Due to Covid-19, Community Outreach Projects and hands-on events have been cancelled for the remainder of 2020, and spring 2021. See below for examples of previous events and programs. Community events will resume when it is safe to do so. Contact info@whatcomweaversguild.org with questions.
One of the main objectives of Whatcom Weavers Guild (WWG) is to spread interest in the textile arts through education. We educate our members through workshops, speakers and interaction with other weavers. We also hope to inspire and create new interest in these skills through several community outreach projects. If you are interested or have ideas for projects, you may contact the guild for suggestions, guidance and support. Email Mary Oates at meoates@comcast.net or Sheila Atwater at sheilag1948@comcast.net.
The largest program is the Wool & Weaving Show at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden each year. WWG, along with Spindrifters (our local spinning guild), supervises and assists with the exhibit entries and displays. Starting this year the entries will include items made with both plant and animal fibers. During the week- long event there are demonstrations of spinning yarn by the Spindrifters, weaving on large and small looms, wool felting, and a space for fair goers of all ages to try their hand at weaving.
The largest program is the Wool & Weaving Show at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden each year. WWG, along with Spindrifters (our local spinning guild), supervises and assists with the exhibit entries and displays. Starting this year the entries will include items made with both plant and animal fibers. During the week- long event there are demonstrations of spinning yarn by the Spindrifters, weaving on large and small looms, wool felting, and a space for fair goers of all ages to try their hand at weaving.
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- Lummi Nation has a long tradition of producing excellent handwoven baskets, blankets, and garments called “Barber Skirts”. They asked if WWG could support the 2019 Paddle to Lummi by providing hand woven gifts to be presented to the visiting canoe teams. The Guild produced 80 lovely small bags, towels and bookmarks to donate.
- WWG member Barbara Snow started what is now fondly known as the “Snow Cap Project” several years ago. Members knit or crochet hats and scarves to be donated to several organizations serving people in Bellingham and Whatcom County. Those organizations then distribute the caps and scarves throughout the winter months. Collaborating organizations have included (but are not limited to) the Opportunity Council, Northwest Youth Services and The Lighthouse Mission, as well as a number of elementary schools This is a very good way to use up those orphan skeins of yarn that we all find, and keep someone warm as well.
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A Small Looms group meets at the Bellingham Public Library Skill Share Space the first Saturday of every month. All members are welcome, and encouraged to meet up to demonstrate weaving on various types of small looms and answer a lot of questions. We encourage and assist people of all ages who stop by, to try weaving on the looms as well. This public exposure is a great way to spark interest and encourage creativity in others. The “Small Looms” format also shows that weaving doesn’t need to be an expensive hobby with a lot of large equipment. This is also a good way to use up bits and bobs of yarn, and have some hands-on weaving fun!
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The Whatcom County Library System serves the entire county. Since the Small Looms group started in the Bellingham branch, other libraries have also requested WWG to share our skills. The Deming branch asked to have a display of handwoven pieces in their space. WWG members loaned several pieces to be on exhibit there, hopefully to inspire interest in this craft. The Everson Branch also requested a display of small looms and woven items along with suggested books on weaving. This remained on display for a month and ended with a one day workshop for people to try weaving on different small looms.
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- The Guild has recently donated excess “stash” yarn to the Bellingham Senior Center. They were thrilled to have a new supply. Some items also went to Ragfinery to help with teaching efforts.
- The WWG “Teach the Teacher” program is available for public schools, private schools, and other groups or organizations who are welcome to contact us about projects that they would like to implement. Members are willing to work with classroom teachers and PTA groups, etc. by sharing ideas, providing demonstrations and instruction for the teachers, parents, program director and/or other helpers.