Story and photo by Matt Weingarden
The Maidstone Museum is conducting a series of workshops to teach the basics of loom weaving. The workshop includes a hand loom and material to complete a ‘mug rug’ coaster and open to adults and kids.
“Weaving is a dying art,” said Victoria Beaulieu, curator of the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum.
“We have some weavers in the area, however there is not much teaching going on.
Beaulieu says that why she believes it’s important to re-kindle the program she started ten years ago.
“It’s important to bring this program back and teach the next generation,” said Beaulieu. “We’re hoping to be able to teach enough people so we can include weaving demonstrations during our re-enactment events this year.”
Weaving students start out learning to use the small hand looms, graduate to table looms and then to the bigger fanny looms. They learn the basics of tension on the loom, how the weaving process works and learning the working part names like shuttle and treadles – and how they work together to form a product.
The up-and-coming War of 1812 Encampment in May will feature a weaving demonstration with Pam Puffer of the Essex County Weavers Guild. Heather Oliver, a master finger weaving expert from the Cambridge area will be in attendance as well.
“Ken Voakes will also be at the encampment doing a textile demonstration,” added Beaulieu.
The museum is home to an operable Fanny Loom that is over 100 years of age.
“The weaving process can be very therapeutic,” said Pam Puffer. “Master weavers always say ‘the loom sings’ when it’s in action…that rhythm, the sounds of the treadles working.”
Puffer shares that weaving has been around forever and regardless of what language you speak, its international…every country has its own style of weaving that has been passed down for many generations.
“I’ve noticed a resurgence in the art of weaving and a renewed love for the craft,” she added. “And if you think about it, everything we wear is generated by a loom of some sort…weather it’s the weaving of baskets, yarn or rope…societies have learned to weave out of necessity.”
The next weaving workshop will be offered during March break week on Tuesday the 12th.
“We’re so excited to be able to restart the program and further our reach into the community of Lakeshore and Essex County.” said Beaulieu.
To learn more, please visit maidstonemuseum.com
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