Study Groups
These support and focus groups gather to discuss topics of specific interest and are open to all members. Meeting times and places are published in the newsletter and posted on the website calendar.
Banditos
This group is for band weavers - those who love to weave bands, use band-weaving techniques (cards, inkle looms, etc.) Join us at WGM for an hour of sharing and inspiration. Bring woven bands and ideas. (Braids are bands.)
Meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month from 10 til noon. For more information, contact Peggy Baldwin rbaldwinmn@aol.com
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
Ply Split Study Group
This group is open to any member interested in ply split braiding. Discussions vary by month. For more information, contact Sue Bye suebye@comcast.net
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month, from 10am-12pm at the Guild, with adjustments for major holidays.
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 Donna Gravesen donnagravesen@yahoo.com
Rigid Heddle Study Group
The Rigid Heddle Study Group is open to any member interested in weaving on a rigid heddle frame loom. New members, of all levels of weaving experience, are welcome to join. Discussions vary by month. The daytime group meets the third Thursday at the Guild at 10 am. The "after hours" group meets the third Wednesday evening 7-9 outside of the guild in south Minneapolis. Contact the study group leader for more information
For meeting dates and time, and for more information, contact Bonnie Buzza banddbuzza@gmail.com
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.
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. See pictures and information about their recent exhibit of May 2010, "Scandinavian Boundweave: Timeless Tradition" at boundweaveshow.wordpress.com. The next topics of study include raditional monks belt, or tavlebragd, and similar Scandinavian weave structures.
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
Tapestry Study Group
This tapestry study group is open to all tapestry enthusiasts. Our goals are to weave on our portable looms, answer as many questions as we can, and share our tapestry interests.
The Tapestry Study Group will meet on the first Monday of each month, from 5 p.m. til 9 p.m. Any member is welcome to come for all of the 4 hours or any part of the time. For more information, you may also contact Jane Connett at 651-636-4425 or janetheweaver@hotmail.com
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
Woven Pixel Study Group
The computer study group, meets monthly to talk about creating designs, using weaving software, and project ideas. Each month a different topic is discussed and each member shares his or her experience and provides show and tell of that topic. It can be helpful to bring your laptop.
The Woven Pixel Study Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month in the Guild at 10am, with adjustments for major holidays. For more information, contact Sue Bye suebye@comcast.net