The Weavers Guild of Springfield

2020-2021 PROGRAM

All are welcome to attend the meetings and events described below. Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Springfield Elks Lodge, 440 Tiffany Street, Springfield, MA 01108.

For a PDF version of the program, click here.

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival
Look Park, Northampton, MA
20 July 2020 CANCELED
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
http://www.glasgowlands.org/

Shelburne Grange Fair
Little Mohawk Road, Shelburne, MA
24 August 2020 CANCELED
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Big E Fiber Festival
Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA
18 September to 4 October 2020 CANCELED
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
https://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/creative-arts/

2020-2021 PROGRAMS & SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

Morning: Summer Wrap-up

We will discuss our summer activities in the time of covid. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions for program improvement, as well as catch up on members' activities. This session is always lively and informative.

Afternoon: Study Group Introduction – Jane Devlin

Jane will describe how we will approach this year’s study group, which will be based on the book Double Two-Tie Unit Weaves by Eunice Smith.

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OCTOBER 3, 2020

All day: Wee Loom - Jackie Chalmers CANCELED

New program being planned. Check back in a few weeks for more details.

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NOVEMBER 7, 2020

Morning: Make-It Springfield - Marla Shelansky

Marla Shelasky creates "woven paintings", a technique that involves creating two different images on paper, cutting them into strips and weaving them back together with intricate patterns. Marla will bring samples - both finished and in process - to discuss her inspirations and demonstrate how she designs the images and "paints" the patterns into finished artworks. Marla is also involved with Make-It Springfield, a downtown community maker-space, and Artists of Springfield MA, and she will relay how these organizations impact our community and how others can get involved.

Afternoon: Making a Fabric-Covered Journal - Loris Epps

Loris will demonstrate how to make a fabric-covered journal from handwoven fabric. Following the demonstration, everyone will have the chance to make a covered book from scratch. Cardboard pieces, glue, and ribbon will be provided. Members will need to bring scissors, spring type clothespins, and a 1/2 yard of cotton fabric. Printed instructions for both will be available. $3 material fee. .

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DECEMBER 5, 2020

All day: Holiday Party & Craft

Bring a wrapped gift and join us for our annual craft creation project, pot-luck luncheon, and gift exchange. 

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JANUARY 9, 2021

All day: Embroidery 101 - Laura Freeman

Laura will talk about different embroidery styles and provide a brief historical overview of  this art. She will also demonstrate some basic
embroidery stitches which can be learned and practices on a simple
kit. Bring scissors, small embroidery hoop, and needles if
you own these items. Materials fee.  

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FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Morning: Who Done It? - Ute Bargmann

18th century linen production in Central Europe after the 30 Years War (1618-1648) and the 7 Years War (1756 – 1763), known as the French and Indian war in America.

Afternoon: Linen - Scott Norris

Linen is a strong and versatile fiber, adapting to wide variety of uses, ranging from tightly woven utilitarian cloth to extremely fine and ethereal textiles.   In this talk, Scott Norris will discuss and present examples of the range of items he has produced using linen, including tablecloths, bath towels, and delicate, woven gauze with inlaid patterns. 

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MARCH 6, 2021

Morning: Clasped Weft - Leslie Craine

Leslie will discuss clasped weft weaving.

Afternoon: Weaving in 3D Double Weave - Sarah Fortin

Puckers, pleats, gathers, bumps and shirring.  Loom controlled, double woven, 3-dimensional fabrics, woven by hand, controlled by mechanics.  Explore an on-the-edge, loom controlled structure that created three dimensions as you weave.  By weaving horizontal folds that gather and/or pleat, one creates instant texture and dimension for interesting fabrics to be used in are-to-wear and art for home décor.  Samples, slides and a demonstration will be used to illustrate this weave structure. Materials fee $5.

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APRIL 3, 2021

Morning: Sewing Handwovens - Heather Micka-Smith

Learning to sew with a variety of material types is one of the great pleasures, and challenges of sewing. Working with hand woven material requires special considerations, brings unique challenges, but offers fantastic rewards! We’ll explore options for stabilizing, cutting, and sewing hand woven cloth as we walk through the process of creating a basic and beautiful hat. Patterns and instructions for sewing will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring material, scissors, pins, and a measuring tape. Materials fee: $5-10.

Afternoon: Study Group Wrap-Up - Jane Devlin

Participants will show and discuss their double two-tie unit weave projects.

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MAY 1, 2021

All day: Annual Year-End Meeting and Potluck Luncheon

Guild members will recap the year’s events and celebrate together. Location TBD.

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At the events below, guild members offer weaving demonstrations and guided hands-on introduction to weaving for all ages.

Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair
Cummington Fairgrounds, Cummington, MA
May 30, 2021
1:00-4:00 pm
http://www.masheepwool.org/

NEWS (New England Weavers Seminar)
July 13-18, 2021
Smith College, Northampton, MA

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival
Look Park, Northampton, MA
July 17, 2021
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
http://www.glasgowlands.org/

Shelburne Grange Fair
Little Mohawk Road, Shelburne, MA
August 2021
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Big E Fiber Festival
Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA
17 September to 3 October 2021
https://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/creative-arts/


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