There are so many amazing craft-related opportunities in Philadelphia, so I decided to share some of the offerings I took advantage of throughout July. This post will focus on the fiber arts, my passion and true love. First on the list was the Monthly Craft Circle hosted by Weaver House in the Bok building. This recurring event is organized by local artists and Weaver House staff members, Izzie Ashley and Chris Lau. Participants who attend are invited to bring a project and spend the evening creating in a communal setting. This month, the craft circle provided an indigo vat, and crafters brought fabric, clothing, yarn, and various other fibers and textiles for dying. One maker even brought plant reeds for basket weaving, which she dyed and then wove into a beautiful melon basket! While we waited for our items to dry, we also got to check out Weaver House’s textile library, which has some gems! It was a great evening, and I am looking forward to next month’s craft circle which will double as a craft supply swap! While pre-registration is required, these craft circle events are free and open to the public. Next, I attended Riso Puno’s interactive exhibition, Group Hug, at the Fabric Workshop and Museum. This installation addresses the relationships between caregivers and the people they care for. As a nurse, this show addressed several considerations that I experience daily, and I found it to be very thought- provoking. Visitors can choose if they want to experience the role of caregiver, or one being cared for prior to entering a maze leading to the exhibit. I will leave what happens next for you to experience! The museum is located in center city at 12th and Arch (right near our friends at Rittenhouse Needlepoint!), and admission is free to the public. Last but not least, I attended FabScrap’s Summer Sip and Sort! FabScrap is a local textile recycling center located in the Bok Building. Their ability to sort and process their large donations of textiles depends heavily on volunteer staff, who are compensated with an amazing selection of fabric, yarn, and other materials. The Sip and Sort series invites volunteers to come and have a drink (this month sponsored by Good Vodka, though non-alcohol options were also available) and sort fabric. The event consisted of an overview of FabScrap and a brief explanation of the process, which involved sorting fabric samples, mendable clothes, and larger textiles, for reuse. The evening ended with a “shopping” spree in which we each got to take home three pounds of fabric! The event required pre-registration and asked for a $10 donation to support FabScrap’s efforts. Additional volunteer opportunities are offered each week and can be found on the organization’s website. Overall, a great month for fiber in Philadelphia! What craft should we explore next month??

The Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers is a a center for a wide range of fiber arts including weaving, spinning, felting, basketry, chair caning, embroidery, knitting & crocheting, paper art, dyeing, quilting, sewing, surface design and more. They offer meetups, classes, a lending library and equipment rental. They have something for everyone! Check out their website and see when each of their various special interest groups meet and what all else they have to offer! https://pghw.org/(https://pghw.org/)

Interested in Fiber Arts?! Wan't to meet like-minded people, share ideas and resources and attend meet-ups? Join us!! We have a FaceBook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/552641113188847 And a weekly and monthly meetup open to everyone. Info can be found on the FB group, but meetups are every Monday from 5:30-7:30pm at the Walnut Street West library at 40th and Walnut. This is a "Portable Fibers" Group, organized in conjunction with the Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers. Bring any project you would like to work on! Monthly meetups are the last Sunday of every month from 5 - 7pm in the lounge at the Garden Court Plaza at 4701 Pine St. For more information, please contact Linda @ pixietail@gmail.com(mailto:pixietail@gmail.com) We look forward to seeing ewe!