2026 Workshop: Jan Friedman set to present Exercises in Color Blending
This three-day workshop, February 11, 12 & 13, will concentrate on teaching you how to weave slow color gradations using color groupings. This approach is effective not only in tapestry but also in rugs, table linens, and garments. It is possible to achieve wonderfully rich colors by combining numerous thin yarns of varying shades. By choosing different fibers, such as rayon, wool, cotton, silk, and metallic yarn, you also can add subtle textural interest to your work. Further textural effects will be explored by working with dyed silk and cotton fabric strips. Simple tapestry techniques will be used, making this workshop accessible to beginners; intermediate and advanced students are also welcome.
There will be prepackaged yarns and fabric strips for immediate experimentation. A variety of woven samples will be available in which color blending is used in the warp as well as the weft. Images of my work employing this technique will be shown.
Participants should come with looms threaded at 6 epi: straight draw, 10″ wide, 2 yd. warp of natural carpet warp or cotton seine twine (12/6 0r 12/9).
Materials fee is $48 (includes 1 bag of yarn gradations. 1 small bag of contrast colors, and silk fabric strips).
Maximum number of participants: 15.
Fiber artist Jan Friedman has been weaving since 1974. She received her M.A. in Textile Design at the University of Iowa in 1980. Jan has conducted workshops in weaving, color, and dyeing for craft guilds throughout the United States, as well as at Penland Schol of Crafts, Convergence, and MW, SW, NE, and NW Weavers’ Conferences. She lives in Iowa City and maintains a studio at home. Jan’s tapestries, framed pieces, and painted warp weavings have been featured in invitational exhibits and national craft shows. Her work has also been commissioned for public spaces and private collections.
Past Workshops:
2025 – Designing Colorful Fabrics with Kathrin Weber
2024 -Compose and Combine Handwoven Fabric with Liz Spear
2023 – Lace Weaves and the Rainbow Connection with Robyn Spady
2022 – Weaving with Supplemental Warps – Deb Essen
2021 – One Warp, Many Structures – Denise Kovnat
2020 – Swedish Pattern Weaves – Joanne Hall
2019 – Double Weave – Jennifer Moore