Special Interest Groups (SIGS)

Multi-Shaft

Starting September, 2nd Sunday of every month @1:30

This group explores the enjoyment that can be had weaving on multi-shaft looms including: four, eight, twelve, or more shaft looms. Topics will be chosen by members of the M-SIG and have included block weave, weaving software, and project journaling / record keeping.

Must be a member to join.

Tapestry

During Covid dates TBD, watch for emails

Whether you are an active tapestry weaver, have a tapestry loom you would like to activate, or are simply curious about the process, please join us for a time to weave together and to share ideas and skills.

Must be a member to join. 

Spinning

1st Sunday of each month, 12:00 – 2pm, rain cancels at Awbury Arboretum

Join us for a Spin-In at our group meeting time (above) and/or at Portable Fibers on Tuesdays. The meetings are informal and open to all members to stop by for some or all the gatherings. Some members have wheels, others use a drop spindle.

Must be a member to join.

Hand Stitchers

Starting September 26, 2021 @ Collage Workshop. Check events calendar

Do you love the quiet contemplation of hand stitching? Is hand stitching part of your creative voice? Or would you like to learn to hand stitch? We welcome all PGHW members to the Hand Stitchers SIG who do embroidery, hand quilting, hand sewing, needlepoint, cross stitch, fabric collage, crewel—anything that involves a substrate, needle with an eye, and a length of fiber that goes through the eye of the needle. We hope you will join us to learn, share and just relax at various outdoor venues, until the situation with the pandemic changes. When able, we will meet at the Guild House. Must be a member to join.

marigold dye

Dye Garden & Dyeing

Dye Garden is every other Saturday, 9:30 am at Awbury Arboretum

Dyeing is specific dates at PGHW, please check the calendar, check it out and see if you like it!

The Dye Garden at Awbury Arboretum in Germantown, Pa, was planted by members of PGHW. As its centerpiece, this study group investigates nature’s colors and plants in relation to their producing natural dyes. Guild members are encouraged to help maintain the plants, weed the garden, and learn to harvest and process the dye plants. The Guild uses our garden for demonstrations and instruction at events that are hosted at Awbury Arboretum. Members are encouraged to help maintain the plants and learn to harvest and process the dye plants.

Dyeing: Using natural dyes from our dye garden, mordants, or purchased chemical dyes, participants learn about the dyeing process. Beginners are welcome. Experienced dyers are encouraged to share their knowledge by organizing d

Finger Weaving/Braiding

During Covid dates TBD, watch for emails

Using handmade finger weaving tools made from cardboard or plastic and sticks we explore a variety of finger weaving and braiding techniques. The group is open to beginners and experienced braiders. All are welcome to try their hand at this exciting fiber technique.

Must be a member to join.

 

Portable Fibers

Every Tuesday at 10:00 am – 11:30 am on Zoom

This study group is designed to be a group without an agenda other than getting together and doing whatever fiber project the member is currently interested in. Good company, good conversation, new or traditional ideas as well as teaching and learning are part of each week’s meeting. New and experienced weavers, spinners and other fiber artists are welcome to stop by any Tuesday to experience a wonderful environment of creativity and sharing.

Must be a member to join.

 

Felting SIG

Felting 

Starts in September

This study group is designed to explore the art of felting and learning the process of turning a protein fiber (meaning animal fiber) such as sheep wool, alpaca, mohair, yak, etc. into a piece of fabric by connecting the individual fibers.

The wool can be in any form from raw locks to processed roving or batts and there are several different methods of accomplishing this felting process. This group if for all levels!

Must be a member to join.

 

Felting SIG

Certificate of Excellence (COE)

Starts in September

The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s (HGA) Certificate of Excellence (COE) is a self-directed certification program for HGA members in the areas of Handweaving, Handspinning, Dyeing, and Basket Making. 

PGHW is exploring the creation of a group of members who might be interested in pursuing this certification.

Registration deadlines:

April 1, 2022 – COE in Handweaving

Must be a member to join.

Felting SIG

Rigid Heddle Group

During Covid, meets on Zoom the second Tuesday of every month at 1pm after Portable Fibers

The rigid heddle group is open to all members. We welcome new and experienced weavers as well as those coming to see what the rigid heddle loom is all about.

We share ideas, insights, give advice when needed, problem solve, teach and show rigid heddle videos. We help new weavers with their first warping. Our group distributes a monthly newsletter which contains online resources and instructions.

Must be a member to join.

 

Felting SIG

Knitting

Group Leader: Volunteer needed, email president@pghw.org if interested
During Covid dates TBD, watch for emails

Whether you are an avid knitter and really advanced (whatever that really means!) or you are just moving beyond the knit stitch, this is the group for you! We will explore all knit techniques and help one another learn to progress and/or learn new techniques.

Must be a member to join.