Complex Weavers

Chair: Gay McGeary gmcg60@earthlink.net
Fees: $15 per year plus additional charge for two volunteer exchanges
Publication: 3 times per year plus periodic emails
Sample Exchange: two volunteer exchanges per year
To Join: .
Group began: 2006
Closing Date: Year begins in March. New members receive back issues of newsletters, accepted any time.
Membership: no limit, but interest in handwoven geometric coverlets required.
Shown: A coverlet from Gay McGeary's family. She writes: "The coverlet in the photo is a 19th century double woven coverlet in a slates and roses pattern with a pine tree border. It is one of two family coverlets which sparked my interest in handwoven coverlets. I found it in my parents' attic not long after I got married. This 5 block pattern in double weave requires 20 shafts."

The Early American Coverlet Study Group, is looking for weavers who are interested in participating in research of 18th and 19th century American handwoven coverlets. The group researches both geometric and fancy coverlets. While the focus of the group is the research of this early art form, the study group members will also share information on projects they have woven which are based on early coverlets.

The newsletter will be published three times a year. The chair will write one article per issue on such topics as the elements of a coverlet, fabric analysis of coverlet patterns, a bibliography of coverlet related books, block design for coverlet patterns, weave structures used for coverlets and coverlet fringes. Members of the study group are asked to contribute book reviews, information on coverlet exhibits, articles on individuals contributing to coverlet research and weaving, as well as results of member's research and weaving projects.

The study group will include two annual exchanges: (1) a fabric analysis of an early coverlet (July) and (2) a woven sample of an early coverlet with instruction for a project using the pattern and weave structure (October). Additional information will be supplied on request.