Study Groups

From time to time members join to form groups centered around a particular skill or technique and meet regularly (or irregularly) with the goal of exploring, learning, and enjoying each other’s expertise.

The groups form and disband as members express interest.  The current groups are:

The Spinning Group

When: This group currently meets the second Friday of the month at 10 a.m.

Where: Alonda Village clubhouse

Directions to the Alonda Village clubhouse:

  • From I5, take Sleater-Kinney north past North Thurston H.S.
  • Turn right onto 15th.
  • After 1/2 mi., turn left into Alonda Village. You will see a teepee shaped building which is the clubhouse.
  • Turn RIGHT, then immediately LEFT to get to the parking behind the clubhouse.

What to bring: A spinning wheel, something to spin, a brown bag lunch and a project to share (optional).

What they do: Sometimes the group decides, usually in the fall, to work on a project together. Currently they’re working on the warp for the Puyallup Fair Sheep to Shawl.

General: The group welcomes new members. If you think you are interested, please contact Sherri Hruby

The Saturday Morning Group

When: Second Saturday of the month

Where: Various members homes

What to bring:

What they do: Study various aspects of weaving, sometimes taking on long term studies or group projects.

General: The Group welcomes new members. Contact person for information is Betty Marcelynas. (Contact information is in the yearbook and available to all members).

The Basketry Group

When: Basketry meets the first and third Monday of every month at 10 a.m.  Dates may vary so contact Jan Green for exact dates.

Where: Jan Green’s house.

What to bring: A project you’re working on and materials, and your lunch.

What they do: This group often works on individual projects, or may be exploring a particular technique or project together.

General: This group also welcomes new members and is happy to introduce individuals to the techniques involved in basketmaking. It is a small group with a range of experience. If you are interested, please contact either Jan Green or Ardith Hamilton. (Contact information is in the yearbook and available to all members.)

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

Beginning Weaving Class

Where: Classes are scheduled when there are enough new weavers (3-4) interested.
Where: Instructor’s home
What to bring: Participants will need a 4 shaft table loom with 10 dent reed, shuttles, warping board, sley hook and yarn.  Looms  are available for rental from the guild and some tools may be available for loan.
A supply list and complete instructions will be provided to participants upon receipt of payment for the class.
What the course covers: Participants will learn how to dress a loom, and weave two projects. Sessions will also include discussions regarding yarn selection, weaving equipment and finishing techniques.

 

Band Weaving

When: 4th Thursday of the month.

Where: Various members homes.

What to bring:  Bring a project you are working on or would like to start – Kumihimo, Inkle, bow, cards…
A notebook is useful, also, along with small shuttles and picks.  You may bring books and patterns to share, also. For more information contact  Lana Schneider

What they do: Members share knowledge and techniques for band weaving, mostly on an inkle loom, but will also include card weaving, plaiting, kumihimo braiding, and other techniques on and off the loom for making narrow bands for straps, belts, and embellishing other fiber projects.

General: This group was started in January, 2013. The current contact person is Lana Schneider.  Most of the current members are new to band weaving or are in need of refreshers.

Rigid Heddle

When: 2nd Monday, 9:30-2:00

Where: contact Judy Parkins, Shelton

What to Bring: Rigid heddle loom, if you have one, with shuttles and one or more heddles; woven items to show, books to share, and yarn to weave.  Rigid heddle looms don’t lend themselves to a high EPI count (8-15 is a typical range), so heavier yarns (knitting weight) are suitable. We have a loom or two to loan if you are just starting.

What They Do: An introduction to weaving in a group setting, on a simple, plain-weave or pick-pattern loom using a rigid heddle as combined beater and shedding device.  The rigid heddle, with slots and eyes, lends itself to using fancy yarns, ribbons, and other fibers in the warp as well as weft.  The focus on plain weave structures invites exploration of texture and color.

General: This group was started in 2013 as an introduction to weaving for new weavers and as an alternative to multi-shaft looms for experienced weavers.  Some of our members have already “graduated” to traditional multi-harness looms after only a few projects on the rigid heddle, while more experienced weavers experiment with textures and unusual warp fibers. The rigid heddle loom is suitable for weaving scarves, table runners, place mats, and clothing fabric in plain weave and is also popular for band weaving, using pick-up methods, sometimes with multi-eye or multi-slot-length heddles to aid in picking or dropping pattern threads.  Rigid heddle frames are also useful, without the heddle, for tablet weaving.  Rigid heddle looms are compact and many are designed to fold while warped for easy portability. Rigid heddle looms can be used on a tabletop or simple stand, or as a laptop, braced against a table edge or wall.

Felting

When: Once a quarter typically on Wednesday.

Where: Various member homes.

What to Bring: Bandaids, fiber and other materials and/or tools for felting.  If you do not have tools or fiber come and the group has a shared box for many techniques.

What They Do: This group often works on individual projects, or may be exploring a particular technique or project together. They share what they have learned felting or about life in general.

General: All are welcome to attend. Contact Gail Trotter getrotter@comcast.net for details on date, location and technique being studied. This group was formed in 2016 to enjoy the process of interlocking fiber into delightful creations and the simple joys felting brings.

Weaving Software Study Group

When: The monthly guild meeting and presentation, if time allows.

Where: Fire Station meeting room which is available until 3 pm, if necessary.

What to Bring: Bring your laptop if possible, and/or paper and pen, if not; also bring questions, problems or discoveries made while working on your software.

What They Do: We try to make downloading and choosing Weaving software easier. There are Demo versions of many Weaving software programs available for free, most with no expiration dates. The print and save modes are not included in the demo but there are ways to use them effectively for free. This is a great advantage, to learn about the programs and compare them before paying the fee, which can be substantial. Exchanging information on the programs makes the process more efficient.

General: Since the study group meets after the OWG Meeting, the time is dependent on activities held after the meeting. Thus the length of the meeting varies. For further information on Demo programs, contact Carrie Seachord.