September 2026

Reflections on Belonging

As I begin my second term as TWG President, I find myself reflecting on what the guild—and the world of textiles—have meant to me over the years. My connection to weaving began long before I joined TWG.  I took my first weaving class when we lived in San Diego.

I joined the guild in 1981, shortly after moving to the area. My textile journey also has roots in my childhood, when my family moved to New Delhi while my father worked for the Ford Foundation. Because my parents valued the textiles they collected, I began to see fabric, pattern, and craft as meaningful ways to connect with people and places. I look forward to sharing some of those stories in this monthly column.

Looking Ahead

I will miss this month’s meeting because we will be traveling to Italy on a tour. While we are in Rome and visit the Vatican Museum, I will be thinking of Lauren Lee and the special visit she made to see the Vatican textile collection up close. Lauren will share her story in May. Her experience is a reminder that doors can open when we ask the right people

The Value of Community

Belonging to the guild has given me a lasting sense of community. After nearly 45 years as a member, TWG has become an important part of my sense of being and belonging. I recently read that one factor associated with well-being in Blue Zones is strong social connection and community engagement, which can reduce stress and support mental health. I have heard many guild members express that TWG offers exactly that, along with opportunities to learn more about our craft.

Our shared curiosity about weaving, dyeing, and spinning keeps us learning and growing. The guild inspires us to explore our passions more deeply—and keeps our minds active and engaged.

Recently, two of our members passed away.  Jo Hasse and Marilyn Crosetto.  Both of them were passionate about weaving and our guild.  This week, we are missing Marilyn especially since she headed up the Sheep to Shawl committee.  We will be passing the hat in their memory to raise some money for a scholarship to next year’s ANWG conference in Portland.  

This Month’s Program

Betty Bell and the Program Committee have arranged an engaging slate of programs for the year. This month, Pam Gassman from Browns Point will share Wagon Wheel Rag Weaving and Triangle Weaving. Perhaps she will inspire you to try something new.

Until next time, keep weaving and exploring new threads of inspiration.

Ciao,
Barbara

June — well, here it is. My final President Message to you. It is a
been pleasure to have been “at the helm” for TWG these past two
years. We have accomplished some goals, and been joyfully and
colorfully enriched about weaving and fiber techniques. It has been
satisfying to accept new members into our guild, and grow our fiber
community.
This month we install our new officers and set up the Standing Board
and committee chairs for the coming year. Thank you to all those who
have stepped up, and re-upped. Barbara, our new President, will call
a board meeting over the summer.
Applications for Tacoma Open Studio Days (October 17, 18) and Arts
at the Armory in November are made, and hopefully we will be
accepted into both events. Be sure to add extra to your warps for
items to sell at our fundraiser sale.
The June picnic, will be held at the home of Nancy Olson’s daughter.
Full directions are included in the newsletter. Dog Daze and Potluck,
Show and Tell which is always inspirational. It’s the heART of our
guild! Hope you can come. I am sad I will miss it. I will be in Denver
at Complex Weavers Seminars.
I want to thank all of the guild members who have worked with me the
past two years. I could not have done this without your support.

Happy weaving,
Mimi