Meetings – Weavers of Orlando
Celebrating 75 Years | Est. 1942
Promoting Weaving and Other Fiber Arts in Central Florida

Meetings

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Holiday Luncheon

Members gather annually to enjoy the holiday season with their fiber friends and families. Currently, the guild gathers at the Mount Dora, FL United Methodist Church on N. Fifth Street.

2018

 

2017

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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.

By webweaver
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Workshops 2021

 
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 Nancy R  at workshops@weaversoforlando.org

The well stocked workshop basket This file contains a very good list of things you should bring with you to every workshop Please take the time to click on the link, read & print the list for future reference.

2021 Workshops

Due to Covid 19

All 2020 & 2021 Workshops & Programs

will be done via Zoom

If you are interested in joining us at one of the following 2021 workshops or would like more details please contact our workshop chair Nancy R

Workshops will be held at:

LEESBURG CENTER OF THE ARTS

429 West Magnolia Street
Leesburg, FL 34748

Workshops 2021

Due to Covid 19 this Workshop will be done via Zoom

Turned Beiderwand: One Threading, Multiple Structures Virtual Workshop

Sunday, May 16, Saturday May 22, and Saturday May 29

Karen Donde

Beiderwand is a double-weave technique using plain weave and different warp setts.  Turning a beiderwand draft creates clean pattern blocks, better drape and faster, one- shuttle weaving than its traditional supplementary weft method. The resulting threading also adapts easily to weave other structures. Students will warp with a supplementary warp and weave samples, learning how to turn a draft and make do without a second warp beam. For 8 shafts.

This workshop will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and weaving time during which Ms. Donde will be available for questions. The workshop cost will differ depending on the number of attendees.  However, if all 16 spots are taken, the cost will be $110, with no further material fees.

If you are interested in taking this workshop or have any further questions, please contact Chris S program chair

Bio and artist statement taken from https://karendondehandwovens.com/home.html

Karen Donde weaves garments, fashion accessories and home textiles for sale and teaches beginning-advanced weaving classes and assorted workshops for guilds and conferences. Teaching credits include HGA’s Convergence 2012, 2014 and 2016 and 2022 (postponed from 2020), Southeast Fiber Forum, the Mid-Atlantic Fiber Association’s Workshop Weekend, Midwest Weavers Conference, Intermountain Weavers Guild Conference and Florida Tropical Weavers Conference. In Asheville, NC, she has taught at Sutherland Handweaving Studio, Friends & Fiberworks, Local Cloth and her own studio.

Karen is a juried member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and graduated in May 2013 from Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts-Fiber program. An experienced and award-winning writer with a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri, Donde now writes for and about weavers. She is a contributor to Handwoven magazine and other allied publications.

Artist’s Statement:
“Exploring infinite ways to create patterned textiles at the loom drives my fascination with weaving. I am drawn to intricate structural interlacements, but am thrilled when simple combinations of structure, color and texture yield beautiful, complex-looking woven designs. I insist my garments and accessories feel as luxurious as they look and am on a continuing quest for fibers and techniques to achieve that result. For me, learning is as exciting as creating, and my desire to share that learning through instruction and writing will be a primary focus of my continued development.”

Workshops 2020

Due to Covid 19 this Workshop will be done via Zoom

October 17, 18 & 19 2020 Workshop (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)

Weaving in a Parallel Universe by Linda Hartshorn

Explore a parallel universe of possibilities in weaving! Parallel threadings are incredibly versatile and can be used to weave a variety of structures including echo weave twills, four color doubleweave, and jin (polychrome turned taquete). Create vibrant colorways, echoes and iridescence by using two or more colors in the warp. Weave samples in a round robin, study drafts and learn how to create a parallel threading. Add the power of parallel threadings to your weaving repertoire.

Level: Intermediate—advanced

Loom type: Portable floor or table loom, 8 or more shafts required, in good working order.

Loom will be pre-warped according to instructions. Two boat shuttles with bobbins, scissors, weft yarn, tape measure, Fray Check (a fabric glue for separating samples). Bring any items needed to mend broken warps. For notetaking and drafting bring pen, pencil, and paper.

Bio:
Linda Hartshorn is known for unique dyework and lively use of color in her handwoven textiles. With over fifteen years of teaching experience, Linda enjoys leading workshops all over the country. She recently opened Lost Coast Weaving Studio in the mountains of Northern California, where she holds classes and creates her own work. Linda is a two time winner of the Victor Thomas Jacoby Award.

In weaving Linda has discovered the threads that connect us to other weavers, to other places and other times. For her weaving is an essential part of being human. She tries to express this in her work, which is influenced by many textile traditions but is still very much her own. She uses natural fibers, a diversity of weave structures, and hand dyeing, including the extensive use of plant and mineral dyes, to create artistry in fiber.

By webweaver
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Programs for 2021

Due to Covid 19

ALL in person meetings have been CANCELED

until further Notice!!

We will be doing Zoom meetings for Members through the end of 2020

 
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)
  • 9:30  – 10:30 Social Hour
  • 10:30 – 11:00 Meeting
  • 11:00 – 11:45ish  Show and Tell
  • 11:45 – 12:00 Break
  • 12:00 – 1:00ish Program
  • 1:00 – 2:00 Project Hour
Please Note : Starting in April enjoy fellowship with other members as you work on that project, get questions answered, or design your next weaving piece.
Where:  We will be meeting at:

LEESBURG CENTER OF THE ARTS

429 West Magnolia Street
Leesburg, FL 34748

Program schedule for the first half of 2021

January 16, 2021

Ellen Turner will be presenting a program called Game of Bands, in which she will explore the many ways of producing narrow bands, tapes, ribbons and braids. We will take a look at historical methods as well as contemporary examples of inkle weaving, tablet weaving and braiding.

February 20, 2021

Constance Blackmon Lee, Costume Designer, Fiber Artist, Certified in Permaculture Design, PH.D. in Psychology.

This presentation will focus primarily on the freedom quilt blocks and the hidden messages they hold. This subject has generated much controversy among scholars. The question is, “did slaves seeking freedom in the North use blocks of a traditional sampler quilt as a roadmap to freedom”. This discussion will present the facts and examples of the hidden codes buried in the quilt blocks. It remains up to the listener to decide whether the “oral” stories presented are factor just fabrication.

Bio:
Born and raised in Orlando, Florida attending Rollins College, undergraduate studies Winter Park, Fl. and graduate work at UCLA, Los Angeles, Ca. After living and working in California for several decades, I retired from the IBM Corporation and moved back to Orlando. Retirement allowed me to pursue my passion for all things fiber, particularly the whole cloth. I am an art quilter, weaver, and most recently learning to spin fiber.  As a costumer, I have worked in film, network television, commercials, theater and for Disney World Creative Costumes. And of course alongside my many activities, I have grown food and raised chickens in the City. Now, my earnest desire is to purchase rural property, to finally “Escape to the Country”.

March 20, 2021 TBD

April 17, 2021

Kumihimo is the ancient Japanese art of braided cord making. Historically, the beautiful braids produced by skilled artisans were utilized by samurai, for temple adornment, and important to tea ceremonies, and more. Once prevalently used in everyday life, kumihimo has experienced fluctuations in use over the centuries. The art has gained a renewed popularity today, which extends around the world. Jennifer Williams will present an overview of kumihimo history and discusses the traditional ways kumihimo are created and used.

 

Bio:
Jennifer Williams is a passionate band weaver. Her favorite loom is an inkle loom, but she has spent many years exploring band weaving techniques practiced around the world. Jennifer teaches inkle loom band weaving and basket weaving to guilds and privately. Her work has been published in Handwoven Magazine’s Easy Weaving with Little Looms. Additionally, on her blog InkledPink.com, she shares creative step-by-step project tutorials designed for woven bands. 

 

May 15, 2021
Meeting presentation by Karen Donde, who will be doing a virtual workshop on Turned Biederwand during the month of May. More information about this will be provided separately.
Bio and artist statement taken from https://karendondehandwovens.com/home.html
Karen Donde weaves garments, fashion accessories and home textiles for sale and teaches beginning-advanced weaving classes and assorted workshops for guilds and conferences. Teaching credits include HGA’s Convergence 2012, 2014 and 2016 and 2022 (postponed from 2020), Southeast Fiber Forum, the Mid-Atlantic Fiber Association’s Workshop Weekend, Midwest Weavers Conference, Intermountain Weavers Guild Conference and Florida Tropical Weavers Conference. In Asheville, NC, she has taught at Sutherland Handweaving Studio, Friends & Fiberworks, Local Cloth and her own studio.
Karen is a juried member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and graduated in May 2013 from Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts-Fiber program. An experienced and award-winning writer with a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri, Donde now writes for and about weavers. She is a contributor to Handwoven magazine and other allied publications.
Artist’s Statement:
“Exploring infinite ways to create patterned textiles at the loom drives my fascination with weaving. I am drawn to intricate structural interlacements, but am thrilled when simple combinations of structure, color and texture yield beautiful, complex-looking woven designs. I insist my garments and accessories feel as luxurious as they look and am on a continuing quest for fibers and techniques to achieve that result. For me, learning is as exciting as creating, and my desire to share that learning through instruction and writing will be a primary focus of my continued development.”

June 19, 2021
Gary Sligh will talk about needlepoint.

Programs 2020

 

September 19, 2020 – Zoom 

Berna Lowenstein will explain and demonstrate how to use a Schacht warping paddle to warp 4 or more yarns at a time on a warping board.   Since the October workshop requires warping 4 threads at the same time, this program will help demystify using a warping paddle, and give secret tricks to keep the yarns from twisting around each other.  Berna will present a slide show following by a live demonstration showing the warping paddle in action. 

Berna Lowenstein has been knitting since she was five years old, and has been a rabid fiber artist ever since.  She is an award winning spinner and weaver for over 30 years.  She also loves inkle weaving, kumihimo, tablet weaving, dyeing and hoarding books.  

 

October 17, 2020 – Zoom

Color Fundamentals for Fiber Artists by Linda Hartshorn

Color is enriches our lives and is of primary importance to the fiber art we create. Color is not only fundamental but FUN! A Power Point slideshow will guide us through the basics of color and show inspiring examples in fiber art. Using what we have learned, we will make yarn wraps in a fun, hands-on exercise.

Provided for students: cards for wrapping and some yarns.

Materials for students to bring:  scissors, tape, and a few colorful pictures from a magazine or elsewhere for inspiration. Please also bring bits and balls of yarn leftover from your projects to share with the group.

November 21, 2020 – Zoom

Mercedes DiNatale:  Turning Handwoven Yardage into Tote Bags
Everyone fell in love with the beautiful bags that Mercedes had for sale at last year’s Christmas sale in Mt. Dora. Now she’s going to teach us how to make our own. 

Bio:  Mercedes DiNatale interest in weaving was sparked at a craft fair in North Carolina, where a Weaver let her sit at a loom and weave. Learning plain weave on rigid heddle then joining Weavers of Orlando in 2018 where a Harrisville Loom found a new home. Mercedes enjoys learning weave structures, experimenting with different yarns, color combinations and finding ways to use woven fabrics. 

 

December 12, 2020 – Zoom

Constance Blackmon Lee:  Traditional Backstrap Weaving by the Boruca Natives of Costa Rica will be presented. We will explore the history of the Borucans as cultural artisans perserving their traditional mask-making and textile techniques for hundreds of years. This presentation will be an up close and personal account of what it is like to eat, sleep and weave with this indigenous people, while expericing village life high up in the Telamanca Mountains of Costa Rica. Textiles will be on display. 

CONSTANCE BLACKMON LEE, Costume Designer, Fiber Artist, Certified in Permaculture Design. For as long as I can remember, I have had a love affair with fiber, particularly the whole cloth. I have been sewing for more than 50 years, and costuming for 22 years. I’ve worked in film, network television, commercials, theater, live entertainment productions and for Disney World Creative Costumes. After living two decades in Los Angeles, and retiring from the IBM Corporation, I returned home to Orlando Florida. Then, I joined a local quilting guild and produced a few award-winning quilts. Mostly, I made quilts to just give them away. So of course, that meant buying more fabric to add to my stash. Presently, my artistic expression encompasses art weaving, quilting and doll making. And most recently, I am learning to spin (stumbling along!).However, my most interesting lesson thus far, was at a recent “fleece washing” i.e., how to remove poop out of sheep’s fleece. I think I went home with more poop on me than the sheep. But most of all, my passions have been fueled and largely supported by like-minded women I have met along this journey. And for that, I am GRATEFUL!