Unleash Your Inner Weaver: Master the Classic Technique of Summer and Winter Weaves
Join Dorothy Tuthill, Cowgirl Yarn's expert weaving instructor and multi-published artist, for the Summer and Winter Weave Towel Hybrid Weaving Class!
This five-session hybrid class will guide you through the intricate process of creating beautiful Summer and Winter Towels, including profile drafting and designing your own profiles. This technique dates back hundreds of years and uses two contrasting wefts to create endless possibilities of double-sided patterns.
What You'll Learn:
For the 2026 towel class, Dorothy has designed a colorful set of towels for you to weave while you explore the versatile technique of summer & winter weave (one of her favorite structures). The towels require a 4- or 6-shaft loom at least 24" wide, and 8/2 cotton yarn. You will also need a 10 dent reed and at least two shuttles. Students are expected to warp their looms independently.
Class will be five hybrid sessions and one in-person celebration and towel exchange; participants can join via Zoom, in-person, or a mix of both.
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Wednesday, Feb. 4, Session one: Dorothy will introduce summer and winter weave, review warping methods, and answer questions in the Fernwood Studio. Participants will leave with all the information they need to translate a profile draft into a S&W threading draft, so they begin threading their looms.
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Wednseday, Feb. 11, Session two: One week after starting the set-up, students will check in on their threading progress. Dorothy will discuss treadling options for S&W (including half blocks). You'll be ready to weave!
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Wednesday, Feb. 25, Session three: Dorothy will show us how to design and use profile drafts—a skill that you will find invaluable when you design your own fabrics. Then we will design profile drafts for treadling one-of-a-kind designs, using all the amazing features of S&W weave. You will also learn some other treadling techniques including taquette and polychrome.
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Wednesday, March 25, Session four: The discussion on profile drafts will continue, and, of course, there are more treadling options to cover--this time pick-up and weaving as lace.
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Wednesday, April 15, Fifth Session: We will wrap up our discussion on profile drafts and learn ways to expand on S&W. Dorothy will walk participants through how to finish their towels for the final exchange.
- Saturday, May 2, Final Session: Bring your finished projects to the Fernwood Studio to show off and exchange 5 of your 6 towels with your fellow participants. Celebrate the completion of this project with wine and snacks!
Note: Out of town participants will need to mail five of their six towels to Cowgirl Yarn to participate in the exchange.
Space in this class is limited to six, independent weaving students. If the class fills up before you're able to register, please contact the store, and we'll add you to the waitlist.
If the class fills up before you're able to register, please get in touch with the store, and we'll add you to the waitlist.
Class Details:
Instructor: Dorothy Tuthill
Dates & Times:
- S1: Weds, Feb. 4th, 5 - 7pm
- S2: Weds, Feb. 11th, 5 - 7pm
- S3: Weds, Feb. 25th, 5 - 7pm
- S4: Weds, March 25th, 5 - 7pm
- S5: Weds, April 15th, 5 - 7pm --S6: Sat, May 2nd, 1 - 3pm (in-person towel exchange and class celebration!)
Investment: $275
Location: Fernwood Studio in the basement of Cowgirl Yarn or via Zoom
Parking: Participants can park for free in the First Interstate Bank parking lot down the street from Cowgirl Yarn during non-banking hours.
Max # of Students: 8 independent students
Pre-Requisites:
This class is intended for the advanced beginner weaver who can warp their loom with some review of techniques in the first session. A device capable of Zoom, including working speakers, microphone, and webcam is required for participating remotely. 4-shaft looms are available to rent from Cowgirl Yarn. This is a MAJOR time commitment to weave six towels in this amount of time! So please plan accordingly!
Homework:
Set time aside in your calendar to weave regularly outside of class times to complete this project on time!
Please Bring to Class:
- Dorothy will be getting us the exact 8/2 yarn yardage at the beginning of 2026. Maysville 8/2 Cotton, Ashford 8/2 Cottlin.
- A 4- or 6-shaft loom at least 24" wide. (Cowgirl Yarn will have 4-shaft floor looms available to use during the class.)
- A Zoom-capable device, including a working microphone, speakers, and web camera if you will be zooming into class.
- Printed Instructions/ pattern draft available at the shop or emailed at the time of registration.
Final Important Notes:
Please read our Class Terms and Conditions and provide a phone number and email when checking out, so we can contact you if needed should a last-minute issue arise.
By signing up for a class or event, you agree to allow Cowgirl Yarn to subscribe you to our email list in order to contact you via email for additional class details.