October Meeting

October 26, 2024, 9:30 - 12:00

Crosstown Concourse

Introduction to Kumihimo Braiding

Thanks to all who worked at the MGHW booth during the Pink Palace Craft Fair in September (set-up, take-down, sales, demonstrating with the children - and adults - with the little looms)! Even with the bad weather on Friday, it was a successful weekend.

At our October meeting, Angela will present on Kumihimo, or traditional Japanese braided cords. Bring your own braiding disk if you have one; disks will be available to purchase at the meeting for $3. Yarns will be provided. You can also try your hand at braiding with a maurudai and tama - the traditional braiding stands with bobbins. See this link for information on Kumihimo and beautiful examples!

Our November meeting will be a warping and loom dressing 'trouble-shooting' clinic. At our October meeting, we'll collect information on everyone's most pesky problem so that we can present on how to address those in November - so come prepared with the part of the process that is most vexing (or confusing) to you.

Pink Palace Craft Fair Booth - 2024
Pink Palace Craft Fair Booth - 2024
Kumihimo braid samples and braiding disk
Kumihimo braid samples and braiding disk

Location: Crosstown Concourse, 1350 Concourse Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Free parking in the garage in the back rows and upper levels; the first rows have a fee after 2 hours. Once in the building, take the Central Atrium elevator to the 7th floor, turn right, and enter through the Parcels office.

Membership

Enjoy the benefits of guild membership for $20 annual dues (Yes, this is a reduction in annual dues so be sure to take advantage of it this year!).

  • Monthly meetings with educational programs or social gatherings, or extended workshops
  • Participate in the guild booth at the Pink Palace Crafts Fair demonstrating craftsmen's tent
  • Library of books, media, and equipment available for check-out
  • Information on looms for sale (local area)
  • Weavers who are always ready to help answer questions or lend a hand!

Monthly Meetings

Monthly meetings include a short business meeting, educational program, and viewing of members' work.

Meetings are typically at Crosstown Concourse (7th floor in the Patio area of the Parcels office) from 9:30 - 12:00 on the 4th Saturday of the month - however dates do change around the holidays (November and December meetings).

For details on dates, please check the schedule (currently in development).

Guild History

The Memphis Guild of Handloom weavers was founded in 1947 but Viola Joyce Quigley and fellow students from the Memphis Academy of Art. Since then, the guild has held art shows, workshops with internationally reknowned instructors, classes for the public, and sales of handwoven goods.

We continue to promote the time-honored craft of handweaving into the 21st century.

Guild Library

The guild keeps an extensive library of over 300 books and videos on a wide variety of weaving topics. Members may check out media from the library.

The guild also owns 10 looms and a colections of smaller equipment and tools.

Library catalog