Newsletter from the Rhode Island Weaving Center
Volume 5, March 2023

Thank You

We would like to begin our first newsletter of the year with a thank you to all of our supporters. Our annual fundraising campaign was in November and December last year. We received just over $5,000 from this campaign - and we thank you for your generosity.  As you know, the RIWC is a non-profit organization and all of the money we take in goes to paying rent and utilities, purchasing equipment and supplies, and compensating our instructors.  Our goal is to be fully self-supported by the end of our third year as we acquire more looms and thus increase our classroom and studio capacity.  Until then, we are reliant on our supporters for donations to keep this endeavor alive.  We appreciate your support. Thank you

Navajo Weaving Workshop

We are honored to be an east coast site for the Navajo Weaving Workshop offered by Lynda Teller Pete. Lynda and her sister Barbara Teller Ornelas are award-winning fifth generation Navajo weavers. Together they have written 3 books and currently have a beautiful exhibit on display at the Bard Graduate Center in NYC. They have taught Navajo weaving workshops nationwide for the past 20 years. Lynda will be teaching a 3 1/2 day beginning Navajo weaving workshop in September (9/7-9/10) at the RIWC. We also hope to have a presentation and/or informal gathering for all to meet Lynda and see her work. More details to come, and registration is now open while seats remain.

One Week Beginning Weaving Class

Our one-week intensive Beginning Weaving Class will be offered this June (6/12-6/16). Have you ever wanted to learn to weave, but do not have the opportunity to take our 7-week or 14-week classes? This class is for you! In one week, Monday to Friday from 9-4PM, you will learn how to weave. Once you have learned the basics, there are so many directions that you can go!

TWINE Exhibit

We now have a very active group of tapestry weavers at the RIWC. Several weavers will be exhibiting their work - for the first time - at the TWINE Exhibit. TWINE, or Tapestry Weavers in New England, is the regional organization for tapestry weavers. The exhibit runs through April in Leverett, MA.

Classes

Spring is a great time to take a course! We have spring starting dates for our traditional courses:

• Beginning and Continuing Beginning Weaving

• Beginning and Continuing Tapestry Weaving

• Beginning and Continuing Rigid Heddle Weaving

These courses start in April and registration is open now. For a full description and registration, please see our website.

These beautiful scarves were made by weavers in our Continuing Weaving class.

Summer Workshops

We are busy organizing our summer workshops. With the New England Weaving Seminar in Worcester, MA in July, we will likely schedule our workshops for later this summer. Please keep an eye on our workshop page on the website for updated information!

Our Studio

The RIWC has studio space where you can rent a loom for your personal use.  In addition to using our looms, you can weave with other weavers, sharing ideas and solving problems together. The space is bright and open as we expanded into the whole top floor of the Kenyon Building.

Our Library

Thanks to your donations and the help of several volunteers, the Library is ready for use.  If you would like to borrow a specific book or journal, please send us an email and we are happy to share it with you if we have it.

You can donate to the Rhode Island Weaving Center at any time - electronically using the DONATE button below, or send a check to:
The Rhode Island Weaving Center
344 Main Street, Suite 200
Wakefield, RI 02879

The Rhode Island Weaving Center is a 501(c)(3) organization and thus your donation may be tax deductible.

Would you like to declutter your weaving space?

If so, we have a wish list! We are currently seeking these items for donation.

• 3/2 and 5/2 Mercerized Cotton Yarn

• Harrisville weaving yarn. End of cones are great

• 12/6 or 12/9 seine warp

• Swedish Bobbin Winder

• Tapestry bobbins

• 36” 8 shaft looms

• 24” 4 shaft Harrisville or Dorset looms

• A Handweaver’s Pattern Book - Marguerite Davison

• Handweaver’s Pattern Directory - Anne Dixon

Please contact the RIWC if you can help. Thank You.

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who might be interested. We expect to send out newsletters every other month. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, please click here.

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