Workshop Descriptions
I offer the following workshops to weaving guilds, organizations, and conferences. If you are interested in a variation on one of these courses, please contact me to discuss possibilities. (Note: the photos above are all of student work, taken during one of my workshops.)
3-day workshop “Crimp and Create”
This is an on-loom workshop taking fiber in a new direction by creating “crimp cloth.” Learn to create fabric with permanently crimped designs that hold their memory even when washed. Apply this stash-busting technique to any threading and learn the thought process that will lead to endless possibilities for creating magic cloth. Participants will draft, weave, and crimp their samples in class. Learn how the fabric can be used for one-size-fits-all garments that flatter any figure, scarves and shawls that won’t slide off your shoulders, and knit-look ribbing for a sweater or jacket collar. Garment design and sewing tips are included. Advanced beginner and beyond.
2-day workshop “Crimp and Create”
The two-day workshop is a condensed version of the original workshop. Students will learn the techniques to create crimp cloth. No dyeing involved. Advanced beginner and beyond.
3-day workshop “Sewing With Crimp Cloth”
A sequel to “Crimp and Create,” this workshop focuses on creating and assembling a crimped garment. Participants will bring crimped yardage, with or without an idea of what to make. We’ll share ideas for each individual yardage, give encouragement, and have fun with the design process. Think from elegant to funky, from zippers to bling. With all the tips and tricks of sewing with crimp cloth that will be presented, the goal will be to complete a garment in class. Skill level: can sew a straight line (or close counts!)
2 or 3-day workshop “Design Inlay Rag Rugs and More…”
Learn to add a unique touch to your rag project – whether it is a rug, wall hanging, table runner, or place mats. The first step is creatively piecing together fabric strips to form a fabric block. The block is then cut into weft strips and woven into a plain weave threading. Using fabric paints, paint designs and learn an inlay process to make your project special. Fish, flowers, and butterflies are a few design ideas. No special artistic ability is required, as designs can be copied or traced. All levels welcome.
1-day Studio “Crimp Cloth, the Warp and Weft Connection”
Learn to create permanently crimped fabric with a ‘non-dye’ variation of woven shibori. Use the “crimp cloth” for clothing and accessories that flatters any figure. Although the crimping process is the same for warp or weft shibori, designing, drafting, weaving, and using the finished fabric varies between the two methods. An in-depth study of both methods will be included in the lectures and visual presentations. Be inspired by the endless possibilities. Sewing tips for using this amazing cloth will be included. Advanced beginner and beyond.
3-hour seminar “Crimp Cloth Primer”
Discover “crimp cloth” to add to your weaving repertoire. Using a ‘non-dye’ variation of woven shibori, learn to create fabric with permanently crimped designs that hold their memory even when washed. An overview of both warp and weft shibori will be presented through lecture and visual presentation. See how the fabric can be used for entire garments as well as for permanent pleating to replace knitted ribbing for a sweater or to add a knit look to the collar area of a jacket. Be inspired with the ways to use this amazing cloth. Advanced beginner and beyond.
2 or 3-day “From Evening Bags to Market Bags”
Bags, purses, and totes – create a carrying vessel of any shape or size. You may already have fabric in your stash, handwoven or not, that is suitable for a bag. If not, weave sturdy fabric using yarn or rags. From elegant to simple and functional, choose from patterns provided, have fun creating your own unique project, or bring a commercial pattern. Using a PowerPoint presentation, you will be guided in every step of the planning and construction of your chosen bag. We will begin by focusing on planning and creativity, then work toward completing your project. The ability to use a sewing machine is necessary.
Additional Workshop Available
-Drafting Basics – 3-hour or 6 hour sessions
To view a current schedule, please click here.
Lecture Topics for Guild Programs (1+ hours)
“Commenting on Crimp Cloth”
Dianne’s extensive exploration of a variation of handwoven shibori has opened up a whole new weaving world of possibilities. She calls the resulting fabric crimp cloth. Through visual presentation, view the garments that flatter your figure, the shawls that won’t slide off your shoulders, and scarves that can serve a dual purpose. This is a technique that will inspire you to jump into your “stash” and start creating fun fabric.
“From Cone to Clothing”
Through a PowerPoint presentation, Dianne shares her approach to designing and sewing one-of-a-kind garments and what she learned along the way. See what steps she takes to make her ‘visions’ materialize. Also included will be her work with the Fabric Forecast Team of Handwoven magazine. It concludes with her current work – ‘crimp’ clothing and what led her to it.
“One Weaver’s Journey” (The above two topics combined.)
Through a PowerPoint presentation, Dianne will share her approach to designing and sewing one-of-a-kind garments and will share highlights of what she learned along the way. After three decades of weaving ‘flat’ cloth, her extensive exploration into what she named crimp cloth has opened up a whole new weaving world of possibilities. Beginning with Fortuny, see what other fashion designers have created with similar looking cloth, then, see Dianne’s garments that flatter your figure, the shawls that won’t slide off your shoulders, and scarves that can serve a dual purpose. This is a technique that will inspire you to jump into your “stash” and start creating this magic cloth.
dianne totten handwovens 
Hi, Dianne: I took your workshop with the Woodland Weavers in Grand Rapids MI and experimented with polyester thread along with the orlon, and then using disperse dyes to print on the warp before pulling the threads. would love to send them to you.
Oh, please do send pictures. DTottenHW@comcast.net. It’s great to hear about projects that happen after the workshop. Dianne
Hi. I was wondering if you have any plans to offer these classes (crimp cloth) in video format? It would be wonderful for all of us who aren’t able to get to seminars!
Hi Vivian,
I have two DVD’s available through Interweave Press: “Woven Shibori, Making Crimp Cloth” and “Woven Shibori, Sewing with Crimp Cloth”.
Thanks for your interest! Dianne