Hands On Weaving and Demonstrations at the South Valleys Library

The Reno Fiber Guild has a long history with public weaving demonstrations.  In 1972, a couple of women had their looms at the Nevada State Fair and found that the public was so interested in what they were doing that they decided to form an organization devoted to spinning and weaving.  The result of their efforst was originally called Northern Nevada Spinners and Weavers Guild. Members found  so many interesting things to learn and do that involved fiber so eventually the guild changed its name to Reno Fiber Guild.  Today, the guild's main emphasis is weaving, although we are still interested in other fiber activities such as dyeing, braiding, beading and surface design on cloth.

On September 24th, Reno Fiber Guild partners with the South Valleys Library in Reno (15650A Wedge Parkway) to give the public a chance to try their hands at the ancient art/craft of weaving.  Between 11AM and 2PM  the whole family is invited to watch and participate in what we are doing.  The guild plans to have several looms for hands on weaving, an inkle loom, some rigid heddle looms and a couple of people demonstrating on a Japanese braiding stand called a Marudai. Plus there may be a few more surprises like a backstrap weaver who learned her skills in Mexico.

For our young at heart group (that would be kids of all ages) we will have a cardboard loom kit and helpers to demonstrate how easy it is to weave a small tapestry piece. Your woven piece and any materials left in the kit will be yours to keep. 

There will be an exhibit of handwoven items and several knowledgeable weavers who will be able to explain processes and answer your questions.

Please join us to learn more about weaving and experience the thrill of making cloth appear on the loom.

Weaving - demonstrations and hands-on at South Valleys Library

Reno Fiber Guild was invited to participate in Artisan Saturday at the South Valleys Library in Reno on September 19. At the event, were basket makers, quilters, a beader, a needle felter and several spinners from Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers Guild.

RFG brought three warped looms, two for the public to weave on and one for demonstration only.  In addition there was a card weaving project on an inkle loom and a couple of display racks with handwoven items for the public to enjoy. 

Kids (of all ages) accepted our invitation in a big way to weave on a real loom.  We also had cardboard loom kits with enough yarn for a tapestry project  and these were handed out to our participants and also those interested in weaving, but not yet ready to take the plunge for a "big loom" and the space it requires.

There were many photo opportunities at the event, but most of the time we didn't want to tear ourselves away from our interested public.  We did manage this short video clip.

Our Second Weaving Outreach

We were surprised to begin the afternoon with a group of girls and their moms, an arranged "play date."  One of the girls had come last year and loved it and now wanted to share it with her friends.  They instantly gravitated to the table we set up with cardboard looms and went right to work.

The moms gravitated to the station Nancy had set up to show the wide variety of things she has woven with a simple rigid heddle loom.  We hadn't anticipated having the library's entire meeting room area since last year we had just half of it and were all of us smushed into this space.  It was nice to have open and differentiated work areas.

It wasn't all just families and kids.  We did attract some adult interest too.  But what a difference it was from last year when the adults tried the looms and the kids were all about the cardboard looms  I keep wondering if the most beautiful Saturday this year played into this.  Our main audience was kids.

My loom was adopted by a group of girls.

Who left their shoes there when they went to try other looms.

I guess when we set out reach other weavers, we don't have an audience in mind - or maybe we do. We expect adults who are looking for an avenue of self expression.  We never dreamed our audience would be pre-adolescent girls who applied huge pressure on their moms to get looms.  One mom laughed when her daughter looked at her in all seriousness and said - do we have one of these at home?

Do You Want to Learn to Weave?

The Reno Fiber Guild was so pleased with our weaving outreach last March that we are going to do it again in partnership with the South Valleys Library  You are invited to come in to the South Valleys Library and try your hand at hand weaving.

 A variety of looms will be available to sample: 

Cardboard looms that teach the basics of tapestry weaving;
Floor and table looms that are used for weaving many items such as scarves, shawls, towels & rugs;
Inkle looms that weave narrow bands used for bookmarks, hatbands, belts, & guitar straps.
Rigid heddle loom: A small, light loom that can weave a variety of items.

This is one of the cardboard looms from last year - fun to weave and then take home.

 These small introductory looms were enthusiastically greeted, even by the boys.

Each loom will have a mentor to answer your questions and help you weave for yourself. 

All ages are welcome and you are encouraged to try any of the looms in the room.  If you have ever thought that weaving might be a good creative outlet, you're right.  In addition, the library display cases will contain handwoven items, books, fiber and weaving tools during the month of March.

Come to the South Valleys Library on Wedge Parkway, March 28th from 1:00-400 and try your hand at hand weaving.

First Weaving Outreach

We arrived an hour and a half early and began our set-up.  The arrangement unfolded as looms showed up and we moved tables and chairs to fit.

We moved two tables together in the middle of the room and added a couple of chairs for the cardboard loom station.  We had made 100 of these looms.  We had no idea what to expect and just hoped that people would come.

Two ladies showed up ten minutes before the program was scheduled to start and within 20 minutes, we had close to that many visitors.  We threw a program and people came - phew.

It became apparent that we needed additional mentors for the cardboard looms as well as more chairs.

The cardboard looms were a hit!

One of the youngsters learned quickly and wove this piece.

Emily and Lexi brought their Rainbow looms to teach rubberband weaving.

 All the floor looms were available for the trying.  This little girl perched on the edge of her chair in order to reach and she took to it right away.  Her sister tried weaving on Lorene's loom nearby.

Lorene explained weaving to a prospective student.

We tried to keep track of how many people came, somewhere between 40-50.  The true measure will be seeing new weavers in the months to come.  The library was overwhelmed by the response and so pleased that they committed to partner with us again. They provided the space and advertising.  We are calling it a success.

Try Your Hand at Hand Weaving

Have you entertained the idea of learning to weave but the opportunity never presented itself?  You’re invited to try your hand at hand weaving on a variety of looms.  Our goal is to demonstrate and educate while you participate.  All ages welcome.

This style of loom is referred to as a "table loom" for the simple fact that you put it on a table while you work on it.  If you are deterred from weaving by space constraints, this is a perfect window to weaving on multiple harnesses.

Weaving can be as simple yet attractive as a cardboard loom.

This style of loom is called Inkle and is perfect for narrow projects.

This style of loom is for tapestry weaving and perfect for intricate patterns and pictures.

A floor loom can have as few as two shafts , as in a rug loom, or as many as 36 - or more.  This sampler is woven on four.

For example, these eight towels were woven on one warp but by changing the colors in the weft (sideways threads), you get eight unique towels.  This weaving pattern is appropriate for beginners and was woven on just four harnesses.

And if you've got your heart set on a floor room but just don't have space in your house, you might want to think about something like this which stores handily, even with a project on it.

Each loom will have a mentor to explain what you need to do and talk you through the experience so don't be shy - come on by!  Try your hand at hand weaving.

Saturday, March 22nd, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
South Valleys Library - 15650A Wedge Parkway
Reno, NV 89511 775-851-5190