September 11, 2019
Textiles of Eastern Europe
- Susan Jerome
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European countries share rich traditions in the history of textile manufacturing, and in the use of fabric and clothing for identification and decoration. Changing political boundaries throughout hundreds of years and numerous wars have left enduring marks upon the development and design of European fabrics. This influence comes down to us today, even in the United States of the 21st century.
A recent trip to Poland has sparked my interest in how politics, religion and even geography combine to influence the textiles of a country. In this power point presentation we will take a quick tour through some Eastern European cities, a leisurely stroll through some of the countryside, perhaps take a rigorous climb up a mountain, and examine some of the numerous threads needed to create the textiles of a nation.
February 12, 2020
A Potpourri!
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WGB Members Yarn Sale
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Bring Weaving Tips and Tricks to share
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Bring Unfinished Projects to work on
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View Swatch Notebooks from the Library
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Bring a bag lunch and enjoy the day!
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Sewing with Handwoven Fabric for Garments Workshop, taught by Manon Pelletier and Judy Schaefer, will be held 10 AM - 2 PM Please view the description on the morning workshop page and register on the registration page ($25 for the class/$25 Materials Fee). The workshop will be held in a separate classroom.
October 2, 2019
Fifty Years of Fuller Craft Museum
- Michael McMillan
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2019 marks the 50th anniversary year of Fuller Craft Museum. Founded in 1969 as an arts institution to serve the South Shore, the museum has grown over time to promote the arts on a regional, national, and international level. On October 2nd, Fuller’s Associate Curator Michael McMillan will present a lecture and Powerpoint on the development of the institution during these last 50 years, illustrating changes in the museum’s mission, approach to exhibitions/collections, and the manner in which audiences and the surrounding community interacts with craft.
March 11, 2020
Rural Japanese Weaving and Fabrics
Tom Knisely
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I have been interested in weaving and collecting textiles for many years. One day I came upon what I thought was a rag woven scarf. The dealer told me that it was an obi. A sash intended to be worn on the outside of a kimono. I had never seen such a textile woven with finely prepared rags. This style of weaving or technique is known in Japan as Sakiori. At that moment I Knew I was hooked and my collecting would take a totally different turn. The dealer specialized in the woven textiles of the rural peoples of Japan. We spoke for a long time about these simple fabrics and I have since studied and collected dozens of examples to show you. I will have examples of Sakiori and Zanshiori which are fabrics woven from left over threads such as thrums and small amounts left on bobbins. I’ll also show you pieces of Boro. This is a technique of using scraps of fabric and roughly stitching together. Sometimes an individual will stitch the pieces randomly with no apparent reason, but the finished result is stunning.
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I think you will enjoy coming to see these old pieces as well as looking at my own work to see how they have inspired me. I often think about these impoverished weavers with little or no resources to turn to and how they clothed themselves and wove textiles for the household. I have learned to love and admire the simplicity of these textiles. I have also learned that when your materials are limited, it forces you to think about how to weave beautiful textiles from what you have on hand.
November 13, 2019
Textile Traditions at Canterbury Shaker Village: 1792 – 1992
- Mary Ann Sanborn
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The history of the Canterbury Shakers, a unique religious utopian society, is intricately tied to textiles. From 1792, the year the community was “gathered in”, until its final days in 1992, Canterbury Shakers raised sheep, grew flax and wove linen, designed and produced textile tools and spinning wheels, and created textiles remarkable for both beauty and practicality. Whether produced by hand or in Shaker mills, yarn, cloth, and specialized products were fabricated to meet the needs of the Shaker community and for sale to outsiders. Yarn and yardage by hand and machine, dyes and dyeing, Shaker rag rugs, Dorothy Cloaks, Shaker Sweaters, knit and crochet goods, sales trips, patents and trademarks, all are part of the rich textile history of the Canterbury Shakers.
April 8, 2020
A Weaver’s Journey
Elizabeth Hill
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The most important thing about me is that I am a weaving enthusiast. I love weaving, I love cloth, I love looms, I love weavers, and I love sharing my enthusiasm.
I believe that cloth and its creation are somehow embedded in our DNA. Making cloth seems
fundamental to me; I am saddened by the distance we have created between the fabric that means so much to us (wedding dresses, christening gowns, tallitot, baby blankets and grandma's quilt) and the making of that fabric. I find pleasure, challenge and a fundamental gratification in the colors, patterns and structures of the pieces I make. I want to create items that will be in daily use, but that demonstrate that utility is not "mere utility" but is intimately entwined with our aesthetic needs.
This presentation will be an hour-long talk and "textile tour" in slides on the topic of my life as a weaver including my education, monumental mentors, ideas about cloth & cloth making and how the community of weavers has given me a "warp" to weave on.
May 13,2020
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 Pot Luck Lunch. There are no morning workshops or afternoon speaker.
Woven and photographed by Sally Eyring