MERA Heritage Weavers

“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of looms.”

- Doug Larson

Weaving is more than something we do. It’s an opportunity to push our boundaries, to create, to imagine and reimagine. It’s an opportunity to explore colours, textures and designs. This collective has expanded significantly from a core group over the last few years.

The Heritage Weavers meet weekly to plan, share ideas and give advice. Together they build  enthusiasm and create wonderful works. It’s an apprentice-like learn-as-you-go environment suited to those who have taken an introduction to weaving.

We are fortunate to have now a revitalized weaving studio where our 7 looms, of various sizes and styles, are located. The looms are usually set up with extra-long warps which become cooperative projects to allow various members to take a turn weaving.  

As with all groups at the schoolhouse, you must have a MERA membership to become a regular member of the MERA Heritage Weavers.

For additional information contact Lise Loader at 613 326 0087 or Erica Riley at 613 278 2102.

 

Upcoming Sessions

16 Oct
scheduled
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
23 Oct
scheduled
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
30 Oct
scheduled
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
06 Nov
scheduled
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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About the Heritage Weavers

Weaving has been a tradition at MERA since its inception in 1998. Initially the schoolhouse porch was renovated to create a bright-lit studio under the direction of the coordinator Ellen Good. Looms, equipment and supplies were acquired mostly through generous donation. Classes were then initiated to teach weaving to the general public.

Demonstrations were given showcasing the local pioneer textile production, particularly the growing of flax for fibre and all the steps involved in the production of linen. These demonstrations were facilitated by a very generous donation of heritage artifacts from Saskia Mueffels of Ottawa.

At this point, the MERA Heritage Weaving Training Program in production weaving was launched. Local women were recruited who committed to an intensive program to learn all aspects of production weaving: from the weaving of quality items for sale, to the establishment of a business structure for marketing the items, to displaying and selling work through craft shows and local retail venues. When the training program came to an end in 2005 the trainees elected to form a cooperative group.

Exhibitions of heritage fibre production equipment and demonstrations of linen production as it was done during pioneer times were mounted at local fairs and craft shows and at Upper Canada Village. The weavers have carried on the production of heritage inspired textiles and continue to exhibit at local shows including

  • MERA Christmas Fair in late November
  • Occasional exhibits at MERA