The Guild

I got all brave and ventured out last Saturday. I visited the local weavers and spinners guild monthly meeting.

It’s scary for me to go to places alone where I know no one, but I figured that those who practiced the fiber arts probably would not be all crazy threatening…

And, indeed, they weren’t. In fact, I had a good time, and have already marked the rest of this year’s meeting on my calendar. I intend to join the guild this fall.

They are a numerous group, with probably 40 or 50 in attendance at this meeting, and I was not the oldest, nor the youngest. There was a lot of energy in the group. I would not use the word stodgy to describe them. At all. Very active in community education, they work a children’s education tent at the wool market in Estes, and a demonstration of weaving and spinning at the Scottish Festival (same place), too.

Even though they make visitors stand up and introduce themselves. That sort of action causes me to just die a little bit. But I forged onward. I had on my February Lady Sweater, and when I rose, someone asked if I had made my sweater!

‘Why, yes! Yes, I did, and thank you for asking…’

(Did I mention how what an intuitive and intelligent group they seem to be?)

So. The program for the day was presented on rigid heddle looms by someone from Schacht (whose name eludes me at this time…). Very inspiring. I found myself thinking, you know. I think I could learn how to do that…but ...just step away from the loom, ma'am, just step away from the loom... Not on this year’s things to do. I am sure that I could, you know, learn to weave. But really. I do not need another hobby. I don’t.

(Did I mention the guild rents equipment? Drum carders, wheels….and looms?)

Oh. And there was knitting, spindling, and crocheting going on, the whole while! during the meeting.

Seriously, I felt like I had come home.