Study Groups

Study groups are informal and independent gatherings focused on sharing knowledge in specific areas of the fiber arts.

Members without a Yearbook or non-members interested in a study group, please send an email, with name of the group you are interested in as the subject, to info@olympiaweaversguild.org. The email will be forwarded to the Study Group Contact and they will respond to you. Although meetings run September through May the email is checked year round.

Basketry

Third Monday of the month.

This group welcomes new members and is happy to introduce individuals to the techniques involved in basket making. It is a small group with a range of experience.

They often works on individual projects or the group may be exploring a particular technique or project together.

If you are interested, please contact Jan Green. The group meets at Jan’s home. Members: please see the Guild Yearbook for contact info. Non-members: please email info@olympiaweaversguild.org with the name of the study group in the subject of the email.

If you are looking for a basketry guild, try the Vi Phillips Guild in Seattle or the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild in Portland.

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Beginning Weaver’s Class

The Olympia Weaver’s Guild offers a beginning in-person weaving class when 3-4 new weavers are interested.

There are four sessions in the class with one session to include a discussion about fiber selection, weaving equipment and finishing techniques.

Students will learn on a 4-shaft table loom using a 10-dent reed, stick shuttles, warping board, sley hook and yarn. Looms are available for rental from the guild with some of the other tools also available.

A supply list and complete instructions are provided to participants upon receipt of payment for the class.

You will learn how to wind a warp using a warping board, dress a loom and weave a 2/2 and 3/1 twill sampler. Following the completion of the sampler, you will have the opportunity to dress the loom a second time and weave a scarf with your chosen pattern, using the sampler as inspiration.

Joan Hoffmeyer is the weaving instructor. You can reach her directly at weaving@flying-shuttles.com for more information.

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By Design: From Idea to Creation

We aim to cultivate our design skills and come up with original designs that are both on paper and can be actual pieces. Everyone’s ideas and suggestions are welcome. Meetings are about every three months or so, aiming for 4 sessions each year, scheduled a month or more in advance and last about 2 hours, starting around 9 or 10am, Pacific Time. All meetings are on Zoom only.

If you are interested in attending one of our meetings, please contact Erica Plotkin. Members: please see the Guild Yearbook for contact info. Non-members: please email info@olympiaweaversguild.org with the name of the study group in the subject of the email.

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Felting

This group was formed in 2016 to enjoy the process of interlocking fiber into delightful creations and the simple joys felting brings! Meetings are arranged based on interest.

Any member of OWG or non-member is welcome to attend the Felting group. This group often works on individual projects or may be exploring a particular technique or project together. They love to share what they have learned about felting or about life in general.

Usually the members bring fiber and other materials and/or tools for felting. But don’t despair if you have few or no tools because the group has a “shared” box for many techniques.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, contact Gail Trotter for details on date, location and techniques currently being studied. Members: please see the Guild Yearbook for contact info. Non-members: please email info@olympiaweaversguild.org with the name of the study group in the subject of the email.

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Jane Stafford Textiles

First Saturday of the month, 10:00 am – noon, October – May

This group is a gathering space of weavers of all levels, to ask questions, share resource discoveries and discuss our projects. We are all learning weavers and are excited to explore new ideas and techniques with other like-minded weavers! We will share books, ideas, yarns, experiences, things we’ve learned and provide general support as we all learn and share together.

Mostly members bring samples of their JST lessons and any other projects you want to share.

The group welcomes new members. Please contact Nancy Driscoll if you think this would be a group you would like to check out! Members: please see the Guild Yearbook for contact info. Non-members: please email info@olympiaweaversguild.org with the name of the study group in the subject of the email.

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Saturday Morning

Second Saturday of the month, 9:30 am – noon

If you’re an unabashed fiber enthusiast, the Saturday Morning Study Group welcomes you! Our interests are diverse, ranging from weaving and spinning to knitting, crocheting, felting, dyeing, paper-crafting, and more. We gather to share our latest creations and works in progress, seek (and give) advice, participate in guided fiber activities, and work on longer-term projects that the group may embark on. Everyone works at their own pace and in keeping with their interests. New members are welcomed.

If you are interested, please contact Linda Eschels for details. Members: please see the Guild Yearbook for contact info. Non-members: please email info@olympiaweaversguild.org with the name of the study group in the subject of the email.

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Spinning and Knitting

Second and Fourth Fridays of the month, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. We welcome new members to spin together, share knowledge and results with.

Please contact Barbara Dahne for details. Members: please see the Guild Yearbook for contact info. Non-members: please email info@olympiaweaversguild.org with the name of the study group in the subject of the email.

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Surface Design

This group was formed in 2022 to enjoy the process of embellishment or augmenting fiber products or found objects. Meetings are arranged based on interest.

The group often works on individual projects, or may be exploring a particular technique or project together, also sharing what they have learned about surface design.

All are welcome to attend. Contact Diane Weeden or Gail Trotter for details on date, location and technique being studied. You are welcome to bring finished or current projects and any supplies that were sent out in the email about event.

Members: please see the Guild Yearbook for contact info. Non-members: please email info@olympiaweaversguild.org with the name of the study group in the subject of the email.

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Garment – Sewing and Handwovens

Mondays after the Guild Meetings, at the Lacey branch of Timberland Library.

Contact Lisa Reed for details.

Members: please see the Guild Yearbook for contact info. Non-members: please email info@olympiaweaversguild.org with the name of the study group in the subject of the email.

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Tapestry

Contact Irina Makarow or Cindy Kew for details.

Members: please see the Guild Yearbook for contact info. Non-members: please email info@olympiaweaversguild.org with the name of the study group in the subject of the email.

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Bands and Braids

First Friday of the month from 10:00 am – 1 pm at the South Bay Station 81 through December.

Contact Cheryl Bivins or American Smith for additionaldetails.

Members: please see the Guild Yearbook for contact info. Non-members: please email info@olympiaweaversguild.org with the name of the study group in the subject of the email.

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