New England Weavers' Seminar
July 28 - August 1, 2027
Westfield State University
Westfield MA
S-1: Double Weave and the Hidden Selvedge
Instructor: Suzi Ballenger
3 days
Thursday, July 29, 2027, 8:30 am - Saturday, July 31, 2027, 4:30 pm, $480
This project-based class helps weavers move beyond a two-dimensional mindset and gently enter the world of three-dimensional weaving. Working with an 8" wide double-weave warp, participants will learn the fundamental techniques used to create dimensional cloth, including double-width weaving, separate layers, layer interchange, and tubular structures. As we build our understanding of how layers interact, we will explore the often-overlooked "hidden selvedge"—the internal edge that allows layers to connect, separate, fold, and form shape. Paper prototypes help students develop strategies for transforming flat cloth into three-dimensional forms. Using these new skills, we will imagine and construct a square box or bag, culminating in a final challenge: weaving a square bottom box or bag that requires only a single seam to secure its form. Hint: it can be done! By the end of the workshop, students will have a deeper understanding of hidden selvedges, and a finished three-dimensional woven object.
G-2: Planning for Your Fiber Studio's Future:
Estate & Emergency Planning for Maker Spaces
Instructor: Sara Bixler
1/2 day, Sunday, August 1, 2027, 8:30 am - 11:30 am, $80
Join us for a crucial and insightful seminar dedicated to securing the future of your most cherished space: your fiber studio. For makers and crafters, a studio is more than just a workspace—it's a valuable collection of materials, equipment, intellectual property, and artistic legacy. This session will provide essential, step-by-step guidance on estate planning specifically tailored for the creative professional. This seminar will cover the practical and often overlooked necessities of studio planning. We will focus on two key areas. First, we will show you how to create an accurate and comprehensive inventory of your assets, from looms and spinning wheels to yarn stashes and fiber collections. Crucially, you will learn organization and documentation strategies that ensure any loved one or executor, regardless of their crafting knowledge, can easily navigate and understand your inventory. This includes digital organization of drafts, patterns, and design files, as well as necessary legal information regarding intellectual property and insurance coverage. Second, we will tackle disaster preparedness, offering actionable plans and strategies to protect your valuable assets from natural disasters such as flood, fire, or other catastrophic events. Whether you are planning for the smooth transfer of your collection to the next generation, protecting your assets from unforeseen events, or simply bringing organization to your current space, this workshop is designed to provide peace of mind and preserve your creative legacy.