Chain Maille Workshop

Our medieval materials expert Achille is ready to be your chain maille master. In this seven class course you will hone in on the chain weaves that incite awe and be bestowed with the agency to create a wearable piece or majestic object of your own design. On the mysterious journey towards mastery, Achille will take you through everything from the dexterity of proper ring closing, to practicing resolve through the depths of theory and mathematics that allow you to design and execute a piece of your very own creation. This is the perfect course to begin your foray into the craft of chain maille.

This course it taught by medieval enthusiast Achille. He is a creature of curiosity and crepes, having spent the last 14 years skulking around the capital publishing “woke leftist paper” as a founder of 5ever books. He has conquered our hearts, minds, and the specialty cheese departments of the local supermarkets. Achille is a master of chain maille, now offering to teach his craft to those willing to take up the challenge.

Some materials and tools are supplied. Depending on the project you choose to create there may be extra material costs, as well as the option to purchase tools for personal use. You are welcome to bring your own bent nose pliers and wire cutters if you have them.

There are variable pricing options, unwaged/student, waged, and generous. Please choose whichever option feels right for you and your circumstances! Note that this ticket is a commitment to the entire seven week course. No chain maille experience is required, just a will to delve into the depths of metal weaves. If you're unsure about committing to this craft, perhaps keep an eye out for a one off 101 chain maille class that may come in the future.

Course Outline:Week 01 - 18th September101: Basic Skills and DiscoveryAt this class we'll explore the basics of good chain maille practice.Opening & closing rings properlyTrying out some simple structuresBegin exploring material options and how to make your own ringsHomework: keep an eye out for recycled or foraged materials that could be utilised in chain maille

Week 02 - 25th SeptemberPlay and Exploration

Gathering inspiration and looking into methods for individual projectsPlaying with recycled & foraged materialsHomework: Choose a weave from the library to try out at home or explore during the next class

Week 03 - 2nd OctoberMathematics of chain maille design, theory, and history.Math of designing chain mailleTheory & pre-planningDiscussion about ideas for individual projectsIdentify materials needed to execute individual designsHomework: Choose your individual project, identify what materials you will need, and how we will source/make them.

Week 04 - 16th OctoberBy this class you will have you project plan down. We'll be collecting/ making our materials or beginning the execution of our projects with the guidance of Achille.

Week 05 & 06 - 23rd & 30th OctoberThese classes will be open working times to make use of tools in class, ask Achille questions or help with troubleshooting, and to share our progress, challenges, and solutions with each other.

Week 07 - 6th NovemberAt this final class we will make finishing touches to our projects and celebrate our creations together! Perhaps including a catwalk of our chain maille wares, and sharing kai.

Also check out other Workshops in Wellington, Contests in Wellington, Fashion Shows in Wellington.