Classes and Workshops

Creative Overshot Workshop with Bobbie Irwin

October 14 & 15, 2025

Tuesday, October 14 – Load in starting at 8:00 am; class runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Wednesday, October 15 – Class runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; load out following

Tuition Cost – $120 for both days and includes the $5 fee for an extensive handout.  Checks payable to San Juan Weavers Guild and sent to Mona de Alva, 177 Nimbus Dr, Telluride, CO  81435

Location – Montrose DMEA at 11925 6300 Road, Montrose, CO 81401 (Ask for written directions if needed.)

Please bring your own snacks, lunch and beverages.  The DMEA has a Keurig (some k-cups will be provided), hot water dispenser and refrigerator that we can use.

Contact Mona de Alva at 970-729-2385 if you are interested in attending or have any questions.

Materials are not included.  Please see below for information regarding yarns.  The tables at DMEA are narrow and geared towards conferences.  If you have your own loom stand or a folding table, you may wish to bring it.  Please make sure your loom is in good working order, is warped and ready to weave when you arrive!

Overshot can be much more than just a traditional coverlet weave!  Explore some of the exciting pattern possibilities using traditional and lesser-known adaptations, including interesting yarn and color variations.  We’ll also investigate other weaves and imitations possible on an overshot threading.

No prior experience with overshot is needed.  Work at your own pace to learn how to alter patterns and design your own.

This workshop requires a prewarped 4-shaft loom capable of weaving at least 10″ wide.  Participants should have a basic knowledge of 4-shaft weaving.  Some familiarity reading threading and treadling drafts is recommended.  You’ll need two shuttles (a couple of the optional samples require a third shuttle).

You will weave an extensive sampler on your own loom using white or natural 5/2 pearl cotton for warp and tabby weft, plus a second, darker color of 5/2 cotton weft for some of the variations.  You’ll need a heavier yarn such as wool for pattern weft (sometimes also used for tabby), preferably in the same two colors.  At times, we’ll switch the roles of the light and dark yarns of both colors.  A couple of the optional samples will require a third pattern color as well

More detailed information on yarns and amounts will be provided along with the threading draft in advance of the workshop.  There is a $5 materials fee for an extensive handout that includes instructions for both the recommended and optional samples.