The purpose of Arachne Guild is to provide continuing education for members in the arts of weaving, spinning, and related fiber crafts. To further this goal, Arachne has a large library, a monthly newsletter, and monthly meetings on various topics. The guild’s travelling loom helps members learn new weaving techniques. Membership is open to anyone showing a genuine interest in learning about and sharing in the fiber arts.
Although the guild draws members mainly from the South Puget Sound area of Western Washington, some members commute over an hour to attend meetings and participate in other guild activities. Membership averages between 15 and 20 people. Dues of $20 a year give members access to the travelling loom, the guild library, and other resources, such as meetings, newsletters, and community activities.
Guild History
The Arachne Guild was founded in the mid-1970s and originally met in the home of Maxine Rose in Buckley, WA. When it outgrew private homes, it moved to its current site, a church in Edgewood, WA. Guild members are active in community outreach through spinning and weaving demonstrations at the Western Washington State Fair in Puyallup and competing in the Sheep-to-Shawl contest each September. In addition, members demonstrate at local schools and festivals.
Guild Meetings
Meetings begin with a program followed by a potluck lunch, business meeting, and show-and-tell. Members bring their latest projects and generate interest that leads to future program topics or newsletter articles.
Dates: First Thursday of the month from September through June
Times: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lunch: Potluck with the theme announced in the monthly newsletter
Programs: Recent topics have included using weaving design software, spinning exotic fibers, spinning to gauge, rug hooking, and understanding thick and thin weave structure.
Place: The old chapel at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 3505 122nd Avenue East, Edgewood, WA 98372
ANWG Rep: Georgean Curran