The purpose of the Master Weaver exercise is to allow the handweaver to demonstrate an ability to create independently with no assistance from anyone. The work must show originality and excellence in design, color, and structure. It must be perfect in technique and outstanding in every way.

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I. Weaving requirements

• A.  Weave a sample gamp of Color and Weave effects showing patterns based on interlacement of dark and light threads. Thread 5 variations side by side, using contrasting threads to separate them. Weave "as drawn in." Include a complete color and weave draft for all the treadlings.

  1. Weave a finished article using one of these Color and Weave patterns.

• B.  Design and weave a two or three panel finished article. The minimum size is 40" by 40". Examples include a tablecloth, a coverlet and a blanket.

  • The weave structure of this article must be either Overshot or Summer and Winter.

  • The panels are to be sewn together by hand, matching blocks.

• C.  Design on paper a Damask table runner.

  1.  a-b  Show the draft and drawdown. Also include a profile draft and its drawdown.

  2. Weave a finished article, minimum width 12", using the draft you have developed on paper.

• D.  1-6  Weave 6 different rug samples on one or more warps. Samples should be no less than 10" in width and approximately 10" in length. Include both flat and pile weaves. Use at least two different fringe finishes.

• E.  Weave 3 finished articles of Double Weave, each finished warp to be no less than 15" wide and each finished length to be no less than 15" long, as follows

  1. Double-width fabric in any color or texture

  2. An original design in Finn Weave

  3. Stitched Double Weave

• F.  Weave a tapestry from an original design using curves, diagonals, and straight lines. Minimum size is 100 square inches. The tapestry should be ready for hanging. Include cartoon or design in notebook.

• G.  Weave a finished article using a supplementary warp.

 

II. Originality Requirements

• Design, weave, and submit 5 different finished articles. All must be of original design. The minimum size is 15" by 15". One article is to be woven in each of 5 of the following. Use a variety of yarns, from fine to coarse. Use yarn of 5 different grists. The yarn used as weft should be the same as that used for warp.

  • A:  All wool

  • B:  All singles linen

  • C:  All plied linen

  • D:  All cotton

  • E:  All silk

  • F:  A combination of any yarns

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III.Technical Requirements

• A.  Textile analysis - Submit a complete draft sheet for the 8-shaft sample given to you for analysis. Write to the Ratings Chairperson requesting the sample.

• B.  Color exercise

  1. Using an article from nature and information on color you have learned in the ratings, interpret the object using at least 6 hues, shades, or tints. Weave a finished article of your choice in a weave structure of your choice. Include the object from nature or a colored print of it in your notebook.

  2. Present a short explanation of the following color harmonies and assemble two examples of each, using fabric or yarn, one example using pure hues and the other example using combinations of tints and shades:

     • Monochromatic

     • Analogous

     • Complementary

     • Split complementary

     • Triad

• C.  Submit a notebook containing information about each article. See Submission Guidelines