Folk Fiber Guild turns 20

By Emolyn Liden
Sentinel Writer

The Folk Fiber Guild of the Tri-state area was started by Bernice Connor, a spinner, weaver, natural dyer, and basket maker who wanted to share her passion for art.   Twenty-five years later the group she founded still meets once a month.

”Bernice was a great leader because she was project-oriented.  In the early years she assigned projects which we were excited about.  When we reconvened the weavers would have been very productive, but none of the spinners had completed the project. The spinners just wanted to hang out and spin,” said Martha Owen.  “Essentially Bernice was trying to foster communication and activity. Since the beginning, the group has become more of a show and tell; a time to share ideas and resources.  It’s about camaraderie and support. There are no dues.”

Jean Frey has been coming from Blue Ridge, Georgia for eight years.  “I heard about it after taking a spinning class at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Once I learned to spin I wanted to continue learning.  The group provides a meeting place for crafts people to help each other and share inspiration. Since I live in the middle of nowhere it was a great opportunity to mingle with other fiber artists.”

It is exciting to jump into a new hobby like spinning or weaving but is can also be daunting because it opens the door to a whole new world.  “I was just a beginning weaver and Bernice was very kind to me,” remembers Anne Wolf.  “She helped me get started and I still weave.”

During the fall season the guild gets busy knitting hats, scarves, and sweaters, weaving tablecloths, rugs, and blankets.  The meetings also provide a time to try new patterns and techniques.  The women visit and exchange stories.  Meanwhile, if a knitter runs into confusion with a project, members offer help.

Around the holidays they meet for a party with food and exchange gifts that are handmade or fiber oriented.  “That’s how I got the rabbit,” Pam Howard laughed.  “I was driving up from Atlanta every month.  We drew numbers and I opened a bag of rabbit food and thought, ‘What am I going to do with this?’ Then they told me the real present was the animal!  We made a rule after that; nothing that ate could be exchanged.”

“The gift exchange is wonderful because we’re a creative group here.  We all make beautiful things,” continued Howard.  “The items are worth a lot more than anything you can buy.”
In the past, the Guild has collaborated on projects to raise money for social services and the Humane Society.  “A few years a group member made a doll and everyone made an accessory for the doll – a trunk for her clothes, bonnets, dresses, etc.  We sold it and donated the money.” said Owen.  “We’ve also made Christmas tree ornaments for sale and donate the money.”
Artists look to the world around them for inspiration; and in a country town they benefit greatly by creating a community.  The Guild has been on-going for twenty-five years and anyone interested is encouraged to join.  They meet on the second Wednesday of each month at Yarn Circle Craft Supply in Peachtree.