25th Convergence, Knoxville
International Fiber Arts Conference
July 15 – 21, 2022
By Mary Ann Parker, Silverado Handweavers and Spinners, Area 5, Convergence Grant Recipient
All Photos courtesy of Mary Ann Parker
Knoxville, Tennessee was the site for Convergence this year, presented by the Handweavers Guild of America (HGA). People from all over the US arrived by planes and cars to take classes, exhibit their work, listen to seminars, take tours, and generally share their love of all things fiber for a week. I was fortunate enough to attend, take classes and enjoy everything the conference had to offer.
I wanted to learn some new skills at Convergence, so I didn’t sign up for any weaving classes. Instead, I signed up for classes in eco dyeing, felting, and a double weave pattern drafting class. I was thrilled with the expertise of the instructors and overjoyed with the new skills I acquired.
Eco Dyeing using Plant Material and Natural Dyes
Myra Chang Thompson
This 2-day workshop was a blast. Myra provided the scoured cotton, ready for us to mordant the fabric in preparation for the eco-dying. Myra brought plant material from New Mexico where she lives, as did several other students who drove to Convergence. We had plant materials from Indiana, Michigan, and Mississippi to choose from. Myra’s method of mordanting used easy to find ingredients and no harsh chemicals. The next step was to place the plant material on the fabric. It was fun to watch everyone make their designs with the various plants and flowers. Once this was done, we rolled them up for a 90- minute steam bath. After the steaming was finished, we let them cool overnight for the big reveal the next day. All projects were stunning. And this was just our practice sample. On day two, we continued to dye, experiment, we used dye blankets and continued the fun.
Fun Felting
Geri Forkner
This was indeed a fun felting day. Geri Forkner is an accomplished felter, and her Fish Sculpture won first prize in the mixed media category. We spent the day getting our fiber wet and soapy, rolling our projects in bubble wrap, wrapped around a PVC pipe, and rubbing the fibers until they were no longer in danger of falling apart. Then we kneaded the compacted fiber with more soap and water until we felted our projects to a reduced the size to almost 50%. Everyone in the class put their own twist and colorways into their flowers, dancing ladies, and vessels. Geri’s easy-going nature and good instruction made this a very enjoyable day.
Double Weave Pattern Drafting
Marcia Weiss
I took one “serious” class at Convergence. Marcia, an associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA, explained the weave structure of Double Weave. This 90-minute seminar reinforced my understanding of double weave. She brought many samples of her own double weave projects which were beautiful and inspiring.
Fashion Show
On Friday, July 15, 2022, we were treated to a Fashion Show and dinner. Anyone could enter a handwoven or felted garment for this juried show. It exceeded all my expectations and inspired me to want to sew again. There were over a one hundred garments from both 2020 and 2022.
After the show, the clothes were displayed in the exhibit hall for closer examination and appreciation. HGA needed lots of volunteers during the conference and I had Monday morning open. Luckily, I was placed in the exhibition hall and walked around for 2 hours looking at all the beautiful items on display: baskets, tapestries, yardage, and all the fashion show clothes
Dish Towel Exchange
Keynote Speaker
Kathleen Curtis Wilson
Kathleen gave a talk on the Southern Appalachian tradition of weaving in Tennessee and Virginia. She has written several books on the subject and showed many pictures of beautiful coverlets. Kathleen presented a visual tour of the talent and diversity of people who settled in Southern Appalachia.
In between classes and events, I made my way through the vendor hall many times, making a purchase each time. My suitcase was 8 lbs. heavier than when I arrived in Knoxville! I had a chance to meet well known weavers throughout the conference, visit yarn suppliers from whom I normally make on-line purchases. I talked to the editors from Handwoven magazine, watched a Sheep-to-Shawl team spin and weave. I even test-drove a few looms as well. I definitely don’t need another loom, but a weaver can always dream. I also participated in the dish towel exchange. I made five dish towels to give away, and received five in return, including the drafts.
I want to thank CNCH for the grant to attend Convergence. It was a wonderful experience being able to immerse myself in all things fiber for 5 days. I’m already scheduled to do a felting program with our guild in October, and we’re working out the details of an Eco Dye workshop. I also enjoyed the city of Knoxville. The people were very hospitable, and the downtown area was charming. I was able to visit the galleries in town where more fiber art was displayed. A member of our guild, Sharon Crary from the Silverado Handweavers and Spinners Guild, had several pieces on display. I encourage CNCH members to submit entries to these exhibits. I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to see the work of a friend on display. Our fiber community truly has a bevy of talented artists.
The location of the 2024 HGA Convergence was announced at the final dinner. Convergence is going to Wichita, Kansas. Start planning now!