Afternoon Lecture Programs at the Congregational Church of Westborough begin at 1:00 p.m.
and are open to the public.
Afternoon Speakers 2025-2026
September 10, 2025
A Life of Weaving: Looking Back - Looking Ahead
Sondra Bogdonoff
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Sondra Bogdonoff has had a fascinating and varied career as a professional handweaver for decades. Early in her career she wove colorful garments that were sold in prestigious galleries across the United States.
After a successful career as a university administrator, she returned to weaving full-time in her Portland, Maine studio, where she weaves expressive and evocative tapestries. Sondra will share her journey, including the mentors and teachers who have influenced her.
November 12, 2025
Looking Back, Looking Forward: a Life in Natural Fibers and Cloth-Making
Andrea Myklebust
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Andrea Myklebust will present an overview of the traditional cultivation of flax and hemp on her farm in Vermont and her study and use of the warp-weighted loom, which predates the invention of horizontal looms. Myklebust has built an artistic and professional practice in which the technologies of the ancient past and pre-industrial textile making techniques inform contemporary efforts to revitalize bioregional fiber and textile production. She will bring samples and a warp-weighted loom for participants to try.​
March 11, 2026
Introduction to Ikat
Mary Zicafoose
Ikat wrapped yarns, when dipped in vats of saturated dye, instantly become timeless, immersed in an ancient partnership between spirit, design, and color. The story of Ikat is a compelling textile journey stopping at the major ikat-producing centers around the world, describing the unique and distinct signature styles of ikat cloth produced over the ages. The talk culminates with an overview of Mary Zicafoose’s work in ikat created over four decades.
October 8, 2025
Tension and Freedom: Observation + Materials
Suzi Ballenger
Suzi Ballenger is a versatile weaver with a deep connection to materials and a commitment to using them in creative, unique ways. For her, weave structures help patterns develop a new definition of intersection and organization of lines. She will show how a coherent rhythm progresses giving new ways to observe. This presentation shares the materials she uses and how pattern, movement, and meaning beautifully emerge.
February 11, 2026
On Zoom
fruit 'n fibre: it's what I am, it's what I do
Carl Stewart
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In his lecture, Ottawa-based Canadian weaver Carl Stewart presents a survey of his 30-year career spotlighting works in which he has employed traditional hand-weaving techniques to explore the fundamental role textiles play in the crafting culture and identity. He is known for his creative approach to recycling and upcycling materials as well as his inventive technique of Dukagang tapestry work. Stewart celebrates, memorializes, documents and commemorates the intimate, the fabulous, the egregious and the tragic.
April 8, 2026
Building Community Through Fibershed
Amy DuFault
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A fibershed, loosely defined as a region supporting farmers, weavers, mills, artists, and scientists, can create a thriving community by fostering local connections and sustainability. This collaborative network creates a self-sustaining ecosystem where each part of the process supports the others, fostering a deeper sense of connection among individuals, for a more sustainable future. Join Southeastern New England Fibershed Director Amy DuFault as she walks you through what’s happening within this fibershed and how you can take part!
May 13, 2026
The May Meeting is an annual celebration of the Guild's programs and members. The schedule includes the Annual Business Meeting, Ratings Exhibit and presentations, Awards, the Guild Challenge presentation, a light-hearted Fashion Show, and a Celebration Luncheon. There are no morning workshops or afternoon speaker.
Ratings Exhibit