Past Programs

It’s our annual December meeting tradition – the mini workshops. Come join us and make something fun for the holidays.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://zoom.us/j/2290207971?pwd=elJvd2w0L2NsMlJPZXhNM3JlTFphZz09

Two 1-hour presentations, guild members are encouraged to
watch both as each hour’s topics are discussed in more detail.

We photograph our handwovens for many reasons: to catalog our personal work,
for submission to juried shows, to post on our websites or websites such as Etsy,
and for printed publications. This talk discusses design and technical
considerations when photographing and styling handwovens for different media.
The talk includes discussion of studio lighting, outline vs. simple environment, and
styling techniques Elaine used when photographing handwovens for the Weavers’
Guild of Boston’s 90th Anniversary book, Interlaced. There is also a discussion of
how to shoot for Etsy and layout considerations when designing direct mail
collateral and on-figure photo shoots. There will be a short demo of the lighting
technique and styling at the end of the evening presentation.
(no supplies are needed)

Elaine Palmer has a BFA in Graphic Design from Kent State University. She was an
on-figure and product Photo Art Director/Product Stylist/Producer during her
professional career art directing on-location and in-studio advertisements and
catalogues for 30 years for companies such as Eddie Bauer, Hang Ten, and
Nordstrom. As Sr. Producer managing all flat photography for the in-house photo
studio for Nordstrom.com, she produced the first Nordstrom Style Guide for
freelance stylists to ensure proper and consistent Nordstrom branding.
Elaine moved to Amherst, MA, in July 2008 after living and raising a family in Seattle
for 27 years. In 2013 she completed a four-year weaving course at Hill Institute.
She enjoys weaving tea towels on her computerized 16S Toika and graphic images
on her Ideal Glimakra converted to a single-unit drawloom. She and her husband
relocated back to Seattle in the View Ridge neighborhood in 2021.
Her professional experience as a Photo Art Director working in the fashion industry
was an asset in photographing and styling handwovens for the Weavers’ Guild of
Boston’s 90th Anniversary book, Interlaced.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://zoom.us/j/2290207971?pwd=elJvd2w0L2NsMlJPZXhNM3JlTFphZz09

In celebration of Portland Textile Month, Portland Handweavers Guild will be presenting Susana Navarro Hospinal, the Curator for an upcoming exhibit by the Textile Hive of Peruvian Textiles at our October 10 10 am meeting. (Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219). The event is free.

At the evening meeting, the recording of the morning program will be will be played.

History of the Textile Hive Peruvian Collection

While traveling in Peru, Andrea Aranow (whose collection now belongs to Textile Hive) was drawn in by the stunning beauty of the landscape, the rich culture, and the continued use of handwoven clothing around her. After six months serving as the regional textile researcher at the Instituto Nacional de Cultura, Aranow saw examples of textiles from the Central Highlands in the Andes and felt called to do her own fieldwork, collecting, and documenting the unique, creative textiles and dress of the region.

The Peruvian collection comprises over 700 textiles and garments, thousands of field photos, and Aranow’s research notes, along with video interviews and lectures about her time living and collecting in Peru between 1973 and 1980. All these materials are currently being organized and digitized for expanded access, to be released in conjunction with the online and physical exhibits in October 2024.

Susana Navarro Hospinal is an art historian, researcher, and independent curator who specializes in the art of modern Peruvian textiles and embroidery. She has published articles on communication strategy in cultural and artistic institutions and currently works with several contemporary visual artists on curatorial projects for private organizations. Her curatorial approach seeks to highlight cultural narratives and traditional techniques in a contemporary context. She has been invited by Textile Hive to curate this special exhibit.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://zoom.us/j/2290207971?pwd=elJvd2w0L2NsMlJPZXhNM3JlTFphZz09

Through a PowerPoint presentation, Dianne will share her approach to designing and sewing one-of-a-kind garments and what she learned along the way. See what steps she takes to make her ‘visions’ materialize. Also included will be her work with the Fabric Forecast Team of Handwoven magazine. It concludes with her current work – ‘crimp’ clothing and what led her to it.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://zoom.us/j/2290207971?pwd=elJvd2w0L2NsMlJPZXhNM3JlTFphZz09

Dianne’s extensive exploration of what she named crimp cloth has opened up a whole new weaving world of possibilities. Through visual presentation, beginning with Fortuny, see what other fashion designers have created with similar looking cloth, then, see Dianne’s garments that flatter your figure, the shawls that won’t slide off your shoulders, and scarves that can serve a dual purpose. This is a technique that will inspire you to jump into your “stash” and start creating this magic fabric.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://zoom.us/j/2290207971?pwd=elJvd2w0L2NsMlJPZXhNM3JlTFphZz09

This presentation will be Zoom only.

Oftentimes, when we think of metallic yarns, we assume we are dealing with metal. In fact, the terms “metal” and “metallic” are sometimes used interchangeably. However, in this presentation, we will focus on those yarns that are manmade and are intended to have the appearance of metal. Some of these yarns do actually contain some metal, but the vast majority just look like they do. Depending on how they are constructed, metallic yarns can have interesting properties: some may be energized, others may shrink, and so on. This presentation will touch on some of the basic differences between metallics and review how they can be effectively used in weaving.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://zoom.us/j/2290207971?pwd=elJvd2w0L2NsMlJPZXhNM3JlTFphZz09

Evening Meeting – Strawberry Social

The evening meeting features approval of the 2024-25 spending plan, and election of 2024-25 officers and board of directors. Come socialize, and show what’s you’ve been weaving!  

LAST MINUTE CHANGE!!
This meeting location is the MAC AUDITORIUM.

Can’t make it in person?  You can still take part in the discussion and voting by joining us via Zoom.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://zoom.us/j/2290207971?pwd=elJvd2w0L2NsMlJPZXhNM3JlTFphZz09

Embark on a captivating journey into the world of tapestry weaving as Amy Belgan shares the intimate details of her creative process and her thoughts on design. In this presentation, she’ll delve into the personal narrative of her path to tapestry, exploring the pivotal moments, inspirations, and challenges that have shaped her craft. Amy hopes to empower all weavers to become more curious about design to unlock their own creative potential.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6742517131?pwd=Q2dlQkpaeFVQbGhieS8rTndTdTNidz09

I will be talking about the traditional dying techniques of my ancestors, passed down from my great grandfather, to my grandfather, to my father, to me, and that I am passing on to my son David who, at seven years old is weaving and helping with the dye pots. My wife Laura also creates beautiful weavings and my daughter Cynthia and son David are artists and learning to weave. These are ancient techniques that create vibrant colors from natural insects (Cochineal) and plants (onions, tree leaves, hulls, etc.). I use this natural dye method to create the rich colors in the wool which I weave in my colorful rugs. I weave into my rugs both traditional designs and my own created designs.

Please see my website for pictures of my natural dyed wool woven rugs and for pictures of me working the dye pots: www.bautistaweaving.com.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6742517131?pwd=Q2dlQkpaeFVQbGhieS8rTndTdTNidz09

Program: Dorothy will discuss her basket making journey of learning all she could about basket making techniques and materials. She will talk about her switch to paper as a weaving medium and her utilization of the diagonal twill technique to transform her work into sculptural forms.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6742517131?pwd=Q2dlQkpaeFVQbGhieS8rTndTdTNidz09

Note: Recordings of these meetings are available to members on the 2024 Recordings page.

In February, we will have two different programs presented by Giovanna Imperia at the morning and evening meetings. The morning program is “Weaving with Crepe and Elastic Yarns”. The evening program is “Weaving with Metallic Yarns”. The presentations will be by Zoom and the meetings remain hybrid so we can still gather for fellowship, sharing, and library or rental access. Both programs will be recorded and available to members for a limited time.

Weaving with crepe and elastic yarns

Crepe and elastic yarns are what many weavers consider energized or active yarns — yarns that will move during and after the weaving process. Unlike “regular” yarns, crepe and elastic yarns seem to have a life of their own, and have the ability to transform fabric from a flat, two-dimensional surface to a textured 3D fabric.

In this presentation, we will discuss the unique properties of crepe and elastic yarns and how to harness their innate energy to create pleats, bumps and all sort of 3D textures.

We will also discuss the differences not only between crepe and elastic yarns, but also within each group of yarns. We will address a number of questions such as are all the elastic yarns the same? Are there any differences between S and Z crepe yarns? And much more.

Weaving with metallic yarns

Oftentimes, when we think of metallic yarns, we assume we are dealing with metal. In fact, the terms “metal” and “metallic” are sometimes used interchangeably. However, in this presentation, we will focus on those yarns that are manmade and are intended to have the appearance of metal. Some of these yarns do actually contain some metal, but the vast majority just look like they do. Depending on how they are constructed, metallic yarns can have interesting properties: some may be energized, others may shrink, and so on. This presentation will touch on some of the basic differences between metallics and review how they can be effectively used in weaving.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6742517131?pwd=Q2dlQkpaeFVQbGhieS8rTndTdTNidz09

Recordings of these meetings are available
to members on the 2024 Recordings page.

Program: A talk by director Amy Swanson of June Cashmere Yarn

June Cashmere works directly with shepherd families in Kyrgyzstan toward the sustainable, ethical, and transparent production of highest quality cashmere yarn. Learn about how June Cashmere began, the Kyrgyz textile history that led to the need for June Cashmere, what it means for cashmere to be produced responsibly in terms of people, environment, and product. Discover the qualities of highest quality cashmere. As a bonus, enjoy a brief overview of the textile traditions of Kyrgyz shepherd women.

You can learn more about June Cashmere at https://www.junecashmere.com.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6742517131?pwd=Q2dlQkpaeFVQbGhieS8rTndTdTNidz09