Past Workshops

PHG is excited to host Stacy Schlutsmeyer as she leads students through an exploration of the mechanics of tablet weaving.

In this class we will focus on several related techniques that all have a single pattern thread in each card. We will explore the basic principles of tablet weaving as we work through a series of exercises that will take us from simple diagonal lines, then to the geometric 4×4, and its cousin, Coptic diamonds. Finally, we will tackle Sulawesi, which offers the potential for elaborate and elegant designs. While this class is designed for beginners, it is suitable for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the mechanics of tablet weaving.

The process of creating textiles brings Stacy joy. Of all the fiber arts she’s done, tablet weaving has captured her heart with the complex possibilities that arise from very simple tools.  She has been a teacher in one form or another for most of her life, and she loves the way a student lights up when a new concept clicks. She aspires in her teaching to make tablet weaving comprehensible and fun. She has taught at the ANWG Conference, Red Alder, and the Seattle Weaver’s Guild.

DATE: Friday – Sunday, February 6-8, 2026. 9am – 4pm

LOCATION: Ruthie’s Weaving Studio. 4701 SE 24th Ave Suite Z, Portland, OR 97202

MATERIALS FEE: $45 to be paid directly to the instructor at the workshop. The instructor will provide yarn and cards for three warps and looms and shuttles for use during the workshop.

WORKSHOP FEE: PHG determines workshop fees on a sliding scale based on the number of participants. Here is a sampling of estimated workshop fees by number of participants:

• 6 – $520
• 12 – $260

As a reminder that while the total cost varies by number of registrations. We have 12 spots available. If we receive more than the minimum registrants, as is typical, and your deposit is higher than the final workshop fee, we will refund you the difference. Conversely, if the workshop fee is higher than the deposit, we will invoice you for the difference. The PHG policy for workshop cancellation is described in the PHG Workshop Policy document posted on the PHG website here: https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/education/workshops/workshop-policy/.

STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: a 1 liter water bottle which will be used to weight the warp, small sharp scissors, pencil and eraser. Please bring warping pegs, if you have them.

The structure of Huck Lace provides a treasure trove of design for weavers. It is a shaft-efficient weave structure where an 8-shaft loom can produce six blocks of pattern; and a 4-shaft loom can produce a myriad of different ways to combine 16 different textures of warp/weft floats with plain weave. 

Through Powerpoint Presentations, weavers will learn how “blocks” or units of huck lace are threaded on four and eight shafts, and how they can be combined to expand design possibilities. Discussions and Design Sessions will focus on converting a profile draft into a threading and treadling plan, and how literally thousands of designs can be created within a single threading by changing the tie-up.  

Participants will use printed Design Pages, Transparent Overlays, and a Huck Lace Template from Neilson’s book … An Exaltation of Blocks … to explore thousands of design possibilities for 6-block Huck Lace. 

The Towel Project will consist of three 4 ½” sections of Huck Lace, each a different color, separated by a one-inch stripe of plain weave. The overall width of the project is 16 ¼” suitable for looms 18” wide or wider. For looms less than 18” wide, the stripes of plain weave are narrower, yielding an overall width of 15 1/3”.

Date: Friday & Saturday, November 14 & 15, 2025.

Location: Multnomah Arts Center (MAC) Gymnasium. 7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219

Level: Advanced beginning to Advanced multi-shaft weavers

This workshop is led by Rosalie Neilson. Rosalie Neilson uses color and geometric design in her weaving and kumihimo braiding. As a designer and teacher, she publishes regularly in weaving and braiding journals and maintains an active teaching schedule throughout the United States, Canada, and England. Her published works include “The Thirty-Seven Interlacements of Hira Kara Gumi,” “The Twenty-Four Interlacements of Edo Yatsu Gumi,” “Kongō Gumi: A Cacophony of Spots—Coils–Zags—Lines,” and a two-volume book on block design “An Exaltation of Blocks”. She is featured in a 2-hour rep weave video by Interweave Press (now owned by
Long Thread Media). www.rosalieneilson.com

Materials Fee: $25 for coil bound handout with envelopes containing Design Pages & Transparencies. To be paid directly to instructor.

PHG determines workshop fees on a sliding scale based on the number of participants. Here is a sampling of estimated workshop fees by number of participants:

• 8 – $310
• 16 – $150

As a reminder that while the total cost varies by number of registrations. We have 16 spots available. If we receive more than the minimum registrants, as is typical, and your deposit is higher than the final workshop fee, we will refund you the difference. Conversely, if the workshop fee is higher than the deposit, we will invoice you for the difference. The PHG policy for workshop cancellation is described in the PHG Workshop Policy document posted on the PHG website here: https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/archive/education/workshops/workshop-policy/.

Participants must bring the following Equipment and Supplies:

• Pre-threaded loom with warp tied-on and spread: ready for weaving
• 4- or 8-shaft loom (ideal width 18” or wider – narrower looms will use a slightly smaller draft. (Drafts will be sent via email prior to workshop)
• 8/2 unmercerized cotton in four different colors
• Warp sett: 18 epi
• 6 or 12 dent reed – 3 ends/dent in 6-dent reed, or alternate 3 – 2 ends in 12-dent reed
• threading and reed hook
• tape measure
• boat shuttle with four different colored bobbins (use the same colors as your warp or you can experiment with other colors of 8/2 cotton from your stash)
• spool winder
• scissors
• tapestry needle
• weights for warp repairs (if knot occurs in warp)
• masking tape
• graph paper – 4 squares per inch (Use commercially printed graph paper … make sure it’s 4 squares per inch. Do not use graph paper printed from Internet … the grid is slightly out of sync with the transparent Huck Lace Template you’ll be receiving).
• pencils and good eraser – may want to have a few colored pencils
• paper for note taking
• (optional) laptop computer if you have Fiberworks weaving software program

Indigo blue has held a significant place in many world civilizations for thousands of years.  This class will explore indigo with multiple techniques that highlight this dye’s natural beauty.  We will make natural indigo vats that are reliable, easy to produce, remain viable for the long term and use environmentally friendly ingredients. An exploration of resist techniques will produce exquisite surface design patterns on both silk and cotton fabrics.  Students will learn care and maintenance of their vats for home use and finish up with a thorough investigation into the mystery that is indigo blue.

This workshop is led by Judilee Fitzhugh. Judilee is a textile artist based in Molalla, Oregon, at her Oakshadow Studio. She specializes in natural dyes and couture sewing and is a Portland Handweavers Guild member. Learn more about Judilee: https://www.judileefitzhugh.com/

This workshop is suitable for beginners; intermediate and advanced students will be able to explore compound patterning. 

A $25 materials fee includes dye and auxiliaries, fabrics and threads will be paid directly to the instructor.

Students may bring 2-4 yards of additional natural fiber fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk, or wool.  All materials should be pre-washed in hot water and dried without fabric softener. Please be advised that students should wear appropriate clothing and shoes, items that you won’t mind potentially being stained with indigo.  Bring a pair of rubber gloves and an apron, as well as a bag or bin to take wet fabrics home.  If you wish to take home a sample of the indigo vat for further exploration, bring a one-gallon container with a tight fitting lid, such as a paint bucket (available at most paint stores).

DATE: Friday, September 12, 2025 through Sunday, September 14. 9am – 4pm

LOCATION: Ruthie’s Weaving Studio. 4701 SE 24th Ave Suite Z, Portland, OR 97202

PHG determines workshop fees on a sliding scale based on the number of participants. Here is a sampling of estimated workshop fees for PHG and WEGO affiliated guild members by number of participants:

• 4 – $570
• 12 – $210

Non-members of PHG or a WEGO affiliated guild will be charged an additional $25. As a reminder that while the total cost varies by number of registrations. We have 12 spots available. If we receive more than the minimum registrants, as is typical, and your deposit is higher than the final workshop fee, we will refund you the difference. Conversely, if the workshop fee is higher than the deposit, we will invoice you for the difference. The PHG policy for workshop cancellation is described in the PHG Workshop Policy document posted on the PHG website here: https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/archive/education/workshops/workshop-policy/.

How to construct and weave a 4-shaft Twill sample blanket and develop original fabrics from the patterns created from it. This workshop is suitable for weavers who wish to create their own designs rather than follow patterns from books. All students must be confident about making warps and threading their own looms.

Janet Phillips will be leading this online workshop from the UK. Learn more about Janet on her website at: Janet Phillips, Hand Weaver, Fabric Designer and Tutor | Janet Phillips, Hand Weaver, Fabric Designer and Tutor (janetphillips-weaving.co.uk)

images supplied by Janet Phillips

All students must have a copy of Janet’s book: Designing Woven Fabrics. Available online through Janet’s website (Designing Woven Fabrics | Buy online | Janet Phillips, Hand Weaver, Fabric Designer and Tutor (janetphillips-weaving.co.uk) as well as through other online retailers.

Session 1: Friday 10 January 2025 – 10am Pacific Time (6pm UK time) – (Between 1.5-2 hours)

• How to construct & weave a 4-shaft, multiple-sectioned sample blanket (Gamp)
• Practical lessons writing out weave structures, constructing threading plans and lifting plans
• Changing the colour of warp ends
• Colour and Weave Effects
• Joining Weaves Together 

Session 2: Sunday 12 January 2025 – 10am Pacific Time (6pm UK time) – (Between 1.5-2 hours) 

• Sett
• Choosing Colour
• Dyeing Techniques
• Designing Stripes
• Fibre and Yarn

Please note that there is no Saturday meeting. Login link and instructions will be sent to registered attendees in January.

Students will need: Janet’s book: Designing Woven Fabric, graph paper, pencil, ruler, colored pencils, half a dozen cones of yarn in different colors, a picture (such as from a magazine) that you like along with colored pencils in matching colors.

Sampling of workshop fees by number of participants:

• 10 – $111
• 15 – $80
• 20 – $59

As a reminder that while the total cost varies by number of registrations. We have 20 spots available. If we receive more than the minimum registrants, as is typical, and your deposit is higher than the final workshop fee, we will refund you the difference. Conversely, if the workshop fee is higher than the deposit, we will invoice you for the difference.

Presented by Dianne Totten

(Image from Dianne Totten’s gallery)

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

(shamelessly stolen from Dianne’s workshop description) This is an on-loom workshop taking fiber in a new direction by creating “crimp cloth.”  Learn to create fabric with permanently crimped designs that hold their memory even when washed. Apply this stash-busting technique to any threading and learn the thought process that will lead to endless possibilities for creating magic cloth. Participants will draft, weave, and crimp their samples in class.  Learn how the fabric can be used for one-size-fits-all garments that flatter any figure, scarves and shawls that won’t slide off your shoulders, and knit-look ribbing for a sweater or jacket collar.  Garment design and sewing tips are included. Advanced beginner and beyond.

(Image from Hawaiian Handweavers Hui)

Location: Multnomah Arts Center Gym

Supplies: Workshop Supplies and Preparation All Here

Materials Fee:

PHG will print out the handout, cost to you TBD

As a reminder that while the total cost looks breathtakingly high, that’s if only 8 people sign up. We have 30(!) spots available, so, in reality, the cost to you will be rather less. If it is more than your deposit, we’ll invoice you.

Workshop fee by number of participants:

• 8 – $405
• 10 – $325
• 14 – $235
• 18 – $180
• 20 – $165

Taught by Amy Belgan

In this intro tapestry class students will learn basic tapestry weaving techniques. Amy will provide copper looms to students to create a sampler piece of techniques. Students should expect to learn how to warp a loom, common tapestry weaving techniques, tips and tricks, as well as finishing techniques. Amy will also provide a list of resources, including videos on all techniques that you will have access to after the class.

Materials Fee: $60, includes loom, warp thread, and 3oz Harrisville Highland yarn. The materials fee will be collected at the start of the workshop. Please pay by cash or checks made out to Amy Belgan.

No tapestry weaving experience required. Maximum number of participants: 14.

Location: Ruthie’s Weaving Studio, 4701 SE 24th Ave, Suite Z, Portland OR 97202.

Supplies List:

• measuring tape 
• masking tape 
• awl
• tapestry needle
• scissors
• A tapestry beater, if you have one
• something dark, like construction paper, to go behind the loom so they can see the warp threads more clearly

Workshop Fee: maximum cost $255, deposit $150

As per our workshop registration and payment policy, you pay a $150 deposit now. The cost is set at the minimum number of registrations (8). As more participants register, the per-person cost for the workshop decreases. The more the merrier!

If the final cost is more than $150, an invoice for the balance will be sent a few weeks before the workshop date.

Please send any questions to: workshops@portlandhandweaversguild.org

Presented by Francisco Bautista

Our very own Francisco Bautista will teach a workshop on Zapotec Rug Weaving!

Here is his website where you can view his work.

Equipment needed:

• The workshop itself requires only 2 shafts; Francisco prefers table looms to floor looms for this workshop.
• Your usual weaving supplies: shuttles (stick? Netting? bobbin? I’ll get clarification), scissors, paper, pencil, measuring tape, bobbin winder

Warping instructions for the loom will follow shortly.

If the workshop fills, the total cost will only be $155. The workshop will cost no more than $235.

This is a 2.5 day workshop.

Materials Cost

$45, includes all the weft yarns needed

Workshop location

The workshop will be held in the classroom at Ruthie’s Weaving Studio.  We are welcome to use the kitchenette (with electric kettle, microwave, and refrigerator).

Please keep all food and drink in the eating area or the classroom.  No food or drink is allowed out on the weaving floor.

Also, please be respectful of the weavers at the studio.  It is a big place, please keep your conversations in an inside voice.

Please visit the Ruthie’s website for the map.

Presented by Barbara J Walker

Barbara’s portfolio may be viewed here.

Why confine yourself to only one warp? The use of two or more Warps opens up new and exciting opportunities for adding pattern to cloth. This three-day, round-robin workshop for intermediate and advanced weavers covers turned drafts and a wide range of supplementary warp applications that prove two warps are definitely better than one. After learning to dress a loom with more than one warp, you will explore many patterning techniques, most of which require only one shuttle.

This is a round-robin workshop.

This workshop is geared to the intermediate to advanced; students must have email access.
Maximum number of students: 16

Materials fee: $20; payable at the workshop.

Registration deadline: September 29, 2023.

There is a hard deadline signup for this workshop, due to the work the instructor must put in beforehand.

As per our workshop registration and payment policy, you pay a $220 deposit now. The cost is set at the minimum number of registrations (8). As more participants register, the per-person cost for the workshop decreases. The more the merrier!

Please send any questions to: workshops@portlandhandweaversguild.org

Supply list:

• 8-shaft loom;
• 10, 12, or 15 dent reed;
• raddle;
• two sets of lease sticks;
• sandwich bags (without sandwich);
• two warp apron rods,
• two C-clamps, and
• weights for the second warp, or a loom with two warp beams;
• shuttles;
• bobbin winder;
• appropriate yarns for assigned sample; colored pencils;
  graph paper;
• magnifying or pick glass;
• patience.

This workshop will be presented by John Mullarkey, a nationally-recognized tablet weaving instructor. His work has been displayed in the Missouri History Museum, and garments using his card woven bands have been featured in international fashion shows.  His designs are featured frequently in Handwoven.  John is the primary author of “A Tablet Weaver’s Pattern Book,” and has produced two DVDs for Interweave Press: “Tablet Weaving Made Easy” and “Double-Faced Tablet Weaving”. He is the developer of the Schacht Zoom Loom.

Ram’s Horn is a popular beginner’s pattern that has lots of variations within. Learn how to read a draft, setup the cards, and weave this beautiful pattern. With a few changes to turning, learn several of the variations to the Ram’s Horn pattern like Ivy and Running Dog. No previous tablet weaving experience required.

Materials Fee: $2 includes documentation
Participants Min/Max: 4/18
Skill Level: Beginner, No weaving experience required.
Supplies: Inkle style loom, 20 4-hole cards, belt shuttle, scissors, three balls or cones of 10/2 mercerized or unmercerized cotton or #10 crochet thread in three different colors. At least ½ ounce of each. 2 pill bottles filled with approximately 5oz each (pennies, washers, weights).

Workshop Cost: at most, the workshop cost will be $175.  The more participants, the lower the cost.  At full workshop participation (18), the workshop cost will be $75.

This workshop will be presented by John Mullarkey, a nationally-recognized tablet weaving instructor. His work has been displayed in the Missouri History Museum, and garments using his card woven bands have been featured in international fashion shows.  His designs are featured frequently in Handwoven.  John is the primary author of “A Tablet Weaver’s Pattern Book,” and has produced two DVDs for Interweave Press: “Tablet Weaving Made Easy” and “Double-Faced Tablet Weaving”. He is the developer of the Schacht Zoom Loom.

Come learn a tablet weaving technique from Indonesia! Bands created on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia have beautiful patternwork and color interactions. Similar in structure to a double-faced weave, but similar in pattern to diagonal weaves, this technique will definitely keep your interest. We will cover how to weave these patterns, and how to design your own.

Materials Fee: $2 includes documentation
Participants Min/Max: 8/18
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate. Some experience with tablet weaving preferred.
Supplies: Inkle style loom, 20 4-hole cards, belt shuttle, scissors, three balls or cones of 10/2 mercerized or unmercerized cotton or #10 crochet thread in three different colors. At least ½ ounce of each.

Workshop Cost: at most, the workshop cost will be $175.  The more participants, the lower the cost.  At full workshop participation (18), the workshop cost will be $75.

Participants who are not members of a WEGO-affiliated guild will be separately assessed an additional $25.

This workshop will be presented by John Mullarkey, a nationally-recognized tablet weaving instructor. His work has been displayed in the Missouri History Museum, and garments using his card woven bands have been featured in international fashion shows.  His designs are featured frequently in Handwoven.  John is the primary author of “A Tablet Weaver’s Pattern Book,” and has produced two DVDs for Interweave Press: “Tablet Weaving Made Easy” and “Double-Faced Tablet Weaving”. He is the developer of the Schacht Zoom Loom.

Ever been curious about weaving? Why not start with weaving bands with cards? Using simple tools, we’ll start weaving a band that can be used as a lanyard, lace, or bracelet. We will begin with a discussion on how to read and design tablet weaving drafts. Then we will proceed to setting up the cards, weaving the band, and end with a discussion of finishing techniques. Along the way, we will focus on avoiding common pitfalls and sharing tips and tricks for weaving perfect bands. For those interested in learning how to tablet weave.

Materials Fee: $2 includes documentation
Participants Min/Max: 8/18

Skill Level: Beginner, No weaving experience required.
Supplies: Inkle style loom, 20 4-hole cards, belt shuttle, scissors, three balls or cones of 10/2 mercerized or unmercerized cotton or #10 crochet thread in three different colors. At least ½ ounce of each.

Workshop Cost: at most, the workshop cost will be $175.  The more participants, the lower the cost.  At full workshop participation (18), the workshop cost will be $75.

This workshop is presented by Debby Greenlaw, via Zoom, January 13-15, 2023.

Debby is the author of two books on Krokbragd, and teaches workshops both in-person and virtually.

Weavers worldwide delight in the charming motifs of the Norwegian technique known as krokbragd. Journey into the history, structure, and design of traditional three-shaft krokbragd. Gain detailed instruction on the basics of krokbragd weaving, yarn and color selection, patterns and drafts, weaving tips, and finishing techniques. Each student will then design and weave their own unique sampler. Weaving experience and ability to wind and warp a loom independently are required.

This workshop is open to both shaft loom and rigid heddle loom weavers.

The workshop will start at 9am, and have morning and afternoon Zoom sessions of 2-1/2 to 3 hours each. Workshop sessions will be recorded, in the event that you want to go back and review, or perhaps had to step away.

Participants will warp their looms at the workshop, and will have collected all the necessary supplies and equipment.

Workshop cost: The pricing scheme is payment of the deposit ($110), and also the final cost if the workshop fills. If the workshop does NOT fill by some reasonable time before it starts, you will receive an invoice for the balance. In any case, the maximum cost for the workshop would be $255.

Materials cost: none

Workshop equipment:

Loom, either a shaft loom or a rigid heddle loom

Shuttles

further list TBD