences of the fiber itself from seed to cloth – how it is grown or produced, examining historical evidence for its production into cloth locally and globally, dressing a loom with a portion of a warp of the fiber, and weaving numerous small samples to take home from several varieties, sizes, weave structures, and threadings of each fiber.

Participants will also leave with resources for sourcing fibers both locally and beyond, and with examples of historical and contemporary works by artists in each fiber for inspiration.

No weaving experience is necessary, but is helpful.

If you are new to weaving, you are encouraged to join! You can rest assured that you will be offered the supports you need throughout the weaving process.

Tuition: $295 + $50 materials fee

Materials: All materials will be provided.

Note: We really want you to join us in the studio! Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to offset some of the financial burden of attending a class.

Please fill out the application here! You can expect to hear from someone on the CC staff within 2 weeks.

If you have any questions, email Jamie Boyle, Fibers Program Manager, at jboyle@contemporarycraft.org, or leave a voice message for them at 412-465-1628.

Location: Contemporary Craft, Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201). Note, this workshop will take place in the Fleischner Family Fibers Loft, which is on the second floor of the building.

There are 2 entrances to the Timmons Studios.

• One entrance is facing Butler Street. To access the Fibers Loft from the Butler Street facing entrance, there are a total of 32 stairs to ascend.

• One entrance is facing 57th Street. This entrance is accessible by ramp, with no stairs to ascend. There is a lift inside the building to access the second floor.

If there are accessibility accommodations we can provide, or if there is anything you would like us to know before you arrive, please leave a message for Jamie Boyle at 412-465-1628 or by email jboyle@contemporarycraft.org.

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded through Eventbrite, or you may leave your workshop fee in your Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

About the Artist

Miranda Crotsley has been an educator for over 20 years, by both profession and in her community volunteer work. She’s helped folks of all ages to discover and connect with everything from ancient history to venomous snakes and most things in between . While her weaving journey began more recently, she quickly went from “loom curious” to fully tangled up in loom after attending numerous courses at Contemporary Craft and the Marshfield School of Weaving. Miranda’s approach to weaving — and to teaching — is informed by her love of scientific and historical inquiry: making observations, following curiosity, asking questions, delving into context and language, investigating materials and techniques, crunching the numbers, and sharing findings…and then repeat. She is excited to share her enthusiasm for weaving and to help others explore this endlessly rewarding craft.

Miranda (left) pictured with weavers in the Contemporary Craft Studio!