Weavers Guild of Minnesota

Dobby Weavers

The Dobby Weavers group is interested in teaching each other how to weave with mechanical and computerized looms.  The Weavers Guild owns 2 compu-dobby AVL looms and one mechanical loom.  The Dobby Weavers design, warp, and program each project together.  Then, over the course of several months, members schedule time to weave off samples from the project the group designed.  Guild members of all experience levels are welcome to join the Dobby Weavers, including beginners.

Currently, the group is working on a 16-shaft shadow weave towel in a diamond design (picture 3).  Previous projects include a 24-shaft point twill silk scarf (picture 1), a Paul O'Connor-inspired doubleweave fabric with a painted warp (picture 2), advancing twill scarves, and samples exploring damask effects using straight and point twill tie-ups.  

The Dobby Weavers do not have a regular meeting time.  Information is sent through their own special Yahoo Groups email list.  To join the email list, please enter your email address below and click on the Yahoo Groups icon.  For more information, you may also contact Judy Bratt at 612-379-7261 or judybratt @comcast.net

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Fun and Fast Weavers

It is possible to complete a weaving project within an hour or so and without a loom. Maybe a really cool project! Even if the results are not all one coule hope for, a lot of fun can be had in the process. And one's creative juices might begin flowing. If you are interested in a time out from your megadobby weaving projects at 40 ends pre inch, come join us for some "fun and fast" weaving at WGM on Tuesdays, either AM or PM or both.

Sept. 16, AM, 9:30 to 12:30 adn/or Sept. 23, PM, 1 to 4
Sept. 30, AM, 9:30 to 12:30 and/or Oct. 7, PM, 1 to 4
Dec. 2, AM, 9:30 to 12:30 and/or Dec. 9, PM, 1 to 4

The focus for this fall will be on paper weaving, both 2 and 3 dimensional, cards, books, jewelry, baskets twirlies, etc. The December meetings will focus on paper ornaments and gifts. Any interested soul can attend any or all meetings. For more information, contact Peggy Baldwin at rbaldwinMN@aol.com

Multi-Shaft Study Group

The Multi-Shaft Study Group is for weavers interested in weaving with 8 shafts or more.  New members, of all levels of weaving experience, are welcome to join.  Those who do not own multi-shaft looms may arrange for rental of Guild looms for projects.

Yearly topics are chosen by the group and each month the members bring in their progress reports, pertinent articles, drafts, and woven samples.  Past topics include Taquete (weft-faced, two-tie weave), woven shibori, space dyed silk with fancy twills, and new fibers.  The space dying project was done as a group activity. 

Meetings are currently held on the second Tuesday of the month, at 5:30 pm at the Guild, with adjustments for major holidays.  For more information, contact Linda Madden at 952-974-9841 or lindadmadden @comcast.net

Rag Rug Study Group

The Rag Rug Study Group is open to any member interested in weaving rag rugs.  New members, of all levels of weaving experience, are welcome to join.  Discussions vary by month.  Recent topics include preparing rags, sett, and international rug styles.  After the lecture, there is time for show and tell, questions, and visits to the Textile Center library.

Meetings are currently held on the third Tuesday of the month, from 6-8 pm at the Guild, with adjustments for major holidays.  For more information, contact Cheryl Miller at 651-653-8133 or camiller @umn.edu

Scandinavian Weavers

The Scandinavian Weavers have been meeting since 1975.  We are committed to the study and promotion of traditional Scandinavian weaving techniques and other cultures of interest, encouraging each other to preserve traditional folk art techniques and use the techniques to expand contemporary artistic expression.

The Scandinavian Weavers held a hugely popular exhibit Symbols, Myths, and Fairy Tales in the Textile Center's Community Gallery in the Spring of 2008.  In 2006, the members first mounted a theme-based exhibit; the topic was trees.  The members found it was a fruitful way to exhibit a variety of weaving techniques, reflecting the focus and expertise of each artist/member.  Pictured are works by Robbie LaFleur, Lila Nelson, and Sharon Marquardt from the Tree exhibition.  For more photos, please visit the Scandinavian Weavers' website.

All Weavers Guild members are welcome to join us.  We are planning many exciting events: field trips, slide presentations of woven artwork, museum visits, etc.  One of our favorite segments of our meetings is show and tell.

The Scandinavian Weavers meet on the third Sunday of the month, at 2 pm at the Guild, with adjustments for major holidays.  For more information, contact Robbie LaFleur at veverske @mac.com

Sunna Sisters Spinning Study Group

This alternative to the nighttime spinning study group, the Whorling Spinsters (see below), meets monthly to spin, compare spinning accomplishments, solve spinning problems, and talk about fiber and spinning wheels.  Each month a different spinning topic is discussed and each member shares his or her experience and provides show and tell of that topic.  Spinners of all levels are encouraged to attend.

Meetings are currently held on the third Tuesday of the month, at 1 pm at the Guild, with adjustments for major holidays. For more information, contact Katherine Buenger at 651-642-9397 or kbuenger @earthlink.net

Warp Speed Weavers

This tapestry study group is open to all tapestry enthusiasts.  Our goals are to weave on our portable looms during the 2 hour sessions, answer as many questions as we can, and share our tapestry interests.

The Warp Speed Weavers meet on the first Monday of the month, from 7-9 pm at the Guild, with adjustments for major holidays.  Information is sent through their own special Yahoo Groups email list.  To join the email list, please enter your email address below and click on the Yahoo Groups icon.  For more information, you may also contact Jane Connett at 651-636-4425 or janetheweaver @hotmail.com

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Whorling Spinsters

The spinning study group, the Whorling Spinsters, meets monthly to spin, compare spinning accomplishments, solve spinning problems, and talk about fiber and spinning wheels.  Each month a different spinning topic is discussed and each member shares his or her experience and provides show and tell of that topic.  Spinners of all levels are encouraged to attend.

The Whorling Spinsters meet on the first Tuesday of the month in the Guild's spinning room at 6:30 pm, with adjustments for major holidays.  The Whorling Spinsters also coordinate a special Guild event, Rock Day, each year on New Years Day.  For more information, contact Virginia Parent at 763-753-1619 or vparent @earthlink.net