Saturday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.— Whether you’re a seasoned textile artist or a curious beginner looking to unravel the mysteries of weaving, the Vermont Weavers Guild has an exciting lineup of events to help expand your creative horizons. With free public presentations from nationally recognized weavers and hands-on workshops designed to elevate skills, there’s no better time to get tangled up in hand weaving.
The Vermont Weavers Guild, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the fiber arts, is hosting monthly presentations at 10 a.m. at the White River Craft Center, 50 Randolph Ave., Randolph. Those unable to attend in person can tune in live online to explore fascinating textile traditions. Upcoming topics include:
Feb. 8 – Jennifer Moore on Textile Traditions of the Peruvian Highlands
March 8 – Rebecca Smith on Transparent Weaving
Apr. 12 – Nancy Gossell on Repurposing Heirloom Textiles
For those eager to put their hands to work, the guild offers multi-day workshops at the White River Craft Center, open to non-members for a registration fee. These workshops require basic loom operation skills and provide an opportunity to explore different weaving techniques:
April 26-27: Rag Rug Weaving with Leslie Fesperman – Learn to craft durable and decorative rugs using both historic and modern materials. ($230 for non-members, materials fee $15, register by Feb. 27.)
May 17-18: Transparent Weaving with Rebecca Smith – Discover the delicate art of weaving fabrics so light they seem to float. ($280 for non-members, materials fee $5, register by March 17.)
Aug. 15-16: Weft Ikat Technique with Mary Zicafoose – Experiment with resist-dyeing weft threads to create intricate patterns. Thanks to a grant from Concept 2, Inc., this workshop is just $155 for non-members.
“We hope these presentations and workshops help more people appreciate the artistry behind hand-woven textiles,” said Claudia Gibson, Vermont Weavers Guild president. “The generous support from Concept 2 makes it possible for more people to learn from world-class weavers.”
Looking for even more inspiration? The Vermont Weavers Guild Member Exhibition will run May 10-25 at the White River Craft Center.
The Vermont Weavers Guild, the only weaving-focused guild in Vermont, welcomes members from across the state, as well as New Hampshire, New York, and Canada. Membership benefits include early access to workshops, a lending library, and community support. First-time members can join for a discounted rate of $30 for their first year.
For more details, visit: vtweaversguild.org.
