Digital Weaving Lab

DWL AIR

DWL AIR is a 2-week residency program that provides private working space and access to our TC2 loom, staff support, studio facilities, and equipment.

We welcome artists and designers for two-week residencies to spend dedicated time focusing on their digital weaving practice.

The residency provides a safe and private environment to weave plus the full services of our main facility. Residents will be able to engage with the Praxis community, made up of inquisitive and inspiring makers of varying ages and backgrounds. Residents from out of town will also become familiar with our neighborhood, Collinwood, which boasts a vibrant ecosystem of studios, galleries, and independent creative producers.

To ensure a successful residency, we strongly advise that applicants demonstrate experience weaving on a TC2 or enroll in Jacquard File Design I or II, our virtual file design classes, prior to the residency.

Check out our profile on Res Artis, a worldwide network of artist residency programs, with over 550 vetted members in over 75 countries.

Applications for June - Dec 2025 are due Jan 15, 2025.
APPLY to DWL AIR

Program Details:

Tuition
$1100
24/7 access to one of our two TC2 looms

Optional
Apartment +$750
We have two, two bedroom apartments - one for each of the residents

Praxis Prepared Warp +$250
Praxis will prepare a 12 yard warp with 16/2 mercerized black cotton.

Private Lesson +$150
Residents who require additional assistance with file design can request a lesson with Cathryn Amidei during their residency.

Facilities and Access:

DWL Studio 1 - Located in a HOUSE next door to Praxis
- Jacquard TC2 loom (30 EPI, 44" weaving width)
- Warping mill
- Skein winder
- Ball winder
- Assorted shuttles
-Design computer
-Private Studio

DWL Studio 2 - Located at Praxis Main Campus
-Jacquard TC2 loom (45 EPI, 28" weaving width)
-Private Studio

Praxis Main Campus
- Dye lab
- Yarn wall
- Looms

APARTMENT 1 PHOTOS

APARTMENT 2 PHOTOS

Apartment +$750
Apartment 1: Stay above the DWL studio in a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment.
Apartment 2: Stay next door to the main facility in a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment.

Cathryn Amidei

Digital weaving Lab Director

Cathryn Amidei, is a fiber artist from Michigan whose work is known for its complexity and use of color. She spent a year in Norway working with Vibeke Vestby of Digital Weaving Norway and since 2013, is the U.S representative for support and service in the USA. She holds an MFA in Fibers and taught at Eastern Michigan University until 2018.
Her award winning work has been has featured in Visionary Arts Collective, Fiber Arts Network, and is in private collections nations wide. Her mission is to help weavers engage with jacquard weaving by offering practical, clear approaches with Photoshop.

www.cathrynamidei.com

DWL FAQ

Warp

Do I have to tie on my own warp?

Yes. All residents will be required to tie on their own warp on day 1 and receive assistance rolling back on day 2.

Is it hard to tie the knots? How long will it take?

Not at all. We have adjustable chairs to be sure you are comfortable while tying. Expect this process to take between 8-12 hours. Staff will assist you rolling on your warp on day 2.

Does Praxis provide warp?

Praxis can provide a 12 yard warp prepared prior to your arrival for an additional $250 fee.

Can I bring my own warp?

YES! We encourage you to bring your own warp. You must leave the loom with 1-2 inches of firmly woven tabby on our black warp in front of the beater. You must tie on and wind back during your residency. Praxis will assist with setting up the trapeze to facilitate winding on.

I've never prepared my own warp before. Will you help me?

YES! Please bring 6 cones of your preferred warp yarn and we will show you how to wind using our mill on day one. You can expect this to take 4 hours.

How should I prepare my warp for the TC2?

Wind a warp like you are preparing a warp for the handloom! Make extra care to protect the cross and tie choke ties at every yard. For more information we recommend this book.

Arrival/Departure

How do I get to the Praxis Digital Weaving Lab?

If you are driving, Praxis is located here. If you are flying, the closest airport is here. Praxis does not provide airport pick up. You are welcome to take a taxi or Uber. Cleveland is best experienced by car; if you have access to a vehicle we highly recommend bringing it.

Can I park at Praxis?

Yes! There is plenty of space for parking at the Digital House and in the Praxis Private Parking Lot.

Will someone meet me when I arrive?

If you arrive during business hours, YES! We will happily meet you. If not, and you are staying with us, you will receive a code to a lockbox with the apartment key and someone will meet you the following morning.

Will someone take me to the airport at the end of my stay?

Unfortunately, we do not provide airport transportation.

Daily Life

We will often have two residents at the same time. One on Loom 1 in the Digital Weaving Lab and one on Loom 2 at Praxis Main Facility.

Will I be alone in the Digital Weaving House?

Yes. Residencies are designed for individual and dedicated time to your art practice. We encourage residents to join our weekly Open Studios and participate in Praxis community activities like our weekly Community Craft Circle every Wednesday, and our monthly first Friday Art Walk. However, much of the time you will be alone while working. While the resident on Loom 2 will be at main facility, they have two private rooms and can choose to converse with staff and members at their choosing.

What is the neighborhood like?

The Waterloo Arts District is located in the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. We are located minutes from Lake Erie and the historic Euclid Beach Metropark. We are approximately ten miles east of Downtown Cleveland.

Do I need a car?

No, a vehicle is not necessary for your residency and all necessities can be accessed in Collinwood but to make the most of your visit to Cleveland and to see museums, galleries, libraries, and other cultural institutions a car is recommended.

Where can I get food?

There is an amazing pizza place (Citizen Pie) right on the street. Our coffee shop (Six Shooter) has snacks and lunch options as well. We also recommned Chili Peppers, The Standard, and Scotti’s in the E 185th St district. There is an Aldi as well as a local chain grocery store (Dave's) located in Euclid about 10 minute drive away by car. Many residents will utilize a delivery service for groceries as there is not a grocery store within walking distance.

What Should I Bring?

What is included at the apartment?

In the Praxis apartments, you will find one set of bedding in the bedroom. In the bathroom, two sets of bath towels and toilet paper. In the kitchen there is are 2 sets of plates/bowls/silverware as well as basic pots and pans. You will also find olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper.

Can I stay somewhere else?

Sure! However, our nightly rate of $55/night is designed to make the residency accessible and convenient.

What about weft

You are encouraged and welcome to bring as much weft material as you like. Please note that residents do have access to all of the yarn found within Praxis (you will find it on the yarn wall, under tables, in the DWL, etc).

Work

What facilities do I have access to at Praxis?

As a resident artist, you will have access to the full Praxis Facility. This includes a full dye lab, natural indigo VAT, print tables, spinning wheels, felting equipment, etc.

What materials can be used to weave on a TC2?

A wide range of fibers can be used on a TC2, but in general, Digital Weaving Norway cautions against typical floor rug qualities because of heavy/stiff materials and high pick densities. All animal and vegetable fibers will work in the TC2 loom. The general rule is that if the thread breaks easily when you pull it gently between your hands, it should not be used as a warp. Linen, cotton, hemp, silk and wool, animal hair such as lama, alpaca and camel hair will work excellently and also, viscose and synthetics. You may also work with unconventional materials such as fishing line, surgical steel wire, copper wire, electrical cords with different coatings, polyurethane/ lycra elastics, polypropylene ropes, paper yarn etc.

Is there tech support?

YES! Residents must demonstrate familiarity with the TC2, OR take a virtual file designing class with Director Cathryn Amidei prior to arriving. Cathryn will meet with resident on the first day of residency and then be available via zoom or phone call. Praxis staff will check in weekly for cleaning and living needs.

How should I prepare my files?

Designs for the TC2 can be made on Photoshop, or other image processing program or other industrial Jacquard program. Files must be saved as JPG, TIFF, BMP or WIF. The Loom Controller software works with these formats.

Is there 24/7 access?

YES! Whether you are staying with us or not, as a Digital Weaving Resident you will have 24/7 access to the Digital Weaving Lab as well as our main facility.

Cancellation

Is there a cancellation policy?

Yes. If you are awarded a residency and need to cancel earlier than 60 days prior to arrival, you will receive a full refund after a $300 registration fee. If you cancel within 60 days, we cannot offer a refund. We do not offer partial refunds.