What is a study group?

Open to all levels of weavers and sewers. Activities based on the needs and wants of the participants.  Suggested topics to learn or enhance your skills: 

Choosing weaving techniques, loom and yarn ~Choosing a de-sign to sew ~ Adjusting the pattern to fit your measurements ~ How to prepare & cut your handwoven fabric ~ Special sewing techniques ~ Share your skills and design ideas with the group ~ Work on projects as a group or individually.

We have regularly scheduled VCHSG Sewing With Handwoven study group meetings on the 1st Monday of every month at 3:30 pm (subject to change based on current circumstances).

Contact: Judy Hersh, Eszter Kovacs

Our vision is to have an in depth study of complex weave structures. Each month a person in the group will research a structure of their choosing and lead the discussion at that month’s meeting. Then we can all go away, warp up our looms and spend the rest of the month weaving that structure. Requirements for the study group: An 8 harness loom and the ability to warp and weave this loom. Weaving software would be helpful, but is not necessary.

We have regularly scheduled VCHSG 8-Harness Weaving Study Group Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 2:30 pm.  Meeting location is in Camarillo at Threadbenders Studio 4023 Camino Ranchero Unit C.

Group Leader

Glenda Clift

This study group will explore incorporating SAORI-  like concepts and techniques into weaving and encourage members to embrace their own uniqueness with their weaving.  Members should have basic weaving skills and ability to warp a loom for plain weave.  What is SAORI?   

SAORI is a plain weave, creative, free-style approach to weaving pioneered in Japan. SAORI emphasizes finger manipulation, color, texture and self-expression.  SAORI is a great stash buster so the more fiber and yarns you have the better! 

 We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am at Studio Channel Islands 222 Ventura Blvd in Camarillo. 

Group Leader

Barbara Bissett

The VCHSG Dye Garden is open to VCHSG members and VCHSG Fibershed Study Group Members. Current plantings include indigo, marigold, amaranth, madder, and more!  The VCHSG Natural Dye Study Group would like to be scientific in our endeavors to work with local fibers. 

Please use the info form to submit your experiments with natural dye so we can keep track of it in our spreadsheet!

Group Leader

Melissa Hanson

“Moonspinners.  Sometimes, when you’re deep in the countryside, you meet three girls in the dusk, spinning. They each have a spindle, and on to these they are spinning their wool, milk-white, like the moonlight. Only when all the wool is washed and wound again into a white ball in the sky, can the moonspinners start their work once more, to make the night safe for all." 

We meet monthly after the Guild Meeting for spinning joy and comradeship.  Discussions include spinning techniques, fibers, wheels and preparation.  This group is for for novice to experienced handspinners.  

Group Leader: 

Maryann Eckhout

Small Looms  has been formed to learn and explore tapestry, RH, and all types of fiber fun.  We will delve into the techniques, the materials, equipment, instructors, workshops, exhibitions and maybe some road trips. We will share advice, help and guidance to new and experienced  fiber enthusiasts.  Just a place to explore and hang with like minded folk. Very low key & informal. Meet up will be held at Threadbender Textiles in Camarillo on 4th or last Wednesday of each month from 2 - 4 PM.

Contact  Michelle Gannes, 

If you'd like to be included in our mailing list for  location and information, please send us your name & email address to tapestry@vchsg.org

I 

The purpose of the Inkle Loom/Band Weaving Study Group is to explore the possibilities of band weaving, including color, pattern, techniques, and uses for bands, with members sharing with each other.  While we all weave on inkle looms, warp faced bands can be woven on other looms or tools.  We started with basics such as heddles, warping, tension, reading drafts, pattern, and color.  We looked at ways to finish ends and made holiday ornaments/gifts.  We are currently exploring techniques, such as various styles of pick up, and will try card weaving and continue our explorations of plain weave.

We meet the first Sunday of most months at 11:00 am in Camarillo.  Susanne Uribe and Jennifer Delatorre are co-chairs. For date and location information, please contact Jennifer Delatorre.