Buellwood Weaver and Fiber Guild, Hancock, Michigan

 Hello.  The weather has been so nice it is hard to sit inside!  However, weaving weather is just around the corner.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Guild Meeting: Next meeting is on a Saturday.  The date is October 19, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. EST.   Bring some final ideas for next year's retreat.  

Guild Retreat 2025: The next retreat will be September 19 to 21, 2024 at the Marsin Retreat Center.  

Finnish American Folk School: Check the website for upcoming classes.  There are a ton of creative opportunities; some weaving and some other media such as clay and wood.  There are even opportunities to sing and play an instrument.  Questions?  Clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org

MUSINGS

Folks, the time has come for my monthly blog musings with photos!  Our yearly retreat was held in September and it got me thinking and talking to others about online learning versus in-person learning.  This also ties in with the monthly question from last month's blog about attendance at conferences or festivals. 

The conclusion for me is that I appreciate the opportunities online learning has given me to learn new skills and improve old ones.  Online learning has become so professional and informative.  Most even include a zoom component or facebook group to facilitate interaction with other attendees. 

However, nothing can beat in-person interaction.  I enjoy struggling through something with others in real time.  Okay, maybe me struggling and them helping!  Moreover, getting to know people better has helped me to form relationships with our fellow guild members.

Covid has definitely taught me that online can be wonderful.  It also taught me that we need each other and we need to see each other face-to-face.

ANSWER TO LAST MONTH'S BLOG QUESTION    

Last month, I asked what conferences or festivals you attended.  Here is a summary of the answers:

Michigan League of Handweavers Conference in Holland MI.  One comment indicated that they do a great job of organizing and usually have one well known weaver as part of the education offered.  Maybe we can carpool next time if a group wants to go!

Midwest Weavers Conference is held on odd numbered years in different places.  It had a lot of classes and well-known weavers.  

Convergence is held on even numbered years.  Convergence is held in a different place every time.  The conference includes classes, vendors, lectures and events such as a fashion show.

Wisconsin sheep and wool is an annual fiber festival.  It has classes and a great group of vendors.  There are several events throughout the weekend (the Thursday through Sunday after Labor Day).  A group of us go every year and much fun is had!  The festival includes lambs being born and an exciting silent as well as regular auction.  Herding dogs show off their stuff and there are kids competing in sheep shows.  And there are more activities!!!  

NEW BLOG QUESTION

Please name one book that you would recommend to a newbie trying to learn beginning shaft weaving or tapestry weaving.  

PHOTOS FROM RETREAT

                                                                Elaine and Anita busy at work.  Michelle, Mary B, Nancy and David.

               David and Mary consulting.  Marci in the background next to David and Nate to the left.

Sean helping Mary.  Nancy looking on.  Michele was a new attendee.  In back, Denise and Karen M are hard at work.

                                                  Marcy and Annie getting their backstraps on.

Robin having fun.

 Phyllis, Elaine and Anita. Michelle and Nancy in the background

Karen M

Nate and Melissa talking with John

Sean to the left

Karen T is to the right with Mary B and behind Mary M

Marci, Robin and John

Hopefully, there is a picture of everyone. If not, I promise to do better in the future.

TILL NEXT MONTH...........