Artisan Craftsmanship: Marshfield School of Weaving
Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in a weaving workshop, taught by Deborah Livingston-Lowe, of Upper Canada Weaving – a kind-hearted, and passionate weaver. This was my very first experience weaving. After my initial pass through the loom, I was hooked!
My two times great-grandfather worked as a ‘tenter’ in Scotland. Hearing stories about his life has always made me fascinated by the vast history of textiles and the people who made them!
Eager to learn more about the art of weaving and specifically traditional Scottish textiles, Deborah introduced me to the Marshfield School of Weaving, in Vermont, USA. I remain forever grateful that she did! After some research and careful planning, I was off to study at this renowned school!
The Marshfield School of Weaving was founded in 1974 by Norman Kennedy, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. With a love for Gaelic song and weaving, he has become a true master in traditional Scottish art forms. The school is home to the largest collection of 18th and 19th Century looms in working condition. I highly recommend visiting the school’s website to get an understanding of the rich history, spectacular instructors and wonderful courses they have to offer.
I was enrolled in the Foundations Course, which is an intensive and hands-on class that teaches you how to set up an antique loom and guides you through centuries-old weaving methods. Whether you’re a seasoned weaver or a newbie like me, there is so much knowledge to gather and many skills to learn. The old barn, itself, where my class was taught, is truly a magical space.
Throughout the five days, I learned how to wind the warp, beam the warp onto the loom, draw-in by threading the heddles, sley the reed, build a counterbalance shedding mechanism, tie onto the cloth beam, attach the treadles, and of course, weave on an 18th Century loom!
I chose to weave the traditional Scottish wedding throw. My maternal Dutch background and love for Delft blue ceramics inspired me to weave my blanket using ivory and cobalt wool. On the second to last day, I wove for nearly ten hours to put me in a good position to finish the next day.
On the final day, my class was able to visit the ‘Fleece to Fulling’ class at the school’s second barn location. It was an eye-opening experience to view this process! Yet another wonderful course Marshfield has to offer!
One of the more experienced weavers in our class made the full sized traditional Scottish blankets, which provided us the extraordinarily special experience to “waulk” after soaking. I have always dreamed of taking part in a waulking song and got quite emotional once it began. Getting to learn alongside a group of incredibly talented people from around world, who share a love and passion for preserving traditional techniques was so beautiful.
After five days at the Marshfield School of Weaving, I gained a wealth of knowledge from the incredible instructors, made many new weaving friends, felt history running through my fingertips and wove a traditional Scottish wedding throw! An incredibly fulfilling experience all around!
Thank you Norman, Kate, Justin, Dosia, Jesse and Deborah.
See you again soon, Marshfield!
About Author
Annie Colquhoun
Hiya, I'm Annie Pickle! Born and raised in a small town in Ontario, Canada. I am passionate about coffee, art, collecting vintage pieces, learning old-world skills and all things handmade. You can find me on Instagram: @anniepickleLeave a comment
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4 Comments
Kathleen Walsh
This is marvelous. I am writing a book and one of the characters is a young weaver. She is 16, comes to Chicago from Virginia to study, and work. For the life of me, I still cannot understand the basics of threading a loom, preparing enough cloth for 3 small chair seats. (long story why that is the goal) Have spoken with Weavers, read many books but I have not been able to take actual classes. Again discovering how much of a hands-on learner I am! The story is wonderful and the photos, so helpful. Best wishes for continuing this amazing journey!
Jane Weisbaum
I Will read your book the minute it is available. When I was young, my mom was a weaver. We had a small house in Silver Spring MD – right outside DC. Mom had a large loom in the living room, and several small, table top looms. Mom “taught” my sister and me how to weave, as much as one can teach 3 and 4 year old children! One of us would press certain pedals on the floor, usually me, the younger sister, and the other would through the shuttle through the opening in made in, what was it? The warp? Then I would press other pedals and the shuttle was sent back through the new opening. Mom made beautiful things, wall hangings, fabric. Late into the night, we could hear her at it in the living room: Woosh! , then BAM BAM, as she packed the yard just thrown into place. I used to have a little dress she made when my sister was a baby, made from cloth woven by mom. Somehow lost with time. Sadly, Mom suffered from terrible depression, and it took her creativity. Before that, she was part of a group called The Seven Weavers. If you ever learn of this group in the Washington DC area, I would love to know. I am 63, but one day, maybe when I finally retire, I would like to at least dabble in weaving. My very best wishes to you in your adventure! I’ll be watching for your book.
Kathleen Smith
What a great experience. Congratulations.
Annie Colquhoun
Thank you very much Kathleen!