Celebrating 75 Years | Est. 1942
Promoting Weaving and Other Fiber Arts in Central Florida
webweaver
click to enlargeNilus Leclerc 4 Harness Floor loom For Sale
For Sale 36” 4 Harness Nilus Leclerc floor loom
Please click on photos to enlarge
Loom has 6 treadles along with a sectional warping beam option, bench, 4 reeds, warping board, bobbin winder, extra heddles, warping spools and rack, books and lots of shuttles.
Loom is in like new condition. Asking $2000 for more information email Jerry C at jwcarter42416@gmail.com
2017 Holiday Luncheon
Members gather annually to enjoy the holiday season with their fiber friends and families. Here are images from the recent 2017 Holiday luncheon, held at the Mount Dora, FL United Methodist Church, Dec 16.
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Captions for the above…. (1) The annual holiday luncheon is a great time for friends to get together. There are always warm greetings and hugs. (2) Lee T indicates he is having a good time. (3) Anne M greets long-time friends Ellen and Chuck T. (4) Mona R sets the table. (5) Sandy L, right, starts the serving line. (6) Cynthia S, right, and Pat I catch up on events.
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Captions for the above … (7 and 8) Lively conversations and dining are the hallmark of a great holiday luncheon. (9) Pam W officially opens the event with a greeting and thanks for a great 2017. (10 and 11 ) Nancy R invites Berna L, center, and Pat I to bless the meal.
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Captions for the above photos……(12) The luncheon event was a good opportunity for Marilyn F to give thanks to the members of her 75th Anniversary Celebration Team for their contribution to the success of the event. (13) Marilyn recognizes Cindy L for her strategic plans, (14) Bev T for booking the venue, the Camelia Room of Leu Gardens and her close coordination with their staff, (15) Mary S for her contributions, (16) Nancy R for her support and guidance, (17) Berna L for her role as key-note speaker and (18) Pam W for booking the catering company and coordinating their services. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the milestone event, thanks to many volunteers.
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Captions for the above ……(19) Diane C gives a brief report on the recent Holiday Sales event at the Lakeside Inn and shared that sales from the event were very good. Looking forward, Diane reported that the 2018 Holiday Sales event would be moved to the Donnelly Pavilion in downtown Mount Dora, providing more space. The building offers higher visibility for tourists and shoppers and better access from the street. The dates of the 2018 sale are Nov 30 and Dec 1 and 2. (20) Sandy L and Cynthia S handle the door prize portion of the luncheon. All gifts were to be made by members. (21) Ann R shows off her beaded bracelet created by Nancy R. (22) Anne M shows off her exchange gift: a jar of blueberry jam, a felted home made lemon drop soap and a quilted place mat for the table from Mona R.
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Captions for the above ….. (22) Ellen T shows her wire, bead and pine bark pendant. (24) Jamie L received two woven jelly fish scarves from Pam W. (25) Ann C shows her beaded bracelet. (26) Jane G shows her beaded earrings. (27) Jewel B received a felted tree ornament. (28) Judy S received a blue beaded Christmas ornament made by Mimi S.
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Captions for the above ….. (29) Liz H received a woven tartan plaid towel created by Mary S. (30) Marilyn F shows off her glass tree ornament, created by Jamie L. (31) Mary S shows off her exchange gift: a crocheted scarf from Jane G. (32) Mimi S received a scarf and fragrant soap. (33) Nancy H shows her scented candle. (34) Nancy R scored with her lacy cowl.
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Captions for the above ….. (35) Pam W shows her bracelet from Malaysia, courtesy of Nancy H, who flies the world with Delta. (36) Peg C admires her door prize tickets, or, as she proudly proclaimed, her: ‘investment in the guild.’ (37 and 38) The grand prize of the luncheon door prize event was a hand-made, 4-shaft, 4-treddle, 24″ floor loom which had been totally reconditioned and given a new life, new shuttles and a starter stash of yarns, which Ann R won. Ann promptly announced that she is gifting the loom to a friend in Tallahassee who expressed an interest in learning to weave. Two members of the guild volunteered to provide the new owner with beginner instructions on how to get started. The spirit of Christmas is alive within the hearts of members of The Weavers of Orlando.
Workshops 2018 – 2019
Weavers of Orlando have 3 different 3 day workshops planned for 2018.
We sponsor 3 workshops a year, 2 of the workshops are usually with nationally known instructors, and members get first chance to take these workshops.
The cost of the workshops are estimated prior to the workshop and a deposit is required when signing up to take a workshop with Weavers of Orlando.
The exact cost of the workshop is determined by the cost of travel for the instructor, teaching fees along with room rental and any other expenses encountered for the workshop. These costs are then divided among the participants in the workshop. Some of the instructors also require a materials fee that is separate fee from the cost of the workshop.
If you are interested in joining us at one of the following workshops or would like more details please contact our workshop chair Ann R at workshops@weaversoforlando.org
July 2018 — Jennifer Williams, Basket Weaving, July 21-23, 2018
It’s in the Bowl
This workshop is a great introduction or refresher to weaving baskets with round reed and a wood base. Beginner basket weavers are welcome! Woven over a plastic mould for easy shaping, each basket will be finished with a braided rim. Choice of reed color will be available (if desired) for the multicolor basket. All materials and tools will be provided to complete both baskets, but feel free to bring your favorite basket making tools if you like. There is a $20 materials fee.
Perfect as decorative centerpieces or serving bowls at a dinner gathering, you will love your new baskets!
October 2018 — Rep Weave/Block Weave – instructor Rosalie Neilson
Rosalie Neilsen, It’s in the Warp: Color and Design in Rep, Oct. 20-22, 2018
Two different colored warps (a pattern colorway and a background colorway) combine with thick and thin weft to form the elements for exploring block design in warp-faced rep. Prior to the workshop, weavers will select a draft and pre-thread a loom. Learn how “blocks” of rep, threaded on four and eight shafts, can be combined to expand design possibilities. Discussions will focus on profile drafting, use of color, movement of blocks in independent and linked fashion, skeleton tie-ups, different threading systems, and design considerations for four shaft and multiple harness looms. Weavers will work exclusively on their own loom (4- or 8-shaft) to understand the weave structure of rep, sampling with different weight wefts to create textiles suitable for the table, wall, and floor.
Bio:
Rosalie Neilson loves using color and geometric design in her weavings and kumihimo braiding. An avid designer and teacher, she was featured in a 2-hour DVD by Interweave Press called Rep Weave. She publishes regularly in weaving and braiding journals and maintains an active teaching schedule throughout the United States, Canada, and England. Her curiosity about unique patterns lead her to publish two recent book. One is for kumihimo enthusiasts called Kongō Gumi: A Cacophony of Spots – Coils – Zags – Lines featuring 1,157 unique 2-color patterns for the kumihimo braid structure Kongō Gumi. The other book is for designers and weavers interested in symmetric block designs called An Exaltation of Blocks. It is a two-volume set featuring a toolkit of design pages and transparent overlays for developing 4- to 8-block patterns.
2019 Workshops
February 16, 17, and 18 Program and Workshop by Jennifer Moore
Double Rainbow 2 1/2 day workshop- 2 Layers, 4 (or 8) Shafts, 6 Colors – Infinite Possibilities
This is perhaps the ultimate color sampler! You will begin by winding a warp and setting up your loom according to Jennifer’s system for working with multiple colors in a rotational sequence and bringing it to the workshop. A basic two-layered structure will enable us to mix and match our colors, creating an amazing array of color mixtures. As you weave and your warp colors move past each other you will experience a visual feast of iridescence and moire patterns. We will also experiment with single-layered structures such as warp rep and warp-faced twills and the effects that they create on this versatile warp. This sampler will provide a remarkable education in color theory and how optical mixtures work in weaving, as well as a great source of inspiration for future weaving projects.
Level: Intermediate. No prior experience in doubleweave is necessary, but students must know how to warp a loom
Students will bring a 4- or 8-shaft loom warped according to instructions.
From the first time that Jennifer Moore sat down at a loom, she was drawn to the orderly universe of colored threads and the rhythmic repetition in the process of weaving. Because of her background in piano and pipe organ, she felt an immediate affinity with this new stringed instrument whose patterns flowed from her hands in the form of color and design rather than sound.
After experimenting with various structures for several years, she found her home in the ancient technique of doubleweave pick-up. In doubleweave two layers of cloth are woven simultaneously, one above the other on the loom. Through the exacting process of hand pick-up, she exchanges threads between the two layers, building original designs onto the underlying grid. By blending numerous colors together in both my warp and weft and playing one layer against the other, she is able to create a nearly limitless range of subtle color gradations. Over the years she has developed new methods of setting up and weaving doubleweave that she feels make it more accessible and easier to weave. She travels extensively to teach these techniques and has recently written the book The Weaver’s Studio: Doubleweave, published by Interweave Press.
Programs for 2018 -2019
Weavers of Orlando (WoO), an active non-profit organization, promotes and encourages interest in the fiber arts such as weaving, spinning, basketry, dyeing, felting, and beading through monthly programs.
When: The 3rd Saturday of each month (see monthly schedule below)
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Socializing & Weaving questions answered starting at 9:30 am
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Business meeting starts at 10 a.m.
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Show and tell usually starts around 10:30 am
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Program starts around 11:00 am
Where: Westminster Winter Park Towers meeting room at 1111 South Lakemont Avenue Winter Park FL 32792, unless otherwise stated below.
The following programs are planned for your learning and enjoyment in 2018! Come join us!
Scroll down to view 2019 programs
July 21, 2018 — Basketweaving presented by Jennifer W.
“Basket Weaving: “It’s in the Bowl”
As a prelude to the “It’s in the Bowl” workshop, Jennifer will dazzle us with a program on basket weaving. The workshop that follows (see workshop page) will be a great introduction or refresher to weaving baskets with round reed and a wood base. For the program Jennifer will highlight types of baskets, varieties of materials, and tools commonly used for basket weaving.
August 18, 2018 —“Old Becomes New Again in Dukagang” presented by Audrey S.
Dukagang is a weave structure first discovered in woven cloth from ancient Egypt. It is created by combining plain weave with an inlaid design. If you can count and guide your fingers across the cloth, you can create beautiful and original designs with Dukagang.
Audrey learned to weave in 1954 on a big, old barn loom which stood in the middle of my art classroom. Students were allowed to weave on the loom after their art project was finished. I would quickly finish my project just to have a chance to weave. After high school I married and raised four daughters. There was little time for weaving or even money to buy a loom of my own. It wasn’t until I moved to Orlando in 1989 that I had the time, money and opportunity to buy a loom and truly learn to weave. Under the guidance of Betty TerLouw I studied for several years and learned much of what Betty had to teach. For many years the loom became my best friend. Today, I mainly weave greeting cards and small projects. Dukagang has become my all-time favorite weave structure because it combines my love or art and weaving.
September 15, 2018 —Tips and Tricks in a Round Robin Day. Details to follow
October 20-22, 2018 — Rep Weave/Block Weave presented by Rosalie N. “It’s in the Warp: Color and Design in Rep”
As a prelude to her workshop “It’s in the Warp: Color and Design in Rep”, Rosalie will introduce us to the rich world of color and design in Rep. Two different colored warps (a pattern colorway and a background colorway) combine with thick and thin weft to form the elements for exploring block design in warp-faced rep. Rosalie will discuss how “blocks” of rep, threaded on four and eight shafts, can be combined to expand design possibilities.
Rosalie loves using color and geometric design in her weavings and kumihimo braiding. An avid designer and teacher, she was featured in a 2-hour DVD by Interweave Press called Rep Weave. She publishes regularly in weaving and braiding journals and maintains an active teaching schedule throughout the United States, Canada, and England. Her curiosity about unique patterns lead her to publish two recent books. One is for kumihimo enthusiasts called “Kongō Gumi: A Cacophony of Spots – Coils – Zags – Lines” featuring 1,157 unique 2-color patterns for the kumihimo braid structure Kongō Gumi. The other book is for designers and weavers interested in symmetric block designs called “An Exaltation of Blocks.” It is a two-volume set featuring a toolkit of design pages and transparent overlays for developing 4- to 8-block patterns.
November 17,2018 — Weavers of Orlando’s Annual fundraising Auction –
WoO will have its annual auction fundraiser on November 17. This auction is always a favorite because people get to donate their treasures they no longer need or use. Then lucky winners get to take home new-to-them treasures. Now is the time to start thinking about and going through your stash, closets, bookshelves, bureaus, etc., to see which items you would like to donate.
December 15, 2018 — Holiday Luncheon –
Our Holiday Luncheon will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora. Food, Door prizes, Gift Exchange, Scholarship Drawing!
2019 Programs
January 19, 2019 Program by Nancy Reed
Spinning Yarn: Tools, Types of Fiber, Fiber Prep, Yarn Samples and Some Sources. You can use wheels, spindles or both, of many types. You can spin many types and blends of fiber: sheep’s wool, alpaca, cotton, silk, tencel, bamboo, and more. You can use prepared fiber or prep your own—generally fleece from sheep. I will bring some equipment and samples for people to check out.
Nancy Reed has been spinning for nearly 15 years now, starting with a “student” top whorl drop spindle and viewing videotapes and reading books. Over the years, she acquired quite a few spindles of various types (probably close to 20 by now, 2 treadle wheels and 2 Kickstarter campaign electric wheels. Nancy does demos regularly for WoO, and often provides introductory spindle lessons at meetings in her spinning group. She has used her handspun for knitting, crocheting and weaving (warp and weft) on my Rigid Heddle looms.
February 16, 17, and 18 Program and Workshop by Jennifer Moore
Double Rainbow 2 1/2 day workshop- 2 Layers, 4 (or 8) Shafts, 6 Colors – Infinite Possibilities
This is perhaps the ultimate color sampler! You will begin by winding a warp and setting up your loom according to Jennifer’s system for working with multiple colors in a rotational sequence and bringing it to the workshop. A basic two-layered structure will enable us to mix and match our colors, creating an amazing array of color mixtures. As you weave and your warp colors move past each other you will experience a visual feast of iridescence and moire patterns. We will also experiment with single-layered structures such as warp rep and warp-faced twills and the effects that they create on this versatile warp. This sampler will provide a remarkable education in color theory and how optical mixtures work in weaving, as well as a great source of inspiration for future weaving projects.
Level: Intermediate. No prior experience in doubleweave is necessary, but students must know how to warp a loom
Students will bring a 4- or 8-shaft loom warped according to instructions.
From the first time that Jennifer Moore sat down at a loom, she was drawn to the orderly universe of colored threads and the rhythmic repetition in the process of weaving. Because of her background in piano and pipe organ, she felt an immediate affinity with this new stringed instrument whose patterns flowed from her hands in the form of color and design rather than sound.
After experimenting with various structures for several years, she found her home in the ancient technique of doubleweave pick-up. In doubleweave two layers of cloth are woven simultaneously, one above the other on the loom. Through the exacting process of hand pick-up, she exchanges threads between the two layers, building original designs onto the underlying grid. By blending numerous colors together in both my warp and weft and playing one layer against the other, she is able to create a nearly limitless range of subtle color gradations. Over the years she has developed new methods of setting up and weaving doubleweave that she feels make it more accessible and easier to weave. She travels extensively to teach these techniques and has recently written the book The Weaver’s Studio: Doubleweave, published by Interweave Press.
March 23, 2019 Annual Picnic
(FOURTH Saturday—FTWG Conference is the third weekend in March).
Harrisville Designs 36” 8 Harness 10 treadle loom
click to enlarge
click to enlargeWeaving width: 36″ height: 42″ (add 2” with tray) Floor space: Unfolded: 42″ x 34″ Folded: 42″ x 18″, equipped with wheels. approx 4 years old Also included with the loom a 10 dent reed and a tool tray, raddle , 2 lease sticks, Toika 20-28” temple, 2 – 14” Schacht wood shuttles, 2 Schacht 20”rug shuttles
Maple wood with a Walnut stain. Harrisville Design loom model L368K
Loom comes with 5 cones 8/2 cotton , amounts unknown see pictures
Shipping/pick-up information: Delivery available to Orlando area and/or within a reasonable radius of Tampa
Price: $1200 It does not have a bench.
Contact Andrea N at alnoonan@verizon.net 813-362-1447
Weaving Around the World
A Weaving Story in Jordan
by Alaa Mencke
On the outskirts of Amman, Jordan, lies a valley that is rich in history called, Araq al Ameer. The village located there is called by the same name. Araq al Ameer means, “Caves of the Prince’ in English and an ancient ruin called, Qasr al Abd, “Castle of the Slave” is also there, built in the second century Hellenistic period, before Christianity. The legend is that the castle was built by a slave, smitten by the King’s daughter. He built the castle as a tribute to her, but never completed it or won her hand. What is left of the castle is still visited today, as are the caves that are located on the side of a mountain, which are still used as storage places and sheep pens. Some of the original structures of the village were left to erode, but there are still enough of them, including the ancient watering system to imagine what this farming community may have been like in the past. But, for me, as a weaver, what is even more enticing is the weaving cooperative that is located in this small village.
The weaving cooperative, established in 1993, had 20 young women volunteers to learn how to warp and weave. It is in one of the old buildings where curved arches, similar to those used in medieval architecture, are still supporting a roof over weavers beneath them. Amina, one of the young women who volunteered to learn how to weave in 1993, said that the looms they have were donated from the Chinese Embassy. A weaver, presumably from the embassy, instructed the women how to wind a warp, dress the loom and weave. They have four looms that are two shaft, two treadle, countermarch design. However, what differs from the countermarch looms that are most commonly seen, is that the back of the loom is raised higher than the front resulting in a smaller shed. Since these are the looms the weavers learned on, they are used to the beater so close to the breast beam and the short shed.
Even though their looms are limited by the number of harnesses and treadles, they weave a flawless plain weave, balanced and well-made. Natural yarn is virtually non-existent in Jordan; the wool we have from the Awassi sheep, an ancient breed, is undervalued and cotton is not grown here anymore. As a result, the weavers in Araq al Ameer either use acrylic yarn from China or sewing thread. On my recent visit, Amina had acquired some cotton yarn from downtown, which she was dyeing with natural materials found within their village, and that day it was acorns. The natural dyeing they’ve recently done creates an effect similar to ikat. Sometimes they use the material they’ve woven and sew them into bags and slippers. However, the way in which they weave is very different from the way in which we are accustomed in the west.
First, when winding their warp, they set up their cones of yarn on a kind of metal frame that has eyelets screwed into the top. The cones sit at the bottom of the frame and each cone is threaded through an eyelet. Then, the yarn is taken across the room to a very large wheel, where it is tied on. The large wheel serves as their warping mill and can hold about eight yards. It’s so large that it reminds me of the large paddle wheel on a steam boat. Of course, it isn’t that large, but compared to the size of the room it’s in, it is very oversized. Naturally, once the threads are attached to the mill, they wind on the many yards of thread. They may count the yards (meters) wound onto the warping mill, but the number of ends are not counted. This is another technique that is uncommon to weavers in the west. Thread count and wraps per inch are irrelevant.
Unlike in other weaving communities, weavers that I have met in Araq al Ameer and in other places do not weave following patterns and number of ends per inch and the other technical aspects that many weavers use. In fact, I’m certain they do not know how to read a pattern. They simply fill the many string heddles on the two harnesses to the desired width. Since there are only two shafts, they just place a thread in each heddle, alternating between shaft one and two. Because they have not been taught the technical aspects of weaving, designs they could weave through use of alternate colored warp threads are not used. Because a single color is used in the warp, the weaving effect occurs by changing colors in the weft, making that the area where any kind of patterning or design is done.
While these weavers do not have knowledge in the technical aspects, such as the use of color and weave in warps, color theory or how to use a multi-harness loom, they are enthusiastic to learn. Also, their absence of knowledge in these areas does not take away from the beautiful fabric they do weave. They, just like all weavers, are always trying to learn new skills and have pride in the weaving they do.
Helpful Weaving Charts
Reed Sleying Chart
Find your reed size at the top of the Chart in Bold.
Read down to find the sett you want, then across to find the order of sley of the reed to achieve that sett.
Click here for a printer friendly version of the chart
Sett Charts
These setts are a starting point. Each different yarn brand and twist of yarn will be a bit different so the best advice would be to sample to make sure you are getting the desired fabric hand or drape you are looking for.
For a printer friendly version of the charts below Click here.
Handwoven Magazine has a great master yarn chart with more options.
Yarn Yardage by Weight/Size
2018 Demo News
The Weavers of Orlando enjoys participating in community events with hands-on, live demonstrations, showing basic weaving techniques. Weaving and spinning are still alive! Come, meet up with spinners, and have a try at weaving on a loom, or just visit.
We offer the perfect opportunity to engage in the joy of weaving and spinning.
Contact Beverly at demos@weaversoforlando.org if you have a group that might like to see the latest in the many different forms of fiber arts.
2018 Demo Dates
January 27 and Feb 3, 2018 – Saturdays
Lake Mary Historical Museum, LMHM, is located at 158 N. Country Club Rd. Lk Mary, Fl 32746
“Weavers of Orlando were available at the LMHM in Lake Mary to help guests fine tune their weaving and spinning techniques. Shown above: Mary Ann of Winter Park, Nancy of Apopka and Sandy from Mount Dora, ‘On the Porch’ in Lake Mary. Saturday, Feb 3, was Demo day at the Lake Mary History Museum, with members of Weavers of Orlando. Seen below, Sonya brought some of her beads. Patty wove on her new loom. Her pattern was an undulating twill in dark and light brown. Members present were able to show and demonstrate the Kumihimo technique; guests were able to learn the method and to take kumihimo weaving cards with them. Some visitors had their quilts in the museum’s show. It was a great day.” – Bev
“Ann , Sandy and I had fun at Lake Mary demoing on January 27. Sandy finished a towel warp on her warping board and started warping her loom. Ann had brought some lovely bead weaving samples and worked on a bracelet. The demo loom had several inches of weaving added, as well.
“See my blog: http://www.postmodernfiberfun.com/….. I have posted information about the Turquoise woven and knit cowl I showed at the January meeting, as well as the all handspun woven panels I worked on while demonsrtating at the Lake Mary History Museum on Jan. 27. I used my 10” Cricket Rigid Heddle loom for both projects. My pictures aren’t wonderful, but I did include links to resources. The Kismet book that inspired the Turquoise cowl is available as a pdf from the people who published it.” Nancy R knittynancy@yahoo.com
Heritage Day, Brooksville, FL
February 24, 2018, Saturday only.
Location: 70 Russell Street, Brooksville, FL
Weavers of Orlando had a booth at this event, located in Hernando county, about 75 miles west of Orlando.
March 11, 2018, Sunday
Central Florida Fair, located at 4603 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, Fl 32808
This event was held on Sunday, March 11.
Each year, we invite the public to come and spin, weave, make Kumihimo; learn basic techniques, and make new friends.
Here are pics of awards in Weaving Category at the 2018 Central Florida Fair presented to WoO members for their projects…(left: ) Anne McK’s Huck towel with white on white design took First Place. (center,) Diane C’s Diamond Napkin in blue and white took Second Place and (right), Cindy C’s Huck towel in fall colors took Third Place. Congratulations! BT
March 15-18, 2018
Florida Tropical Weavers Guild Annual Conference
Come, take a class and visit the vendors. Located on the shores of Lake Yale, at the Lake Yale Conference Center, near Leesburg.
May 5 – 6, 2018
St. Johns River Festival of the Arts, Sanford, Florida;
Saturday and Sunday, Many artist and demonstrations. The art exhibit is located in downtown Sanford.
For parking, use the Library parking lot at 150 N. Palmetto Ave. Sanford,
May 2018
Alafaya Branch Library, Orange County Library system
invites you to Farm Day
Oct 2018
UCF Library
Weave, spin, Kumihimo or bring a project.
October 2018
Maker Faire at Fair Grounds – West Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida
Saturday and Sunday, Contact
knittynancy@yahoo.com
Nov. 15, 2018 Thursday,
Maitland Montessori School, Maitland FL
Florida Pioneer Day. Come and have a great time with the kids.
November 30 – Dec 2, 2018
Holiday Show and Sale
Located at the Donnelly Pavilion,
Downtown Mount Dora, Florida
December, 2018
Audubon Elementary School Arts Night
Baldwin Park Orlando Florida
200 students in 2 hours
If you have an event in Central Florida that would benefit from learning about weaving, contact Bev at demos@weaversoforlando.org
2017 Demo Events
A note from a very appreciative friend of the guild …
“Beverly,
I want to thank you and the Weavers of Orlando for helping with our “2017 Christmas Advent project. When I started to imagine having a loom in our sanctuary, with actual weaving taking place during the sermons, it seemed a bit – crazy? I didn’t know if there was any one or organization who could help. I was very excited when you responded to my search and request.
The series evolved much as I had imagined. We had folks of all types come up and weave during the sermons. Once you mounted the finished product, I was able to present the “woven picture” of Christmas Looming to the congregation. It is now hanging on our office door for all to see. Please pass along our thanks to the Weavers of Orlando and the person who loaned us the loom. Without all of your help, we would have missed something not only unique, but quite special during the 2017 Advent Season.
Warmly in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Joe Wendorph, Senior Pastor
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church”
Transform And Inspire – 25 Years of Diversity Week – UCF 2017
In 2017, the theme of the UCF Diversity Week was ‘Transform and Inspire Inclusion – 25 years of USF Diversity Week.’ The Weavers of Orlando participated in a dynamic and engaging display on campus on October 16-20 in a celebration of our diverse community. Bringing UCF college students together at the campus library was a unique opportunity to explore topics across the broad range of human identity, experience, and interaction. Diversity Week activities are intended to stimulate our campus and move us to a more inclusive culture.
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Photos from the 2017 UCF Diversity Week Demo feature Weavers of Orlando members, Nancy R, Bev T, Nancy H and Karen G, who shared some basic weaving and spinning techniques with UCF students. -JG
October 2017 – Maker Faire
The Maker Faire is an exciting gathering of youth and adults across the nation annually on the third weekend of October at the Orange County Fair Grounds. In 2017, it was October 20, 21 and 22. It is for fascinating people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects. It is called the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth – a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. Maker Faire is part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new! As a celebration of the Maker Movement, it’s a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. Participants include tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, food artisans, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors who come to show their creations and share their learnings. The Weavers of Orlando have engaged with Maker Faire guests for several years because we feel good about connecting the new, with the newer!
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Photos from the 2017 Maker Faire. Nancy R, seen here in her colorful tie-dyed blouse, is our Maker Faire guru. She has cheerfully hosted our booth in the Maker Faire for several years. A former teacher, Nancy has the skills and excitement necessary to communicate and engage with bright, creative youth. Our objective is to do outreach with younger generations and help them get excited and interested in fiber arts. Our booth was very popular with youth of all ages! -JG
November 16, 2017 – Maitland Montessori School – Pioneer Day!
The Weavers of Orlando spent most of the day at the Maitland Montessori School, where they celebrated Pioneer Day, dedicated to the early traditions of America. The students and teachers of Montessori Maitland engaged with members of the Weavers of Orlando in different, live and interactive events, including kumihimo weaving, fabric dyeing, spinning and weaving on a loom. Montessori School loves having the Weavers of Orlando come on campus to share their skills. If you have a school or youth group in Central Florida that would enjoy learning about weaving, contact Bev at demos@weaversoforlando.org
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Captions for above…. ( 1 & 2 ) Maitland Montessori elementary school instructor, Becky, in green, and WoO member Nancy R re-acqauint… this is the third year WoO has returned to Montessori in Maitland. WoO member Bev T shares the basics of kumihimo with Montessori students. (3&4 ) Mary C coaches students on kumihimo techniques. ( 5 ) Gloria C gives student the basics on how to dye fabric. ( 6 ) Montessori students designing kumihimo braids. ( 7 ) WoO member Anne N introduces students to the basics of a loom. ( 8 ) Nancy R explains the basics of spinning, and why it is important. ( 9 ) Teachers get in on the spirit by dressing in pioneer garb and walking the students through simple tasks done in the simple life of a pioneer. Shown here, working with wood using antique wood working tools. -JG