Programs for 2026
January 16th – Elizabeth Williamson, Executive Director, at HGA
We will begin the year hearing about one of our resources. Have you ever wondered about Handweavers Guild of America (HGA)? This is your chance to tune in and ask questions. We will have a virtual presentation from HGA by Elizabeth Williamson, Executive Director. Learn more about what is happening in New Orleans during the summer of 2026, ask questions, or just learn how this resource can help you.
February 20th – Flóra Carlile-Kovács
The award winner of several wearable art shows Flóra Carlile-Kovács is our presenter in February. She is a professional felt artist born in Szeged, Hungary, now living and working in Seattle, WA. In her work, she incorporates two bodies of knowledge, the nomadic traditions and the urban, modern style of feltmaking. Coming from the European tradition of craftsmanship and quality, and teaching since 2005, she will present her journey in “An Artist’s Journey” and will offer two workshops.
March 20th – Annie Fischer
Annie Fischer is a professional weaver who has traveled coast to coast doing art shows and historical events. She will share lessons that weaving has taught her and how they apply to life outside the studio. Annie will be showcasing her work as she shares lessons.
April 17th – Denise Bolger Kovnat
Award winning artist and the author of Weaving Outside the Box, Denise Bolger Kovnat will join us virtually in April. Denise Kovnat has taught virtually and at conferences and guilds across the United States, Canada, and Australia. She is a weaver, dyer, and “free-range” seamstress who loves painting warps, dimensional weaving, and extended parallel threading – all to create colorful, textured cloth. Her lecture will trace her weaving journey from concept to completion. She will offer a virtual 3-day workshop.
May 16th – Kathy Monaghan
With over 40 years of experience in weaving and textiles, and author of You can Weave! Projects for Young Weavers, Kathy Monaghan has taught weaving at every level for 35+ years. She will explore the nearly limitless possibilities of the most basic weave structure in her presentation, Passion for Plain Weave. See how color, value, texture, contrast, balance, proportion, pattern, and rhythm can impact and embellish your plain weave fabric.
Kathy will show you how to use color and weave, energized yarns, novelty yarns, sett, non-traditional materials, warp painting and ikat, plied and marled yarns, and tracking to make your plain weave fabric sing.
June 19th – Summer Picnic
Workshops for 2026
January 16th Elizabeth Williamson, Executive Director, at HGA
We will begin the year hearing about one of our resources. Have you ever wondered about Handweavers Guild of America (HGA)? This is your chance to tune in and ask questions. We will have a virtual presentation from HGA by Elizabeth Williamson, Executive Director. Learn more about what is happening in New Orleans during the summer of 2026, ask questions, or just learn how this resource can help you.
February 20th Felted Key Chains Flóra Carlile-Kovács
This 3-hour beginner’s class is an introduction to wet- and lamination felting. This class will teach you how the process of felting happens. After taking this class, you’ll have an understanding of how to felt any hollow shapes. There is an additional kit fee for this class.
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 pm Max: 12 Min 5 Level: Beginner
Reservation opens in October
February 21st Lightweight Nunofelt Scarf Flóra Carlile-Kovács
This is a one-day class where the student will discover possibilities of the nunofelting technique while working with silk. This class will help you gain confidence to create more on your own. There is an additional kit fee for this class.
Time: 6 hours Max: 12 Min 5 Level: Beginner/Advance
Reservation opens in October
March 21st Basket Weaving Chris Bush
This is a one-day class to learn and experience basket weaving. There are three offerings to choose: to choose to weave. Two are considered beginners and one is advanced. There is an additional kit fee for this class.
Time: TBD Max: 15 Min 10 Level: Beg/Intermediate
Reservation opens in November
April Explorations in Extended Parallel Threading Denise Bolger Kovnat
This is a 3-day virtual workshop focused on extended parallel threadings with endless possibilities. Students will work with a variety of tie-ups and treadlings. Students will weave a series of designs in Echo, Jin (Turned Taqueté), Shadow Weave, Rep, and Double Weave. The student will have a sampler of colorful patterns and a broader, deeper understanding of the potential for extended parallel threadings and how to design them. A loom is needed for this workshop. This workshop accommodates 4-shaft to 32-shaft looms. This workshop will be 3 consecutive Saturdays: April 18th, 25th , and May 2nd
Time: TBD Max: 20 Min 10 Level: Adv Beginner
Reservation opens in December
May 16th Beadweaving: Basics and Beyond Kathy Monaghan
This is a one-day workshop. This simple technique can create amazing beaded bands and fabrics. Learn to design your pattern, build and warp the loom, create a basic woven band, and then explore additional design options. Finishing techniques will be demonstrated.
Very simple tools, beautiful materials, and basic techniques make this accessible for many ages. Include complete plans for building your own loom and supplies for two samples and one finished bracelet. No experience needed. There is an additional kit fee for this class.
Time: TBD Max: 24 Min 10 Level: No experience needed
Reservation opens in January
June TBD – Bound to Please: Intermediate Bookbinding Nancy Sedlacek
This class is for 1 ½ days. More information coming soon.
Time: Max: Min Level: Intermediate
Reservation opens in February
Workshops are for Olympia Weavers Guild members, unless otherwise specified. Times are approximate and are subject to change.
Please email all inquiries, requests, or comments to the OWG Program and Workshop Chair. Email: owgprogramandworkshopchair@outlook.com