Discover the Art of Weaving with Tromp-as-Writ Guild
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
The Tromp-as-Writ Weaving Guild has been quietly weaving its way through the history of Knox, Warren, McDonough, and Henderson counties. With 24 members from these counties, the guild meets every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m., sharing its love for weaving and passing on this centuries-old craft to new generations of fiber enthusiasts.
As member Candace Rosene explains, the guild has been a fixture at the Buchanan Center for the Arts since it opened 35 years ago. The guild was active before the center even existed. They previously met in a church, and members had to bring their own looms to each meeting. When the Buchanan Center opened, the guild was able to set up permanent looms, giving them the space and freedom to focus more on weaving.
Every week, guild members bring their projects to life, working with an array of fibers and patterns. When asked what projects the members focus on during their meetings, Candance replied simply: "We weave!" They will often share finished projects, discuss problems, and get advice from each other. For beginners, they offer classes, and if they are not currently in the middle of a class, they will work one-on-one with new weavers for several weeks, teaching them the steps to prepare the loom and weave independently. In addition to the weekly meetings, the guild sometimes hosts workshops featuring outside instructors who teach new skills in hands-on, multi-day sessions.
For those interested in joining but unsure of where to start, the guild provides all the essential tools and equipment for beginners. "We have guild-owned looms, and all the equipment that a beginner would need, but of course that equipment stays at the Buchanan Center." They also supply some yarn, and can help beginners to choose appropriate materials for their first projects. Candace shares: "Once you get hooked, then the fun begins!"
Next summer, the guild is planning a six- or seven-week class for beginners. This class will teach students the full process of weaving a scarf, from measuring the warp to finishing the project. Students will learn everything from 'dressing the loom,' a multi-step process, to weaving and completing the scarf. The cost will be around $70 to $80, which will include all materials, the use of guild equipment, and a year's membership in the guild.
As Candace reflects on the guild's community, she highlights its diversity and the range of experience among its members. "We have a weaver from Henderson County who is 97. We have a weaver from Monmouth who was a production weaver. Both of these ladies have been weaving for over 30 years."
For anyone curious about weaving, Candace encourages anyone to stop by to visit on a Wednesday afternoon. The weavers would love to say hello and show you their work. You never know—it might just become your next passion!