AT WILD WEST WEAVING, in Silver City, owner Hosana Eilert specializes in Chimayó– and Río Grande–style weavings created with handspun and dyed Churro fleece. Her three-hour Beginner Río Grande Weaving Class introduces basic techniques. Her three-day Beginner Tapestry Class empowers first-timers with both shuttle and tapestry techniques.
Centinela Traditional Arts, in Chimayó, is a gallery run by award-winning weavers Irvin and Lisa Trujillo, who handweave on Río Grande looms with naturally dyed fibers. (Irvin still rinses his yarns in the irrigation ditch behind their shop.) “We do allow people to come learn with us,” says Emily Trujillo, their daughter. Pricing and structure depends on each student’s goals.
Río Grande weaving heritage comes alive at Chama’s Tierra Wools, which empowers rural people to create sustainable economies via cultural and agricultural resources. Tierra Wools offers multiday weaving, spinning, and hand-dyeing classes along with one-on-one instruction.
Gallup’s Weaving in Beauty keeps couches in the gallery to provide a comfy view of contemporary Navajo rugs. It offers a five-week beginner Navajo weaving course, but students can also learn at the four-day Navajo Weaving Techniques bootcamp, held October 12–15.
Española’s New Mexico Fiber Arts Center cultivates participation in local, traditional, and contemporary fiber arts. With an adobe storefront full of looms, yarns, and handmade textiles, the nonprofit engages locals and visitors in New Mexico culture while serving as a resource for information about fiber arts events.
Read more: Fill your calendar with these weaving events in New Mexico.