Coaster Weaving 

Created by Karen Irvine, 3L Place, February 2018

Applies to: Creative Expression and Self-Awareness

Purpose: To create small weavings that can be used as small coasters or small wall-hangings, exploring patience during precise instructions and steps.

Objectives: 

• To explore precision and patience while weaving.
• To encourage sensory experience through the choosing of yarn, prompting choice through color and pattern.
• To seek and ask for help when support or direction is needed.
• To work together when needed or directed to.

Materials needed:

• Ready-made cardboard looms (instructions pulled from: http://www.instructables.com/id/how-to-weave-on-a-cardboard-loom/)
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Yarn needles
• Tape
• Coaster examples (one half-woven, one empty) 

Activity Steps:

1. Start by watching a short video on tapestry weaving. Tapestry Weaving Time-Lapse
2. Gather at the table and explain activity by showing examples.
3. Start by doing an example of a row, talking the whole way through it. Can explain as a pattern, for example saying “above and below, above and below”, to make the concept of weaving more concrete.
4. Encourage members to choose a ball of yarn.  Members can explore different colors and textures.
5. Spend time with each member while they weave, emphasizing patience, slowness, focus, and creative expression.
6. Follow instructions to completion from http://www.instructables.com/id/how-to-weave-on-a-cardboard-loom/ Members may or may not complete their weaving in one sitting, either is fine.  Looms can be kept and worked on at any other time.
7. At the end of the allotted time, spend a few minutes going around and sharing work.  Have members say a word or phrase to express how they felt about the project.