Socializing

 

WEFT magazine sent their contributors a pin.  Today - the first time in a very long time - I went out to the guild room and spent some time socializing with a small group of people who were interested in the magazine, and the samples I wove for the first issue.

A magazine is a wonderful thing, but it's not the Full Deal Meal, so to speak.  Textiles are *tactile* and being able to *feel* them conveys a whole other level of information about what is, essentially, a tactile experience.

I remembered to grab the pin and wear it.  

Since I had subscribed to the magazine during their Go Fund Me, plus I contributed two articles to the magazine, I had a 'spare' copy which I donated to the guild.  I hope they will subscribe, but I let people know that they could buy digital copies at a lower cost, or just buy single copies - either print or digital.

A couple of the attendees were very new, some had a bit of experience under their belts, and some were more experienced.  It made for a nice interchange and a pleasant couple of hours.

At the end I suggested that if people were interested we could do the same after each issue comes out.  Since I have articles accepted for several up coming issues, I could bring my samples in and let people have a look.  Several said yes, so I'll remember to book the guild room once I have the magazine in hand and bring the samples with me.  Or at least textiles that are pertinent.  Some articles won't be illustrated by specially woven cloth, but pretty sure I can find things to share that may be suitable to the theme.

And I was reminded how much I had missed chatting with other weavers.  I had requested that attendees wear a mask, which may have prevented some people from coming.  But honestly, between Covid on the rise, AND measles, and bird flu - people like me tend to get 'left behind'.  We want to participate, but we don't want to get sick.  I've been managing by staying active on the internet, but there is nothing quite like actually sitting down and chatting.

It was lovely to meet one of the new weavers I had not seen before and re-acquaint myself with others.  The next issue comes out in August, I think, so maybe we can get together again in September.  

Something to look forward to...