ATA Virtual Online Workshops
ATA strives to provide opportunities for all levels of tapestry weavers. We recognize the challenges that may exist in taking an in-person class including the cost of travel, time away from work or other obligations, and different learning styles which may require smaller bite-sized pieces of information taken in over a shorter duration of instruction. With so many valuable resources, including knowledgeable and experienced teachers, ATA has created a mini-online workshop model to help weavers pick up specific skills that will enhance their studio practice and future learning experiences. We currently do not have a set calendar of workshops available as this program is new. However, if you are interested in learning a specific technique, would like to work with a specific tapestry weaver, or are a teaching artist, please email education(at) americantapestryalliance.org and let us know!
Soumak with Kennita Tully
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 9 am – 4 pm Pacific (with a 1-hour break for lunch)
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10 am – 12 Noon Pacific
Registration Opens February 15, 2025 and is limited to 20 students
Fee: $150 for Members; $200 for Non-Members
Workshop Description
Soumak is an ancient technique that, among other uses, can be used to create texture in weaving. Many weavers are aware of the Single Soumak wrap and its more functional use in outlining and edges, but there’s so much more to this technique.
This 1-day workshop will begin with Single Soumak – both closed and open techniques, along with a reverse form that creates little “dots” on the surface of the weave. Next, Vertical Soumak, a unique way to add fine vertical or diagonal lines on the surface of weaving, will be introduced. A follow-up session will be included for the opportunity to share your work, insights, or to get any questions answered.
Presentations of tapestries where Soumak is effectively used in a wide variety of ways will also be included. Students are encouraged to be thinking of design ideas and how they might incorporate the techniques into their own tapestries.
Students may choose to work along with the presentation in live time or to watch the recording later.
Materials students should bring:
Students should come with a tapestry or frame loom warped at their preferred sett (8 EPI is suggested) and a 5-6” width. Tension is important for best results so a good strong warp such as cotton seine twine (12/9 for 8EPI) is best. A strong wool or linen is fine, too, if that’s what you normally use.
Weft: a variety of weights or a fine tapestry yarn that can be bundled into various thicknesses; fibers other than wool are fine, too; smooth yarns will be best. An assortment is encouraged; the Soumak technique can look very different depending on the fiber content and weight.
Other materials: Tapestry beater or fork, tape measure, sharpie, scissors; any tools you are accustomed to using such as weaving needles, shed sticks, awl or other tools normally used, sketchbook and/or note-taking materials; (optional) ideas for future tapestries using Soumak techniques.
Kennita Tully’s Bio
Kennita is a tapestry artist, author, and teacher living in Pottawatomie County, KS. She returned to tapestry in late 2017 after a break from tapestry to pursue a 30-year career as a knitwear designer. Intrigued by the interconnections of life, she attempts to discover the world around her and return those discoveries to the world through tapestries. She writes about her tapestry journey on her website, kennitatully.com, where she also teaches online classes, including two comprehensive courses: The Many Faces of Soumak and Elements: Art Through Tapestry.
Kennita has a BFA in textiles and photography from Murray State University in Murray, KY, and an MA from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kennita is currently on the Board of the American Tapestry Alliance, and a member of the British Tapestry Group, Surface Design Association, Handweavers Guild of America, Fiber Art Network, and Textile Society of America.
