A Weaving Class with Maryanne Moodie at Etsy

I am lucky enough to work in a field where I get to be creative everyday. But after a while, designing graphics solely on the computer gets a bit boring and I crave using my hands and applying my creativity to a different medium. So when Etsy HQ invited me to attend a an exclusive weaving class with acclaimed weaver Maryanne Moodie, I couldn’t wait to learn a new skill!

Maryanne is a New York-based textile artist who has has built a devoted following on Instagram. She divides her time between designing and creating woven wall hangings, creating weaving kits and teaching sold-out workshops across the world.

Etsy HQ was as adorable as expected and I started the day with a delicious breakfast spread featuring cold pressed juice, vegetarian bagels and baked goods.

We each received a beginner’s weaving kit which featured a hand made loom, instructional booklet, yarn needle, weaving scissors, warping thread and yarn all houses in a cute calico bag. During the class we learnt the essentials of woven tapestry and started creating our own wall hangings.

Our first step was to set up the warp, which is the set of lengthwise yarns that are held in tension on the loom.

Once the warp was finished, we could start weaving. There is something incredibly calming and therapeutic about the constant under, over, under, over that you do in weaving. These purple rows are called basic Tabby Weave.

Maryanne taught us a few different techniques in addition to the Tabby Weave, including Rya Knots (the long, shaggy tails at the bottom of the hanging) and creating shapes! I had a lot of fun combining contrasting colours, thickness and texture of yarn. The sky is the limit!

Crafting queen Cintia from My Poppet and another student showing off their Rya knots.

The class eagerly watching Maryanne at work.

A big thanks to Etsy and Maryanne for a wonderful day. Maryanne was so friendly, patient and helpful and her passion for weaving was infectious. I can’t wait to finish off my wall hanging and show you the end product!

Maryanne runs a series of weaving workshops from her NYC studio, and occasionally overseas too. You can also buy weaving kits and custom wall hangings from her Etsy store!

Have you learnt any hobbies lately?