
Today was spent at the Guild House volunteering my time to weave fabric for “Cat Toys”. Our weaving guild sells the cat toys at our annual sale to raise money for the guild. In past years the fabric was woven by guild members demonstrating at the Houston Rodeo. The rodeo changed exhibits this year and did not need weavers and spinners to demonstrate. So weaving for the cat toys would be done on one of two pre-warped looms at the Guild House. The nice thing about weaving this fabric is the freedom to change treadling and yarn colors when so inspired. Since the cat toys are small it’s good to make frequent changes. The loom is set up with an 8 harness twill pattern.

There’s still more warp on the loom, allowing someone else some creative time for a good cause. Does your weaving guild weave items to raise money?
Projects involving weaving together are rewarding to all. Exchange of techniques and ideas really comes out then. My sister (a more experienced weaver) and I live 2 states away from each other, so we weave together over Skype. Through my laptop propped up on a chair with camera aimed at the back or front of my loom, she has helped me over many hurdles.
LikeLike
Skype is such a wonderful thing. We used it to communicate with my son when he lived in Dubai. I can see where it would be helpful at solving weaving issues.
LikeLike
Good idea, Barb, to do something special to raise money for the guild. For our guild, we have an annual show and sale, with a small percentage of the sales going back to the guild, We also have a silent auction at the sale, with proceeds to the guild. We do lots of demos throughout the year and around town, for public education and to attract new members, but it would be interesting to have a signature piece to sell, made by the members. Now, when you say cat toys, do you mean toys for cats or toys shaped like cats?
LikeLike
Hi, Barbara, I do mean mice shaped cat toys stuffed with catnip. The group that makes them aims for at least 100, which all sold out at our last annual sale. Fabric woven at demonstrations works well, since it often has weaving errors and the toys use small amounts.
LikeLike