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- March 2026 PHG Newsletter
Guild Calendar
Thursday, March 12, 2026 – March Meeting
Multnomah Arts Center + Zoom, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. (503) 823-2787
All meetings are free and open to the public10:00 am Day Meeting – Dance Studio
9:30 am – 10:00 am: Set up, social time and library browsing time
10:00 am – 12:00: Meeting7:00 pm Evening Meeting – Room 30
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm: set up, social and library browsing time
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: MeetingThursday, March 26, 2026 – Board Meeting
7:00pm – Zoom
Thursday, March 26 – Sunday March 29, 2026 – PHG Retreat!
Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, OR. See below for information about the retreat, and register here!
See the website for full calendar including study group meetings.
President’s Message
Personally, I am enjoying the lack of winter. My primrose never stopped blooming and the camelia flowers always makes me think they should be floating in a beautiful glass bowl. I’ve been thinking about using luxurious brown wool yarn I bought some time ago for a scarf, but it just seems wrong to work with a dark color when spring is in the air. I may need to shift to silk, very spring like. Thoughts of Spring are like shiny things to me; I’m easily distracted.
Several Board members attended the HGA Board Development Retreat. We gleaned some great ideas for the Guild. In the president’s session they discussed offering members the opportunity to shadow board members to understand the scope of work for each role. As we look for new board members each year, I thought this was a great idea. If you have considered getting involved with the guild, there is always something to help with. Frankly, even as president, the work is not a lot. But even if you didn’t want to be on the Board, there are events like the WeftOver sale, that can always use a chair or co-chair. What has always impressed me about our members is that they show up. When we put out a call for help or a donation or volunteer, you all show up. Keep that in mind if you have thought about getting involved. I would ask that if you have thought of getting involved in anyway to reach out to me noragessert@yahoo.com and let me know your interest. I’m always up for coffee to chat about the guild and how things work. Unless it’s sunny, then I may get distracted in the garden 😊
Nora Gessert
Upcoming Programs
March 12, 2026 Meeting – Multiheddle weaving on a RH Loom with Carly Jayne
Carly will talk about multiheddle weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom.
Website: https://www.lovelikesalt.com/
April 9, 2026 Meeting – The Legacy of Indigenous Oregon Basketweaving with Elizabeth Kallenback
Elizabeth will talk about Indigenous Oregon Basketweaving, including artistic traditions, native plants, and contemporary work.
Elizabeth’s academic interests include the relationship between textile traditions, ethnobotanical practices and cultural identity in western North America. Recent research includes analysis of prehistoric textile technology in the Northern Great Basin. For her master’s thesis, Elizabeth examined environmental activism of California’s native basketweavers and their feminist political-ecological approach to natural and cultural resource management. This research in heritage management advocates for the use of museum anthropology collections by descendant communities for education, research, and as a vehicle for engaging communities. Her doctoral research focuses on ethnobotany and weaving traditions of indigenous peoples as expressed through the ancient art of basket weaving during the 19th and 20th centuries in the Pacific Northwest and Western Interiors. Elizabeth works in the museum field and as an archaeologist, and currently serves as the Anthropological Collections Manager at the UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History.
Upcoming Workshops
If you’d like some creative inspiration, to learn new skills, and connect with the PHG weaving community, please join one of our future workshops. Here’s what we have coming up:
March 14 & 15, 2026: Mastering Multiheddle Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom with Carly Jayne
Registration is open to all! This workshop registration is no longer restricted to PHG members. If you have RH weaving friends not in PHG, please let them know about this great workshop.This two day workshop at Ruthie’s Weaving Studio is led by PHG member and fiber artist Carly Jayne. Looking to explore the possibilities of a rigid heddle loom? This workshop will cover both 2 and 3 heddle weaving. You will be looking at threading drafts and profile drafts and discussing how they can be used on a loom with at least 3 shafts. This is an excellent class for shaft loom weavers who are structure nerds because you will create multiple structures (Summer and Winter, False Damask, Tabby, Taquete… etc) by manipulating slot threads while the heddles act as shafts one and two. Carly recommends this workshop for rigid heddle weavers of all levels (if you can warp your loom, you are welcome), curious floor loom weavers with a little rigid heddle experience, and weavers curious about shaft switching. For information and registration visit: Double Trouble and Triple Treats – Mastering Multiheddle Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom
May 15-17, 2026: Doubleweave Discoveries with Jennifer Moore
This workshop is full. Spots opened due to cancellation will be filled from the waitlist. Learn all about the magic of doubleweave! In this workshop, participants will weave a sampler that explores weaving two independent layers of cloth, double-width cloth, tubular weaving, color-and-weave effects, pique, quilting, and doubleweave pick-up. Students with 8-shaft looms will also be able to weave samples of 2-block doubleweave techniques in log cabin, checkerboard, windows, and double-blocks. Graphing designs and working with multiple colors will be introduced. These techniques can then be taken home to create clothing, sculptural pieces, decorative hangings, and whatever else the imagination can dream of. This in person workshop will be held at the MAC. For information or to join the waitlist visit: Doubleweave Discoveries workshop with Jennifer Moore – Portland Handweavers Guild
November 13, 2026: Introduction to Japanese Book Binding
Registration is open! Learn how to build and hand-stitch your own books using the four classic Japanese book binding techniques. We are happy to announce that Barbara Setsu Pickett will teach a one day Introduction to Japanese Book Binding workshop at Ruthie’s Weaving Studio. Barbara is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Art at the University of Oregon. The focuses of her research and creative practice are velvet weaving, shibori, natural dyeing, and the book arts.
For information and registration visit:
Workshop: Introduction to Japanese Book Binding with Barbara Setsu Pickett – Portland Handweavers GuildFebruary 13 and 20, 2027: Passimenterie with Elizabeth Ashdown (online)
Looking forward to 2027, Elizabeth Ashdown will be joining us virtually from her studio in London to lead an online workshop in Passimenterie. In this bespoke two day workshop, you will learn five woven passimenterie designs. Registration is not yet open, but you can learn more about the Elizabeth and the workshop here: Workshop: Passementerie with Elizabeth Ashdown (online in 2027) – Portland Handweavers Guild. Also, check the latest (Winter 2025) issue of Handwoven magazine. Elizabeth is featured twice: she has an article and fringe pattern, and there is a brief segment about her book, Passementerie: Handcrafting Contemporary Trimmings, Fringes, Tassels, and More. This workshop is for weavers on all loom types.
March 12-14, 2027: Rug Weaving Basics with Mary Zicafoose
We are excited to bring renowned artist Mary Zicafoose to PHG. Mary joins us for a program and workshop in March 2027. Learn, add to, or refresh your knowledge of a well constructed rug in Rug Weaving Basics. This is an in person workshop at the Multnomah Arts Center. Registration is not yet open. Learn more about Mary at: Mary Zicafoose Tapestries and Prints | Home Page
Workshop Wrap Up: Zero to Sulawesi with Stacy Schlutsmeyer
In February, Stacy Schlutsmeyer joined us from Seattle to present her Zero to Sulawesi workshop at Ruthie’s Weaving Studio. In this incredibly well designed and informative workshop, Stacy led 12 weavers from an introduction to tablet weaving to weaving intricate Sulawesi style bands. We learned to wind a continuous warp for tablet weaving, dress a warp weighted band weaving loom (designed by Stacy), read and create tablet drafts, and weave in three styles that incrementally built our understanding of tablet woven structure and the complexity of our possible designs: 4×4, coptic diamonds, and Sulawesi. There were also lots of tips and tricks (and cat stories for a bonus). We wove three different bands on three unique, two yard warps in this three day workshop. As a weaver starting at zero tablet weaving experience, I can attest to the effectiveness of her teaching techniques. I walked out of the workshop with my three bands each about 2/3 complete and very happy with my weaving. I’ve since completed all three bands at home, warped and started weaving a new band, and ordered hardware so that I can make a couple dog friends fancy, colorful collars. The experienced tablet weavers in the class said that they had lots to learn from Stacy’s instruction as well. This was a FUN, informative, and exceptionally well designed workshop. If you have any interest in tablet weaving and either want to learn from scratch or build your skills, I highly recommend taking a workshop from Stacy. If you missed her this time, we are hoping to have her at ANWG 27. Here are some pictures from our workshop:
Happy weaving and learning!
Any question should be directed to workshops@portlandhandweaversguild.org.
Guild News
Last call for PHG 2026 retreat!
Here we go again!!! The retreat is scheduled for March 26-29, 2026 at Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, OR. See below for information about the retreat, and register here!
New (& Newish) Guild Member Buddy System
In an effort to keep our membership active and interactive, the guild is considering implementing a ‘buddy system’ for new members. This buddy system would connect new or new-ish members with established members who are interested in supporting them.
The buddy/mentoring individual would meet and stay in touch with a new member for a period of 3 to 6 months, depending on interest. This might involve the buddy being in touch with the new member monthly potentially by phone, email, meeting for zoom or coffee, or other activities. It could be as simple as answering questions a newer member may have, checking on their personal projects, or directing them to an individual or group that can provide answers or instructional direction they may be seeking.
We have 2 questions for guild members.
- As a new(ish) member, are you interested in connecting with a buddy to facilitate your engagement with guild activities and your weaving journey?
- As an established member, are you interested in serving as a buddy to new members?
Please send an email to Galadriel Breezy of Membership Services at leartist57099@gmail.com.
We will also raise this at the next guild meeting.
Gathering of the Guilds needs Weaving Demonstrators!!
Oregon Convention Center – Friday through Sunday – April 24, 25, 26, 2026
Although Gathering of the Guilds will be a little different this year, many of our community Guilds will still be setting up tables outside in the lobby to demonstrate their crafts, and advertise the resources of their Guilds. So mark your calendars now and watch for the sign-up sheet to appear on our website under volunteer opportunities. As always, we will be looking for weavers and spinners. We will have many small table looms , including rigid heddle, and inkle looms. Our Wolf Pup floor loom will be there also. And you are always welcome to bring your own equipment if you want to work on your own project.
This is a great opportunity for PHG to stay visible in the community and let the public know all the resources we can offer beginning and long-time weavers.
Contact cookimessmer@comcast.net if questions.
Legacy Project One Day Clinic
The Legacy Project is offering a one day clinic on March 22 on how to fix common weaving errors. This will be a hands-on class, looms with “issues” will be pre-warped. For details, see: https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/events/ruth-dabritz-legacy-project-clinic-for-weaving-errors/?occurrence=2026-03-22
2027 Conference Update
Conference work continues. Colors will be announced in the next couple weeks, and I expect to announce our keynote speaker next month.
We’re still in need of someone to handle the exhibits – open, juried and instructor shows. The hardest part is hanging the show. If you think you can lend a hand please let us know. Contact Dan and Edith at co-chair@anwgconference.org for more info.
And, as always, see the website (anwgconfernce.org) for information, and subscribe to the blog to get the latest updates delivered to your inbox as soon as they are posted.
The next conference committee meeting is Monday, March 2 at 6:00. Our main topics of discussion will be the presentation of conference colors, an update on the session planning, and an update of the conference timeline. You can join us via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/2290207971?pwd=elJvd2w0L2NsMlJPZXhNM3JlTFphZz09.
ANWG Needs a Secretary
ANWG is looking for someone to act as secretary for the group. The job entails keeping minutes for meetings that are held quarterly as well as the annual membership meeting, usually held in June. For more information see the ANWG website at https://northwestweavers.org/about/board/applying-for-a-board-position/#secretary for a list of duties and a link to the application for an ANWG board position, or email Dan Steves at website@northwestweavers.org.
Bulletin Board
Latest ANWG Newsletter
The Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds has posted their January 2026 newsletter. Check out the creative ways other Northwest weaving guilds are getting their members together for fiber activities. All ANWG newsletters are available here.
Looking to Buy or Sell Weaving Equipment or Materials?
Check out the Items for Sale page.
Fiber News and Events
Damascus Fiber Arts School presents Tapestry Talks
Rama Ganesan will be our guest speaker on Saturday, March 14, at 10am Pacific. Rama Ganesan’s tapestry work explores the textural and dimensional properties of woven cloth to render botanical and biophilic pieces. While there is a great satisfaction in creating flat tapestry, she turns her attention to exploring how cloth creates three-dimensional forms. There is a natural parallel between cloth and plant, as cloth folds, it puckers, it ruffles and pleats. In this talk Rama will address the challenges of making dimensional tapestry and how she has attempted to overcome them. See Tapestry Talks – Damascus Fiber Arts School for more information.
Conference of Northern California Handweavers
Date: May 14th – 17th, 2026
Location: Asilomar, California
CNCH.org
Fiber in the Forest
Date: May 15th – 17th, 2026
Location: Myrtle Point, Oregon
Fiber in the Forest
Fiber Fusion Northwest
Date: June 6th & 7th, 2026
Location: Monroe, Washington
FiberFusion.net
Black Sheep Gathering
Date: June 26 – 28, 2026
Location: Albany, Oregon
BlackSheepGathering.org
HGA Convergence
August 12-16, 2026
New Orleans, Louisiana
https://weavespindye.org/convergence/
ANWG 2027 Conference
June 14-19, 2027
Portland, Oregon
https://anwgconference.org/
Handweavers Guild of America
Textiles & Tea
TuesdaysHandweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s (HGA)‘s Textiles & Tea takes place every Tuesday at 4 PM (ET). We’ve invited some of the most respected fiber artists in the field today to join us for an hour long conversation where we will discuss their artwork and their creative journey. Make a cup of your favorite tea and join us as we talk about fiber, creativity, inspiration, process and so much more.
Newsletter Contributions
Send news items and fiber events to Tim Prins by the 25th of the month for inclusion in the next month’s newsletter.
Rental Equipment
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PHG Board and Chairs
Please click here for a list of PHG Board Members and Committee Chairs.
Past Newsletters
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