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Welcome to our lectures and weave-alongs page! We're delighted to invite you to join us for our lectures, educational programs, and weave-along events. Our Education and Programming Committee has created a variety of engaging opportunities to learn new skills, connect with fellow members, weavers, and spinners, and be inspired. Browse our upcoming events, find the ones that interest you, and sign up. We look forward to seeing you there!
Want more instruction or to learn a new skill? Visit our Class Page!
Navajo Style Weave-Along
*Participation Level: Prior Navajo Style Weaving Experience/Class
Sunday Meet Ups, September 6, 13, 20, & 27; 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join us in September to get a refresher on warping a Navajo loom, and the basic weaving techniques. This is for those who have taken Navajo style weaving but need a refresher on getting started, or just want company while finishing a piece.
Materials Notes: All materials provided by the weaver
Weave-Along Support Provided By: Cherie Maxson and Diane Hickman
Towel Weave-Along
*Participation Level: Prior Weaving Experience & Your Own Creativity!
Meet Ups: First Meeting In Person September 12 at 12:30 pm, then weekly via Zoom
Join us in October for a holiday towel weave-along, and get your holiday towels done ahead of the hectic season!
Materials Notes: Drafts will be provided at the September meeting. All other materials are provided by the weaver.
Weave-Along Support Provided By: Shari Janssen and Cherie Maxson
Additional Information
Who?: Multi-shaft AND Rigid heddle weavers
When and Where?: In person after the September Guild meeting, Sept. 12 at 12:30, then by Zoom weekly, with a wrap up to be determined by the group members
What?: A plaid, with 4 different color schemes. Drafts will be provided at the September meeting.
How?: Choose your color scheme, choose a structure, and wow us with your creativity! We will place a group order for the yarns in September, or you are welcome to choose your own colors and use yarn from your stash.
From Harvest to Thread: The Journey of Flax to Linen
*Participation Level: No Flax Experience Required, Only Curiosity!
Saturday, October 10; 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Join flax experts Tom & Joanne Blodgett for an engaging exploration into one of humanity’s oldest textiles: linen. From ancient Egyptian shrouds to the modern sustainable fashion movement, flax (Linum usitatissimum) has dressed civilizations for thousands of years. In this session, you’ll learn about the lifecycle of the flax plant, the historical craft of linen making, and why this resilient fiber is experiencing a modern revival.
*** Registration is not required for this lecture.
Additional Information
What we’ll cover:
The History & Heritage of flax and linen
Plant Biology & Cultivation: what is a bast fiber, how is it grown and best cultivation practices
Harvesting & Retting: the transition of a standing crop into the raw material ready for processing
Live Processing Demonstrations: Watch traditional tools in action as raw flax straw is transformed through breaking, scutching, and hackling to reveal soft, spun-ready line flax.
Fibersheds & Modern-Day Uses
Who Should Attend:
Everyone is welcome! Whether you are a fiber artist, gardener, history enthusiast, or simply curious about where your clothing comes from, this lecture offers something for all interests.
No registration required. Bring your curiosity and questions!
Location: Franklin Event Center @ 4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines- Room 148 (aka Beaverdale Room); please enter through the South or West (accessible) entrance and follow the signs.
After an approximate 45 minute break, at 1:00pm, there will be a hands-on class: From Flax to Thread: Hands-On Linen Processing & Drop Spindle Spinning. Pre-registration and fee required for the class. (See Class Page for details.)
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