I have a mission- to keep weaving alive! I am a weaving teacher, just starting up a business. When I first started weaving over 30 years ago my college had looms in their art department and weaving was not just for old ladies. I am looking for ideas on how to get people interested and able to weave. Should I put looms in a trailer and teach classes on the fly? Should I start Craft Camps? Would it work to have Google Hangout classes? I would love your ideas and advice. If you would rather talk, let me know and I will give you my number. I hope to hear from you. All ideas welcome! Jennie Hawkey

Comments

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 16:14

Sara von Tresckow

Right now, folks are wary of "missions".

Handweaving is an odd "sport". It requires some in depth knowledge, isn't learned in a weekend, and requires a dedicated space in the home.

It is difficult to reach more than one interested party at a time.

I currently offer individual instruction, at the level of the student, by appointment and it seems to work well. There are some basic beginners and quite a few folks with prior experience who'd like to refresh.

Also, with power looms so advanced by now, there isn't much reason to weave by hand except for art fabrics and a few techniques like real tapestry and pile and brocades with luxury threads that really "earn" being produced by hand.

Start in your immediate area, build up a reputation, get to know the residents and their tastes in fibers and fabrics, encourage weaving - demo at the farmers' market, show your own work. Without a small foothold, planning classes or purchasing quantities of equipment is jumping the gun.

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 17:05

JacRoyce

One of the things I do is bring at least one portable loom to every fair I work and to as many local events as possible—this Friday evening, for example, to our town's First Friday Artwalk. I weave and I encourage people to try it. Kids are especially fascinated. Sure, I've already warped the loom and begun the project on it, so they're only getting a glimpse of what's involved... I especially enjoy it when a kid starts making up patterns using the tie-up I have. At the last Artwalk, an 11-year-old girl got so involved that I started having her show other kids how to do it. At the end of the evening, she and I cut off the work she'd done and made a little scarf out of it that she could take home. Great fun.   

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 17:05

laurafry

If nothing else, you can remember 'Each one, teach one'. Keeping the craft alive has been my goal for many years. You are not alone! The more of us there are who try to teach one, and one, and one, the healthier the weaving community will be. In addition to teaching in person there are the chat groups, You Tube videos (some if which are better than others) DVDs, on line classes like Craftsy, webinar s, weave-alongs, on line study groups etc. not everyone can take lessons in person, so the growth of the Internet has allowed isolated people to learn even without personal instruction. As Sara mentions, you can begin in your own community by doing demos. One of my mentors moved to a small town where there were no weavers and started demoing in order to find other interested people to teach so she wouldn't be the only weaver. ;) Cheers Laura
Wed, 07/03/2013 - 21:54

mneligh

I am the person that brings the loom for various spinners' guild activities such as sheep-to-shawls.  I try to use the day-long activities to introduce other guild members to weaving, or to give a day of loom use for those without access to a loom. At the May sheep-to-shawl, held for school children at the local civil War Battlefield, I introduced an 11 year old guild member who had been spinning for a couple of years to the task of weaving.  if a kid is weaving, other kids take note!  The kids in the audience paid far closer attention to her weaving than my weaving when she was on break.

Granted, Samantha is an unusual girl to be so interested in fiber arts at so early an age.  Whenever she is spinning or weaving for a crowd, though, she draws far more onlookers than more advanced adults.  If only every guild could have a member like her!

I have also noted that when we have had male weavers or spinners present, we seem to get more interest from guys than we ordinarily do.  Maybe diversity among the people demonstrating is the key.

Wed, 07/03/2013 - 22:51

sarahnopp (not verified)

I concur with the notion of like attracting like in the weaving demonstrations. When the men from our guild are there, other men will stop and look. Otherwise, I have to coax them in with discussions of mechanics, engineering, woodworking or frugal living. As a demonstrator, I can always get the pre-teens and the women over 40. So I usually make a game of seeing how many men and teenagers I can get to put their hand in LOL. 

If you are working with a guild, this kind of outreach is easier. We are trying a new thing inside the library: One evening in October we will set up for people to try out a variety of fiber-y stations, following the string on the floor, perhaps Ariadne's thread.

My guild tried new public outreach at a very popular garden tour in the spring. It is one of those places with a huge house and gorgeous grounds and special plants and a gift shop and what all. There are busloads that come and the organizers were very happy to have display and demonstrations by our members. We were asked back and offered a more prominent location :)

Good luck with your outreach and please share your ideas here. I am sure that I am not the only reader taking the ideas back to my guild!

And I just remembered a thread about Guild Demonstrations ideas which might help you too: 
http://weavolution.com/forum/chat/guild-demonstrations-23914 

Thu, 07/04/2013 - 02:05

JPMorabito

One of the biggest hurdles with weaving is access to equipment. It's a huge investment. Over the years I've heard many colleagues and students lament over this, wishing there was some resource that gave them access to weaving eqiupment without having to purchase it themselves. A weaving school or public weaving studio would be an enormous investment, but there is definitely interest. That said, I agree with Sara, investigating your local community would be a great place to start. 

I do agree that individual instruction/mentorship is great, but I think reaching out to the community is totally a great way to go as well. Is there a community art center or YMCA? Why not offer weaving classes there? You don't even need a huge amount of eqiupment to start. Back strap looms and frame looms are simple and affordable to make. Either of these methods would be a great way of introducing people to the loom. What about art enrichment through local schools? I know a lot of programs bring in teaching artists to give lessons that enrich their curriculum. Weaving would be a great way to study math or history.

Right now there is a huge interest in tactile ways of making and materiality. At SAIC we offer four weaving courses every semester, they are always full. There is absolutely interest in learning to weave. I think engaging your community in a public way would be surprisingly fruitful. True, not every single person you introduce to weaving will keep it up, but there's sure to be more than a few that get the itch and just can't stop.

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 01:01

SallyE (not verified)

JPMorabito is right, artists frequently have a problem with their lack of equipment once they get out of school.   There is a very active fibers department at one of out local art schools, Mass Art, and they have two large rooms full of looms.  

One of my "spare time" activities is renovating old looms, so people give them to me.   They usually have something wrong - missing or broken parts, etc.   I fix them up, purchase or re-mill the needed parts, and give them to serious weaving students, identified with the help of the fibers department head.   I charge the students only for the materials, so they usually end up paying between $30 and $150 for the looms.   That way when they get out of school, at least they have some tools to start with.  I've re-homed 7 looms that way in the past few years.  That's not a lot, but I'm hoping it's 7 young weavers who will keep weaving.

 

 

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 01:37

JennieHawkey (not verified)

I love the idea of demonstrating at a farmers market. I also teach weaving out of my home studio but am having limited success. Partly because of where I live, but also because I need to get better at marketing. Thanks for your advice. Jennie
Fri, 07/05/2013 - 01:39

JennieHawkey (not verified)

Kids love looms! If I could capture their interest and enthusiasm I would be well down the road! Thanks for your comments. Jennie
Fri, 07/05/2013 - 01:40

JennieHawkey (not verified)

Demos are a great idea and I have some contacts in my area that I can probably tap to do that. Thanks! Jennie
Fri, 07/05/2013 - 01:42

JennieHawkey (not verified)

Yes, men are often taken by looms but hesitant to weave. I have thought about offering a "Men Only" class for weaving. Thanks for your comments. Jennie
Fri, 07/05/2013 - 10:57

Joanne Hall

You may also be able to demonstrate at places near you where retired folks gather.  Remember, they are the ones who have time to start weaving.  Is there a knitting shop where you can talk to the owner about offering beginning weaving on simple looms?  When I was doing this, I had a lot of table looms which I warped and took to many different events, Scandinavian festivals, elderhostel workshops, fiber festivals, schools and art festivals.

Joanne

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 12:16

Weavingholiday

So many great ideas here! It may be that chosing one group, and developing good programing for them before looking at another group could work better for you than trying to be terrific at everything all at the same time? Each group has particular needs, and will respond to particular approaches better than others, so by becoming "expert" in reaching out to and engaging one group at a time, you will not be spreading yourself too thin?

Some folks in seniors groups may have issues with hearing, so finding ways to deliver information effectively (minimize the "chalk and talk" parts, provide visual images and some text at each work station, never set up where you will be back lighted as that makes lip reading very hard) for them will be quite different than for school kids. The strength needed to work equipment, reach, height, etc can all factor in to how good a time people have. Ages and stages will dictate different equipment and difficulty in projects, but also the sorts of projects people want to accomplish.

For some people, money is a real issue. For others, weaving is so far off their radar that they might try something that is free or inexpensive, but might not want to pay a large sum up front before they have tried an inexpensive class or workshop. Have you considered looking into what sort of grants are available in your area that might allow you to deliver a program to school groups or others, so you would not have to bill the student groups directly? Artists in the schools programs might be one option, but there are sometimes grants that are less obvious in their title, but just as good a fit.

If there is a local artists' or artisans' group (does not have to be specifically fibre arts), they may be able to help you with ideas for funding, oppportunities to get broader exposure, and identify and learn to deliver to different people.

Best of luck with your endeavours!

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 13:42

Artistry

Our guild has a few rental looms that students can use after they have taken classes so they don" have to make a large investvest in a loom right away to weave.

We also had a grant for several years to go into schools to teach, 12 times a year, weaving and spinning, from my understanding this was more of a demo situation, but could be wrong on that account.

You never know when you will spark the interest of a child! Many have mentioned that. I used to work with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts teaching weaving (prewarped) and sometimes painted warps over two weeks. I would have them paint a prewound warp, then I would dress the loom, then they would come back and weave. They loved it. Everybody had their own loom, and once you explained twill they really had a blast.

I also taught Shibori to older kids for World Culture Days.

When I taught Adult classes I can't tell you how many students would tell me I remember my Aunt/ neightbor/ etc. had a loom   and they would let me throw the shuttle or something like that. I always wanted to learn how to weave!

I think there are many ways to reach out.

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 13:53

Sara von Tresckow

Be a bit wary of "rentals" and other situations where equipment is made available for a set period.

People tend to assume the loomis theirs until they are ready to move on, which can seriously complicate using that loom for the wait list. Also, if something can be damaged, eventually, it will.

That is probably the biggest hindrance to actively marketing weaving and lessons. Good equipment is expensive and needs to be maintained and those wishing to use it on a temporary basis seldom have enough respect to keep their part of the bargain.

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 14:13

erinkristi

In Norfolk, VA, where the nearest guild is an hour away and only meets during the weekday, We partnered with a local museum that has an active arts education program. A picture they posted online of me weaving brought in a donation of four Purrington looms and one Macomber! So, we teach five students in 8 week sessions at the museum's visual arts studio. our students are working, middle-aged adults, though we did have an 80 yr old gentleman whom we did have to help quite a bit. He loved it! Last year my weaving partner and I attended the local Mini Maker Faire and brought along my workshop loom and there were LOTS of kids who got a chance to take a ride. We'll be there again next this fall. We also offered a free make-and-take learn to spin bag which was a big hit with kids and adults. We are starting Taste of Weaving one-day workshops where we dress the looms for a specific project, and newbies can sign up to learn how to weave, say, a rag rug. It's a project with a definite use and the student gets a "taste" of weaving. I share your mission, Jennie! These are the things we've started in just the last 12 months, in addition to some one-on-one classes, to ignite the flame. Erin
Sat, 07/06/2013 - 15:35

Artistry

Yes, Sara you bring up some good points about rentals. Their are a couple of reasons why I think rentals have worked well for us that I've seen over the 25+ years of been a member of the guild. First the person needs to be a member in good standing, dues all paid up, had to have had a class and been a member for a certain length of time .Second there' is a deposit. Third all operational aspects of the loom are reviewed. Fourth, these looms are used to being carted around. They go out to demos and the like. They work just fine, but they have nicks and a few bruises from getting into cars and such. The recipient only has the rental for a stated amount of time. Although they can reapply for another rental. We haven't had problems with looms coming back in shambles, but I think this is because we are renting to people who want to be active in the guild as well and the deposit which will be forfeited. I will not say it's not without risk! Once, only once, we had a loom worth about 350.00 go missing. We were never able to get it back. that was about 20 years ago. But, ultimately I think our program is worthwhile and provides a service to weavers who can't afford looms yet. The key for us, I believe, in having the looms treated respectfully is to rent to those people who have a vested interest in our guild.
Sat, 07/06/2013 - 16:23

Sara von Tresckow

Cathie,

In your guild setting that probably works. As a business owner, you'd be amazed at what walk-ins "expect". I keep my expensive Toika dobby and drawloom in the shop so I can work on them and it is amazing how many walk in and assume they can just "sit down at the big one" and make something advanced.

I have one knitters loom out on deposit now and though I do have contact with her, it will probably be quite a while before I see it again.

 

Sat, 07/06/2013 - 18:29

sally orgren

1) Plan well-thought out and colorful warps! (Too many times I have seen coarse and ugly leftover materials used.) The first 30+ (?) pages of the new Anne Dixon book gives mind-boggling options to weave on a straight draw. Threaded with vibrant eye-candy colors, these treadlings can give someone a lively taste with plain weave, or a more interested candidate motivation to explore beyond the simple stuff.

2) Keep the audience in mind. College students don't want to weave old-timey dishtowels. Despite what you see in the knitting magazines, I also don't see them wearing shawls on campus. (That would cover up their chest and shoulder tats!!! ;-) They might get more excited about weaving with wire, or colorful recycled plastic bags. And instead of kids, realistically we are more likely to attract their parents, or recently retired grandparents, who have the time and money for this activity. 

RE: Men in weaving. Make a list of all the well-known male weavers you can think of. (My guildmate and I had a contest, and I think we came up with at least 20). The next time a boy gets kidded about liking to weave by his buddies, you can be armed with some web references for him (or his parents) to check out. 

3) Connect weaving to technolgy. Computers + Binary, and how they connect to weaving is an easy one. I will also refer to some of the items shown in the Extreme Textile/Cooper Hewitt exhibit from a while back, or the recent work of Dr. Lucy Dunne with interactive/"smart" textiles. (Pairing fashion students with engineers is of interest to anyone in the "Project Runway" demographic!)

Sadly, weaving (as typically seen in public venues) has a pretty huge and low glass ceiling, especially when viewed by kids and their parents who seek direct outcomes to any activity. (How many times do you hear a variation of "It's so nice that you are preserving this old timey activity for us to see"?)

So I like to point out that clothing is still knit or woven, just done by machines, driven by computers. We still need young people to understand the interlacements so they can run the computers and maintain the machines to produce fabric, including clothing. (It is not a "dead" craft, clothing is still a necessity last time I checked! ;-)

I hope you are wildly successful! I figure I have at least 30 more weaving years ahead of me, and I want to have plenty of other weavers to enjoy those years — and beyond!

Sat, 07/06/2013 - 19:29

laurafry

I don't think other people want me to be naked!  :DDDDD

There has been a small but significant growth in people wanting to spin in my area, and a couple have actually dipped into weaving.  And they are in their 30's which is very encouraging.  :)

cheers,

Laura

Sun, 07/07/2013 - 12:28

JennieHawkey (not verified)

Erin, I love your ideas and would love to have a chance to ask you a few questions. I'm not sure how to contact you through Weavolution. My email address is [email protected]. If you have a minute would you mind letting me know a way to contact you? Thanks much! Jennie
Sun, 07/07/2013 - 12:33

JennieHawkey (not verified)

Sally, Thanks, these are great ideas! I will do some research on the people you have referenced. Happy weaving! Jennie
Sun, 07/07/2013 - 12:37

JennieHawkey (not verified)

Sally, This is a wonderful idea! Although I lack some skill for retooling, I have friends that might be willing to help. How have you managed to find looms? I know they are out there!
Sun, 07/07/2013 - 18:46

SallyE (not verified)

Well, usually they find me!   A couple of times I've responded to ads, when it was apparent the person had inherited the loom and knew nothing about it, or some part of it was missing.   I tell them what I do, and let them know that I'll take the loom, fix it up, and donate it if they would like.  

I also require that the person getting the loom send a hand-written thank you note to the person who gave me the loom.   That way people can be fairly certain that I'm not keeping the looms. Plus it's good training for young people who are used to only thanking people via email!   And I follow up to make sure that the thank you note was received.

When I first started doing this, I just gave the looms away, but now I ask them to pay for any materials I put it to it.

The one "mistake" I made with one of the first looms, was to accept a large loom.   It took me 18 months to find a young person who was able to take it, and it was sitting in my house the whole time.   Now I only take in smaller, more portable floor looms.

 

 

Mon, 07/08/2013 - 10:47

Michael White

You can check out your local Girl scout group, 4H group and the HS art/home econ dept. People want  to be different so pushing the fact that they can make "one of a kind" garments or wearable art is the way to go I think.

 

Michael

Mon, 07/08/2013 - 13:56

erinkristi

Great idea, Michael! I never thought to check out the girl scouts and 4H groups.

Tue, 07/09/2013 - 03:03

loomyladi (not verified)

I was delighted to spend three days demonstrating traditional weaving on an 1840s barn loom over the holiday. I collected more than 75 names of people interested in sharing their own weaving heritage (Gma wove, they have a loom, etc.) and/or interested in learning to weave. The challenge is to arrange locations in 3 separate areas of the state, arrange for equipment, and get the people committed to the class. Our exhibit focused on traditional weaving with 2 old barn looms (both had been unused since 1917 and 1926 respectively), and 2 purrington 20" looms. We also shared the story of a prominent weaver from the Fair who many fairgoers remembered. We connected her passion for weaving, with her early life. Her favorite loom was her Purrington. Many wove on both the old loom and the newer loom. The Dept of Ed ran weaving classes through the 1990s at the location and have a variety of looms and other equipment "in storage." It will take some convincing to get the equipment out and into daylight with dedicated space because of past lack of interest. I'm going to try to get the equipment transferred to another state location where there is a guild. I do plan to put together a newsletter out to those who expressed interest. Thanks for all the great ideas in this thread.

Tue, 07/09/2013 - 03:33

JennieHawkey (not verified)

What a wonderful project! I wonder if the Humanities council would be interested in what you are doing. What state are you in? Jennie