My question: as someone who has only twice sat down at someone else's big loom, will the entire rest of the conference fly over my head?
Good question, Michael. There may be seminars that will fly over your head, but there will be plenty that won't. There's a certain emphasis on history this time--e.g., a seminar entitled "Industrialization of Textiles Before the Industrial Revolution." There will be a seminar on some basics of setting up a website--understanding how a website is created, an overview of graphics & layout, some ideas on content & organization, and some discussion on emerging technology. Gudrun Polak (who, I think, is on this e-list) will be teaching one TW class but will also teach a class w/ the fascinating title of "Cross-Pollination in Fiber Arts." From the description: ". . .what happens when we cross-pollinate the arts of weaving, knitting, card weaving, and braiding." You can bet I'll be in the audience for that one! Another seminar focuses on Cambodian textile tools and methods.
I know I'm biased (I'm on the ed cte for this conference, plus I'm the CW librarian), but I think CW is a great conference. It's held on a college campus, and it's small--on purpose. Registration is limited to 150. We live in dormitories & eat in college cafeterias. At mealtimes, you can plop down at any table, join the conversation, and meet new people. In addition to Peter's talk (which will be on the second evening), there will be an opening night short lecture by Richard Jeryan, who has been weaving for many years but who also has worked at Ford Motor Company for many years. Ford used to design and manufacture its own specialty fabrics for automobile upholstery, and Richard will be speaking on the restoration of an old Ford-owned Jacquard loom for their museum. You don't have to know how Jacquard looms operate to appreciate such a restoration project. (And no jokes about driving your loom down the highway. :-))
I've probably already said more than I should--this info isn't really public yet. Many of you are already CW members, so you'll get your registration packet with your October newsletter. For the rest of you, I'll let you know when the packet is available online. I think registration opens something like Jan. 15, 2008. And remember: TWIST got its start as a CW study group. This is really taking us back to some of our roots.
Ruth
