October 2025 Newsletter

Dear Guild Members,

 

Solano Stroll Reflections

The takeaway from the Solano Stroll was that there was a great, overwhelming desire to take part in the making of textiles.

Not just an appreciation of our beautiful and varied handwoven textiles. More of a:

 

“How can I do that?”

 

Our Kumihimo disks and the demonstration of Inkle weaving were popular. However, the biggest draw was the Floor loom. It was a challenge for newcomers to hit the treadles, throw the weft and beat it in. A coordination that keeps your body and mind alert, as many of us know.

Sandy, Sheila and Karen did a great job of teaching those brave enough to try it out. There was a line of people, adults and children - some Sandy’s students - waiting to take their turn throughout the day.

 

So, our answer to the question above is that we want to have Workshops. The goal is to connect people to weaving and show them how they can be a part of this magic. These workshops will be open to the people who signed up with us at the Stroll and to our Guild Members.

It could also increase our membership, allowing us to bring more interesting and varied Programs to our own guild meetings. You should have received an email about our first workshop on Inkle Loom Weaving, November 8th at the Richmond Arts Center.

 

Outreach and Program Planning for 2026

Here is where we need your feedback. We want to know what you as a guild member would like to see at our meetings. At our October meeting we will be talking further about this and want to get your input. Ahead of the meeting, take a few minutes to consider the following:

 

What do I want to learn next?

Include as many things as you like - simple and complicated. Think about Textures? Color? Fibers? Weave Structures?

 

What would you like to share, or teach to your fellow members? 

This could be practically anything you find to be interesting. For example: a technique that you discovered while weaving, the basics of reading the 4 parts of a draft, or how to handle “sticky” warp threads.

 

What do you want to see (programming)?

Do you have ideas on a specific weaver that we can invite to an in-person, or Zoom meeting, or interests in a particular subject matter?

 

Please list ideas we can use to make an Activity happen at our meetings.

Everyone seems to like it when we craft an activity together and explore it.

Like the Name Drafting where we wrapped yarn based on a name or phrase. Or, weaving strips of paper - in a straight or Twill weave.

 

Vicky

Photos of the Solano Stroll event