LECTURES
Each monthly meeting includes a learning opportunity, usually in the form of a lecture on a specialty topic given by a nationally known expert. Visiting lecturers usually offer a workshop in which they share their knowledge and techniques.
|
|
|
January 2, 2027
Ginny Robinson: The Joy of Pictorial Tapestry Weaving A bit of the history of tapestry, a bit of my background in tapestry weaving and the steps I go through to create my tapestries. I will include examples as well as bring some of my tapestries to show. Guild member Ginny Robinson has been weaving since 1972, learned how to weave from Sunset Books-Weaving: Techniques and Projects. She has been weaving ever since and likes to create towels and scarves for gifts as well as tapestry weavings. Ginny owns 5 looms, one of which is from her family and about 250 years old. She also has an old family spinning wheel that has been fun to use. Ginny weaves for fun and never tires of ideas for projects. |
|
|
February 5, 2027
Rebecca Smith: The New Transparency: Innovative Techniques for Transparency Weaving This lecture introduces a broad concept of what transparency weaving is and can be. Transparency weaving is a style of decorative weaving that inserts tapestry-style inlay into a sheer background cloth. Examples of transparency weaving from around the world, from its origins to today, will be presented. Innovative ideas will be introduced for working with color, shapes, and incorporating alternative materials and weave structures such as lace. The lecture will be followed by a 1 1/2-day workshop on transparency weaving. Guild member Rebecca Smith is a nationally recognized weaver and instructor. Her recently published book, Transparency Weaving: A Guide to Creating Sheer Textiles, was published in August 2026 and is available for purchase worldwide. More about her work can be found at rebeccasmithtapestry.com. |
|
March 6, 2027
Kathrin Weber, Effective Use of Materials and Color
This lecture will be presented via Zoom.
Do you have yarn in various colors, textures, weights, yarn types that you are not sure what to do with? Perhaps you have a lovely yarn that may not be strong enough for that warp you want to wind. Or your yarn is too fine or too big or the colors are too bright and they don’t go together. Or, to be honest, the yarn you have been hoarding is just too dang expensive to use! How do you make a little go a long way?
This lecture with images will help you think of creative ways to plan and execute woven projects of mixed yarn types and colors that you might have thought would never go together technically or visually. Spend a little time with me thinking, “What if…?” And then dig through your yarn closet for hidden treasures waiting to be woven.
Kathrin Weber, Effective Use of Materials and Color
This lecture will be presented via Zoom.
Do you have yarn in various colors, textures, weights, yarn types that you are not sure what to do with? Perhaps you have a lovely yarn that may not be strong enough for that warp you want to wind. Or your yarn is too fine or too big or the colors are too bright and they don’t go together. Or, to be honest, the yarn you have been hoarding is just too dang expensive to use! How do you make a little go a long way?
This lecture with images will help you think of creative ways to plan and execute woven projects of mixed yarn types and colors that you might have thought would never go together technically or visually. Spend a little time with me thinking, “What if…?” And then dig through your yarn closet for hidden treasures waiting to be woven.
|
April 3, 2027
Ghermayn Baker History, Materials, and Techniques of Seat Weaving This lecture examines the historical development of seat weaving as both a functional craft and a significant component of furniture history. Drawing upon material culture, craft traditions, and historical practice, it considers the evolution of woven seating from early examples through the development of established regional and technical traditions. Particular attention will be given to the properties and applications of materials—including cane, rush, splint, cord, and other natural fibers—as well as the tools, structures, and techniques employed in their preparation and use. The lecture will also consider the transmission of weaving knowledge and the relationship between material, construction, design, and craftsmanship in the preservation of woven furniture. A lifelong maker with a deep love of patterns, Ghermayn’s curiosity first drew him to caning and seat weaving, and that curiosity has fueled his learning ever since—through practice (lots of trial, lots of error) and the generosity of other craftspeople. He was awarded the Furniture Society’s Educational Grant to study basketry at the John C. Campbell Folk School and was later selected for the folk school’s Traditional Craft Mentorship Program focused on chair weaving. Ghermayn Baker and Christina Powers founded Point by Point Studio in Long Beach, CA in 2022. Point by Point Studio preserves and expands the practice of weaving by creating opportunities for people to learn, practice, make, and repair. The lecture will be followed by a 1 1/2-day workshop on traditional hand caning. |
|
