May 2021 news!

Nineteen folks attended the first in-person meeting since early 2020 on Monday evening and it was an exciting time with members, new members, and guests. Here’s a recap and important ways you can get involved once again.

The Guild’s storefront in College Mall, 2894 E 3rd Street, in Bloomington, Indiana, is the place for our meetings, study groups, workshops, and fiber arts shopping. Look for our red-tiled storefront between Target and the old Macy’s store.

Monday Study Group meets at the store each week starting at 6:00 p.m. They’ve been meeting throughout the shut down but we are now ready to welcome more as vaccination rates rise and restrictions are lifted.

A Knitting Group has resumed meeting at the store each Tuesday from 4:30-6:00 p.m. They welcome knitters of all levels.

Many present told us about classes they have taught or might be willing to teach if others are interested in learning. Are you interested in rigid heddle weaving? Linda Boyle, Linda Gardner, and Karin Lauderback have taught these skills to many. Karin also taught many to do split ply weaving and the guild has the equipment to teach to make those split ply cords. We’ve learned Kumihumo weaving, had several dye classes, and so many other great fiber experiences that we are anxious to repeat and share with new members, potential members, or just our community. If you are willing to teach or want to learn, please contact Mary Buschhorn at [email protected].

The store will open for the first time on Friday, June 11, at noon! Hours will be from 12-7 on Fridays, 12-7 on Saturdays, and 12-5 on Sundays. Sales volunteers will be asked to work 12-4 or 3-7 on Friday or Saturday and 12-3 or 2-5 on Sunday. Hours for non-sales help will be arranged as needed.

Dues reminder: 2020-2021 dues were set at $30 with option to stay at $20 dues level due to pandemic. If joining from now until August first, $20 gets you member benefits for the store and workshops. 2021-2022 dues will be $30 and are payable beginning August 1. If paying by PayPal from the website, you will need your own PayPal account now. Once the store is open, you may pay by credit card there. Or checks may be mailed to:
BSWG, PO Box 351, Bloomington, IN 47402

If you are still reading here, the hope is that you have found a way you want to get involved again. Our greatest need is in filling vacant roles in the leadership team. None of these positions is a solitary or overly demanding or time filling role. Our Secretary need not be present at every meeting but may choose others to take notes or do other communications work. The Co-coordinator is typically tapped to move up to coordinator but that is not a requirement. Past leaders are available to provide guidance and answer questions. We also need a Fiber Arts Show coordinator and co-coordinator. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer or have any questions about these roles.