What is the Hand Weavers Guild of Lincoln?
The Hand Weavers Guild of Lincoln (HWGL) is a diverse group of beginning to advanced weavers and artists who share an interest in the art of hand-weaving, spinning, and other fiber arts. The Guild offers educational opportunities and the exchange of ideas.
How much does it cost to get started?
Guild membership is:
$35 for renewals, $30 for your first year.
Studio membership is:
$180 annually or
$90 semi-annually
When is the Studio Open?
Saturday 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – mid afternoon
Times are approximate, call ahead to be sure someone is there.
Studio members can use the studio at any time.
Do I need a loom to participate?
No. The Studio has many looms available for use. Looms are provided for all classes and workshops. If you want to work on a project of your own, you just need to be a studio member and work at the Studio. The studio has 4,6,8, 10, and 16 harness floor looms of the counterbalance, countermarche, and jack varieties.
Are there weaving classes?
Yes. The Guild offers classes several times per year. Most years our Beginning Weaving classes are offered in the fall and winter, and Beginning Spinning in the spring. We also offer a second level weaving class which has a prerequisite of successful completion of the beginning weaving class. You can register for beginning classes through Southeast Community College. For other classes, register directly with the Guild. For dates see Classes & Workshops, or call the Studio and leave a message.
Classes
Beginning weaving and spinning – through Southeast Community College
Weaving 102 – through the Studio
Workshops on various weaving styles and techniques given periodically
What kind of things can I make?
What you make is only limited by your imagination. Members have made rugs, tapestries, table runners, placemats, curtains, window dressings, scarves, table linens, book covers, guitar straps, etc. as well as fabric for garments. To see more examples of what members have made, please see our photos page.
Where do I get weaving supplies?
The Studio has everything you need to do virtually all of your weaving projects. There are also many fiber/weaving suppliers on the web available for mail order. See Important Links.
Does weaving require a large time commitment?
Beginning weaving classes are five hours for 3 consecutive Saturdays. After that, weaving can take as little or as much time as you like.
No matter how accomplished you become as a weaver there is always something new to explore.
Are there other opportunities at the Hand Weavers Guild of Lincoln?
Yes. There is a rug and tapestry study group. The Rug/Tapestry Study Group was formed in 1999 as a “spin-off” of the Hand Weavers Guild of Lincoln. It provides a more in-depth study of handwoven rugs and tapestries. Members of the study groups must be a current member of the HWGL and must pay an additional fee for our shows.
Interested members show their rugs/tapestries at various galleries in Nebraska.
There is a spinning group, which usually meets on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of the month.
There is also a Navajo Style Weaving group which meets on the second Saturday morning, prior to the monthly Guild meeting.
How is the Hand Weavers Guild different from the Studio?
The Studio provides a meeting place with a collection of everything needed for weaving. Classes are held at the studio as well as Guild meetings. Studio members pay a fee to work on projects at the studio. These fees help provide funds for rent, utilities and other aspects to support the studio space.
The Guild refers to the group of weavers in general. Guild members have use of an extensive weaving library. In addition, the fellowship of a network of weavers offers Guild members a tremendous store of weaving experience.
Studio members must be members of the Guild. Not all Guild members are studio members.
Do you also do spinning and dyeing?
Yes. Many of the Guild members are accomplished spinners and dye their own fiber.
Is there also basket weaving?
Yes. While most of the weaving at the studio is cloth, workshops on basket weaving are also offered. Pine needle, rattan and sea grass baskets are just some of the styles that have been taught in past workshops.
How does the Guild library work?
Guild members may check out books, magazines and CDs/videos. The library has an extensive collection of weaving books and subscriptions to Handwoven, Shuttle, Spindle and Dyepot, and Fiberarts magazines.
