Calendar

2025

All programs will be in the Community Room of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the exception of the October and May meetings. The October meeting is a field trip, and the May luncheon will be held at the home of Nancy Smothergill.

September

Saturday September 6th, 10:00am: Introduction of the Guild Challenge and Tips and Tricks Revisited

Presenter: Joyce Lock

Part 1: Plain Weave – Not so Plain Guild Challenge

Challenge yourself to explore Plain Weave this year! The ways it can appear are much more complex than “alternating one thread up, one thread down.” Beyond color and texture effects, think basketweave, log cabin, shadow weave (debatable), rep weave, ikat, crammed and spaced warp and weft, pleating, differential shrinkage, weaving with energized yarns, inkle bands and more.

Part 2:  From Then To Now

Presenter: Mary McMahon
Facilitator: Nancy Smothergill

“Then” is 1969. It’s an important year in the world, and also in the life of Mary McMahon, an elementary art teacher in the Churchville-Chili School District. She is 25 years of age, and that year will be pretty important for her too….the start of two big life adventures that continue right until today. We’ll look at the pictorial record and see what transpired in those more than 50 years…a look over the life of a fiber artist.

Saturday/Sunday September 6-7th:     Endless Mountains Fiber Festival, New Milford, PA
Saturday September 13th:  WNY Fiber Arts Festival, East Aurora, NY
Saturday/Sunday September 21st-22nd:  Adirondacks Wool and Arts Festival, Greenwich, NY

October

Saturday October 4th, 10:00am: Field Trip – Fenimore Farms and Country Village

Facilitator: Elaine BuBois

Take time with your fellow handweavers to travel to Fenimore Farm and Country Village in Cooperstown, formerly known as the Farmers Museum. Join us at the museum for a docent guided tour of a 19th century village. We will explore more than two dozen authentic, historic buildings with a focus on weaving and fiber arts. After the 1.5 – 2 hr tour you will be free to explore on your own. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for weather. So save the date and watch for coming details!

Saturday/Sunday October 4-5th:  Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, VT
Saturday/Sunday October 11-12th: Little York Fall Fiber Arts Festival, Preble, NY
Saturday/Sunday October 18-29th: New York Sheep and Wool Festival at Rhinebeck, NY
Monday-Wednesday October 20th-22nd: TIAC Weaving History Conference via Zoom

The Thousand Islands Arts Center is holding a virtual conference filled with fascinating presentations, engaging conversation, and a shared love of all things weaving and fiber! The Weaving History Conference, now in its 30th year, will be held three days over Zoom.

November

Saturday November 1st, 10:00am: Tartans and Kilts

Presenter: Barb Tewksbury
Facilitator: Joyce Lock

Ever wonder about how plaids relate to tartan or why tartans get registered as unique designs? Hear from an expert in the field, Barbara Tewksbury, who is both a skilled kilt maker and geology professor. She’ll share her passion for this traditional Scottish garment, explaining the history of tartans and the unique process of kilt making. Learn about the intricate details of kilt construction and the dedication required to create these beautiful and historically significant pieces of clothing.

Saturday/Sunday November 1st-2nd: Fiber Festival of New England in West Springfield, MA

December

Saturday December 6th, 10:00am: Temari Fascination

 Presenter: Nancy Gaus

The ancient craft of temari is a beautiful three dimensional form of embroidery. Symmetrical stitches are built up on the surface of a thread-wrapped ball to make intricate patterns. Originally a functional plaything for Japanese children, temari are now suitable for gifting and they make unique home decorations. In this hands-on workshop we will learn how to mark the surface of pre-wrapped balls and make the rhythmic layers of stitching that result in a kaleidoscope of color. You will be provided with a list of supplies and instructions on how to wrap the balls that will be embellished during the workshop.

2026

January

Saturday January 3th, 10:00am: Warp and Weft: A Conversation in Color

Presenter: Cameron Taylor-Brown
Facilitator: Donna Connery

Weaving is a conversation between warp and weft – both parties have something to say and we want
the conversation to remain friendly! This lecture looks at ways to successfully mix warp and weft colors, and explains elements of color, how to select harmonious warp and weft, and how weave structure can influence the conversation.

January TBD, 5:30pm, Planning Meeting for 2026/2027 Guild Programs, Location TBD

All guild members are welcome to help plan the monthly programs for the upcoming guild year. Bring your ideas and dinner, dessert will be provided.

February

Saturday February 7th, 10:00am: Film – The Nettle Dress

Facilitator: Sue Szczotka

The Nettle Dress is a beautiful film documenting the healing journey that a man takes following the death of his wife. He makes a seven year odyssey, learning about slow fashion while spinning, weaving and sewing a dress by hand made only from locally foraged stinging nettles. He learns the healing power of nature and creates a powerful tribute to honor his wife. The film is accompanied by a pre-recorded Q&A with the artist.

March

Saturday March 1st, 10:00am: The Wide World of Narrow Bands

Presenter:  Nancy Smothergill

There has always been a need for bands, ropes or braids to tie things together, hold things up, etc. In this program we will explore the various types of woven bands that have been created and used around the world, and the techniques for weaving the bands. Various weaving arrangements will be illustrated with a variety of weaving set-ups available to look at and try if you wish.

April

Saturday April 11th, 10:00am: Guild Challenge Big Reveal

Presenters: SWG Weavers
Facilitator: Valerie Kaiser

Join in the excitement as we conclude the annual challenge by revealing what each weaver designed, wove, considered, and learned along the way. Even if you didn’t finish what you set out to do, be sure to bring your enthusiasm for learning and any questions you may have to this always amazing show and tell!

Saturday April TBD: CNY Fiber Frolic, Beaver Lake, Baldwinsville, NY

May

Saturday May 2nd, 12:00pm: Annual Potluck Luncheon and Towel Exchange

Shall we kick it up a notch and add a twist to the towel exchange? When you bring your handwoven towel to pass along to another member, include a recipe that either inspired it or reminds you of your towel in some way. The connection between the towel and recipe is yours to decide. But can’t you see pairing your favorite honey cake recipe with a honeycomb towel? This year we can keep it simple and just exchange them with each other. But maybe next year we go wild and create a cookbook!

June

Saturday/Sunday June 6-7th, CNY Fiber Arts Festival, Herkimer County Fairgrounds, Frankfort, NY

There are a number of weaving events happening at the festival.