The Care and Feeding of Your Handwoven Linens


January 11, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m.
Zoom Only
presented by Susan Conover

The program will be offered on Zoom, using Ms. Conover’s own Zoom account. She will provide the link and any handouts one week in advance of the program. Any handouts will be sent to Guild members and posted on Groups.io in Files, under Programs 2023-2024.

After the program, a recording of her presentation will be available for viewing by Guild members for one week. The recording will be on her file, and she will send us a link to the file after the conclusion of the program.

Susan began spinning and weaving in 1980 and spent the next three decades studying under numerous national and international instructors. Her focus has always been on the historic aspects of her chosen craft.

Since 2000 she has offered courses in hand spinning and floor-loom weaving from her studio. Her experiences have included being Operations Manager at Vavstuga Weaving School in Shelburne Falls, MA for five years. Being a consultant and demonstrator for Historic sites has brought her a great deal of joy and sense of accomplishment. She specializes in lectures and workshops for guilds and craft schools throughout the country.

In this one-hour lecture Susan Conover will share a seventeen minute video of an adventure in flax planting, harvesting and processing. Flax spinning results in linen yarn. Susan will discuss some of the intricate ins and outs of spinning this ancient fiber.

A PowerPoint show will highlight how to wind a linen warp efficiently; humidity control of your weaving space, etc. And last but not least, how to remove certain food stains from your hand woven linens.

Of course, there will be a question-and-answer session at the end of her presentation, so start thinking of any linen-related questions you might have!

December’s Program

Celebration will include:
★ Opportunities to catch up with guild members;
★ A shared activity — Stick Weaving*
★ Show and Tell of guild members’ works;
★ A short business meeting;
★ Delicious holiday food brought by our members! Beverages provided.
★ Donation of Non-perishable food pantry items, or warm socks, gloves or hats

What to bring:
★ Show and Tell
★ A food dish to share, and serving spoon as needed
★ Your own silverware, to reduce plastic waste (we will provide, if you forget)
★ Non-perishable items to donate for food pantry, or warm socks/gloves/hats
★ Don’t forget the importance of basics – flour, sugar, feminine hygiene products or diapers!

For the activity, bring whatever thrums and leftover yarns and fibers you wish, a tapestry needle and scissors. Sticks will be provided, as well as extra yarns, needles and scissors. THESE SMALL WEAVINGS WILL BE USED TO CREATE AN INSTALLATION FOR THE HWG BIANNUAL SHOW IN MAY.
This gathering is all about fellowship and fun!

Abstract Harmonies

November’s Program
Zoom and in-person
November 9 @ 10:00 a.m.

presented by Sue Balascio, Kathleen Remsa, Marcia Weiss

Our presenters are three textile artists who recently exhibited in the Newark Arts Alliance show ABSTRACT HARMONIES.
This group exhibition celebrated the creative dialogue between Susan Balascio, Kathleen Remsa and Marcia Weiss. The artwork incorporates shifting geometries, ethereal textures and tactile expressions in traditional and non-traditional materials.
Inspired and influenced by one another, these artists “strive to expand the boundaries of conventional weaving in subtle and overt manners. This is highlighted through entwined layers of complexity, sculptural layers of tactility and evocative layers of meaning. This new body of work illustrates the creative dialogue—the abstract harmonies—that exist between us.”
The three artists will share a few examples of their work and discuss their creative process and collaboration. Sue and Kathleen are HWG members.
Please see newsletter for more information about Sue, Kathleen and Marcia.