The Sixteens is a sample exchange group for weavers using 16 shafts. The weaving skills vary from some who are very knowledgeable to some new to 16 harnesses.

In 1978 Marian Hoskinson circulated a letter to her wide circle of friends and acquaintances in the weaving world announcing the starting of a sample exchange group for "16-harness weavers". Marian established the rules that we still live by. Each year a topic is selected, usually a weave structure. The weaver is to do research and exert her personal creativity in the sample. The sample is to be large, at least six inches square and must be extensively documented.

The leadership of the group rotates among the members each year. This distributes the organizational burden. Each year during the exchange month the members mail the samples to each member on the list. Marian limited the membership to 30 and for about half of the years a waiting list existed. But with more options for complex weavers, the membership has stabilized at around 15.

A core group from The SIXTEENS was involved in the founding of Complex Weavers. The idea was first suggested at Convergence in Colorado and then organized at the Midwest Weavers Conference. A group of us gave $5.00 each to Eleanor Best and told her to start a newsletter and gather other members. We realized that others with common interests in technical weaving possess other types of equipment and membership was not limited to weavers with looms of 16 or more harnesses. We wanted to build a network to share information, collectively investigate new topics, and help each other with individual problems. The objective would be beyond that of a sample exchange.

Past Projects

THE SIXTEENS 2006 RULES AND REGULATIONS

The assignment for 2007 is: Crackle
1. Resources:
   • to be published soon
2. All the skill and creativity of the weaver should be expended on the sample. Yarns, colors, designs, and sett are at the discretion of the weaver.
   
3. Specifications of the sample:
   1. Sample--Six (6) inches square
   2. All raw edges must be finished
   3. Wet finishing is strongly encouraged
   4. If you choose to do a larger design, send a sample of part of the piece and a photograph of the larger design
4. Specifications for documentation:
   1. Research the weave structure and share sources
   2. Include a draft for a treadle loom and the pegging plan if you use a dobby
   3. Include any particular problems encountered and suggestions for others to use
   4. Do NOT attach the sample to the documentation sheet
   5. Do NOT punch holes in the sheet
5. Specifications for distribution:
   1. Mail all samples and documentation flat in a large envelope. Do NOT fold.
   2. Mail during the month of October.
   3. Send one sample to each person on the list.
   4. Send three samples to me ( Brucie Connell). Two for Complex Weavers libraries, and of course, one for my personal collection.
   5. Remit $3.00 dues to me. These may be submitted when you send your samples.
6. Remember, you must be a member of Complex Weavers to be a member of the Sixteens. Check to make sure your dues are paid.
7. Failure to comply with the above regulations:
   1. Delinquent member(s) will be contacted individually. Deliquent being defined as no sample sent in October.
   2. Those not sending a sample by the end of 2006 will not be allowed to participate in 2007. However, exceptions will be granted for good reason to those who request it. Requests should include a general reason why you couldn''t make the deadline and the anticipated date of sending the samples.
8. Please notify me of any possible new members and they will be sent information.
9. The 16''s samples will be archived on CD as well as in paper format. Both paper and cloth samples and the CD will be available for loan from the Complex Weavers Library.

Note:
You must be a member of Complex Weavers to belong to a study group. Please check your expiry date, or contact Frances Alcorn at alcorn@nwlink.com

Back issues of study group newsletters and swatches may be borrowed by any member in good standing, from the Complex Weavers Lending Library. Contact our Librarian at library@complex-weavers.org

If you have questions about this study group, contact the chair at the address above.
For questions about CW study groups in general, contact the CW Study Group Coordinator at CWStudyGroupCoord@complex-weavers.org