Block Weaves in Rugs
- Jason Collingwood

Four-end block weave (taquete), is an extremely versatile structure for rug weaving, offering numerous design possibilities. With the use of various techniques, students will unlock the vast potential this weave offers. Since the threading allows for plain weave, it means the students can also explore the structure known as summer and winter in this class, opening up a whole new range of design options. Shaft-switching will be fully explained, and students will adapt their workshop looms to experiment with this exciting technique. Jason will demonstrate Shaft-switching on the Harrisville rug loom and discuss the possibilities. The rug loom will be available for students to work on if they wish. Students should have some experience weaving rugs and understand basic weave structures, as well as know how to warp and weave on a floor loom.

JASON COLLINGWOOD set up his own full-time weaving workshop in 1987 after having learned rug weaving in his father's studio, where he has worked since 1982. Over the years he has supported himself through weaving, with just a little help from his part-time job as a fireman in the English village of Colchester where he lives. Jason has exhibited and sold his work in many shows in Europe and the USA. In 1996 he was chosen to be a member of the elite British Crafts Council Index of Selected Makers'. Only a small group of people are chosen for this honor each year. Jason has added teaching to his itinerary, since he now spends several months a year training rug weavers in the USA, Canada and Switzerland.