Just Warp It! Work Session
With Ray Taylor
Has your rigid heddle loom been collecting dust? Did you take a beginner class but can’t quite remember how to get started on your next project?
This hands-on refresher is just what you need to get back on the loom with confidence!
In this 3-hour work session limited to eight students, you’ll partner up with a fellow student and work together — guided by rigid heddle mentor, Ray Taylor — to wind and tie on a warp from start to finish. There’s no better way to shake off the rust than by doing, and with a warping partner by your side, you’ll rediscover the rhythm and joy of setting up your loom.
You will head home ready to weave!
NOTE: This work session is only for students with previous experience warping a rigid heddle loom.
If you have never warped a rigid heddle loom, please be on the lookout for upcoming announcements about additional Beginner Rigid Heddle workshops.
What to expect:
- A supportive, relaxed environment for weavers who just need a refresher.
- Paired warping practice with instructor guidance.
- A fully wound and tied-on warp to take home and weave at your leisure.
One lucky student will win a copy of Complete Guide to Rigid Heddle Weaving by Petra Marciniak!
- Skill level Beginner +
- Age appropriate 16+ (minors must have a parent on site)
- Materials fee None
- Students should bring
-Your rigid heddle loom.
-Yarn for your project.
-The pattern you'd like to warp for, along with the heddle size specified in the pattern.
-Your favorite heddle hook
-A loom stand if you use one (optional but welcome!)
-A water bottle and snack to keep you fueled!
Instructor
Ray TaylorRay was born in the rural Catskill region of upstate New York. Early exposure to fiber arts came through his mother’s quilting and sewing, as well as participation in 4-H, where foundational handcraft skills were first cultivated. These interests were rekindled in 2021 after encountering New Mexico’s deeply rooted textile traditions.
Upon joining the Las Arañas Spinners and Weavers Guild, Ray met Myra Chang Thompson, who provided sustained mentorship, private instruction, and encouragement. For his first several years of focused study, Ray worked exclusively on the rigid heddle loom, exploring its structural and expressive range. He studied in workshops with Sedona Rigsby and Liz Gipson, while continuing mentorship with Chang Thompson. His technical and conceptual development has also been informed by the writings of Betty Davenport, Jane Patrick, and Petra Marciniak.
More recently, Ray has expanded his practice to include inkle weaving under Annie MacHale and tapestry study with Sara Goldenberg White. He facilitates a monthly rigid heddle study group, continually pushing the structural possibilities of what is often considered a modest loom. His projects have included wall hangings, rugs, and sabanilla cloth intended for colcha embroidery.
Prior to retirement, Ray’s professional life centered on recruiting, developing, and mentoring talent. Guiding others as they discover weaving—and the satisfaction inherent in disciplined craft—has proven a natural continuation of that work.
