The Memphis Guild of Handloom Weavers
2005-2006 News & Events
MGHW Programs & Workshops
"LEFTOVERS" Saturday, April 22, 2006
Joloy Watlington and Mary Jorgensen presented a couple of great ideas
for using up small amounts of accumulated yarn.
Joloy shared samples and plans for thrums potholders. She set up a loom for overshot and used bundles of short pieces of yarn for the pattern weft to create colorful potholders.
Mary brought along a warped inkle loom to demonstrate how to make narrow bands that can be used for bookmarks, dog collars, guitar straps, etc. and cleaning out the stash of nearly empty cones of yarn! Inkle looms hold 1-2 yard narrow warps, so even a few small cones are enough for a project. They're a great way to play with color too, as shown by Mary's exquisite sample book.
Several members expressed interest in seeing an inkle loom in action, so a copy of Helene Bress' book Inkle Weaving was ordered for the library. The guild also has several inkle looms available for members to use.
"TECHNIQUES OF RUG WEAVING"
We had a full house of twenty participants at our March 2006 workshop
“Techniques of Rug Weaving” with Jason Collingwood. Some of
the techniques that Jason presented included weaving with blocks, shaft
switching and clasped weft weaving. Although many of us might not become
rug weavers, he also offered many other tricks and tips for warping our
looms and weaving that we can apply to our other weaving projects. It
truly was one of our most informative workshops and Jason proved to be
an excellent and patient instructor. Thank you also to Mary Birks, who
graciously offered the use of the wonderful space at the Cordova Cellars
Winery.
Class offerings
Weave a Scarf in a Day! The November 6th 2005 workshop was a great success. The day started with twelve eager weavers-to-be and ended with twelve beautiful handwoven scarves. A second session was held on December 4th for a few extra weavers.
Joan Leon introduced 5 new weavers to the joys of the craft at a Beginning Weaving workshop in January 2006. One year membership to the guild is included with the class. Welcome Vicki, Carol, Margarett, Jeanne, and Kathy!
Joan conducted a beginning weaving class in May, introducing six new people to the joys of weaving. Guild memberships were included in the class fee.
Exhibits & Shows
MGHW members contributed 9 pieces to the exhibit "As Time Passes By", at Northwest MS Community College in Senatobia, MS March 5 – 27, 2006. This exhibit is work inspired by different months of the year, and includes weaving, knitting, embellishment, handspinning, beadwork and chair making. Work can be picked up at the weaving room. Pictures from the show.
MGHW members had work in some of the Convergence 2006 Grand Rapids exhibits.
- Linda Weghorst had pieces in the Tapestry Weavers South group project entitled "A Sense of Place" at the Imagerie Galleryand the American Tapestry Alliance's "Grand Ideas" small format" show at Kendall College.
- Eva Cassell had a tapestry in "A Sense of Place."
- Jennifer Sargent had a piece in the "Grand Ideas" small format show.
- Joan Leon’s poncho “Autumn Leaves” was modeled in the juried fashion show "Make a Grand Entrance."
- Angela Schneider had two skeins in the "Spin a Grand Strand" handspinning exhibit.
Events
Thanks go to Roni for her hospitality hosting our December holiday luncheon and silent auction.
Lori Rawlinson hosted a delightful Fiber Feast Spring Luncheon on Saturday, May 13. Congratulations to our new officers:
- Lori Rawlinson - President
- Brenda Thornton - Vice President and Program Coordinator
- Debbie Sellmansberger - Secretary
- Vicki Murrell - Treasurer