Weaver’s Guild Frequently Asked Questions
Do Study Groups have exams?
What is the difference between Classes and Workshops?
What is ROC Day?
Has anyone seen?
Library?
Is there a kitchen at the House?
How Can I Help The Guild?
When Is the Guild House Open?
Do Study Groups have exams? Oh, my, no!! Study Groups are for fun not for tests. If you like to knit join the other knitters or beaders or hookers-rug hookers, of course! Study Groups are a chance to hang out with other folks who share the same fiber interest and understand when you brag on your newest project! Study Groups welcome you-the only requirement, is Guild Membership. Here’s the list: Updates and special meeting announcements are in the Weaverbird.
What is the difference between Classes and Workshops? Classes are offered by the Education Committee; they most often occur at the House and are mostly taught by Guild members. The Guild offers a variety of classes from beginning weaving and spinning to more advanced fiber topics. Workshops are offered by the Program Committee; often instructors have a national or international reputation. Generally workshops have a 2-3 day duration.
What is ROC Day? For the Guild, our January meeting is ROC Day. Generally held on the first Saturday of the month, it’s a series of small classes and a great way to get fiberry again after the busy holiday season. And, it’s a fun way to get to know others in the Guild. Members who joined the Guild prior to January 1st are welcomed. Classes are free; there might be a small materials fee. Sign-up sheets for ROC Day classes are generally put up at the December meeting. See this year’s Weaverbird for the ROC Day announcement.

Our ROC Day is based on January 7th, the day after the feast of the Epiphany. It is also known as Saint Distaffs Day, since it was not really a holiday at all. In many European cultural traditions, women resumed their household work after the Twelve Days of Christmas. The distaff, or rock, used in spinning was the medieval symbol of women’s work. Often the men and women would play pranks on each other during this day, as was written by Robert Herrick in his poem “Saint Distaffs day, or the Morrow After Twelfth Day” which appears in his Hesperides. Reference: Weaverbird, January, 2012. WGGC, like many other modern craft groups, has taken up the celebration of Distaff day as part of our annual New Year’s celebration.
Has anyone seen? Where are my glasses? Or my notebook? Or that thing-a-ma-gig that I had at the Guild House? There’s a Lost and Found box in the entry way. Check there!
Library? The Weavers Guild has an extensive collection of books on fiber. The books are categorized by fiber activity, such as General Weaving, Knitting, Quilting and many, many more. There are lists of the collection by title, category, author-the lists are available from the website. Books may be checked out by members for one month. There are many magazines and monographs, also. Be inspired…check out a book!
What is Swatch Watch? Weavers look for inspiration and guidance in designing projects. Swatch Watch is the Guild’s program to share weavings with the Guild. Instructions for the weave including sett, structure, threading and treddling diagrams; also usage for the fabric is provided along with a small sample of the fabric. A year’s worth of swatches are packaged and made available for pick-up at the June meeting. The Swatch committee organizes this program and seeks weavers who do the weaving. It’s a great way to learn more about weaves and try your hand!
Is there a kitchen at the House? Yes, there’s a kitchen in the Guild House and it’s equipped with fridge, coffeepot, microwave, teas, plates, mugs, cutlery and so forth. Guild members made a conscious decision to restrict the capability of the kitchen. Come to the house to have fiber-fun-hang out, not to cook fancy meals. Upstairs there’s a Dye Room-with a sink and microwaves. For safety, the Dye Room is reserved for dyeing and the kitchen is for food. NEVER use the kitchen for dyeing. Eating lunch? Use a plate or a glass from the kitchen, but since our mothers don’t come to the Guild to work–clean up when you’re finished!
How Can I Help The Guild? As a totally volunteer organization, the Guild relies and thrives on the enthusiasm of the members. Help with a meeting. Help the librarian. Share your love of fiber by demonstrating. There are lots of opportunities! When someone asks for help, hold up your hand. The secret of volunteering is that you help the Guild and you get to know other members. And, there’s one more way to help…if you see a new member, welcome them to the Guild and invite them to participate!
When Is the Guild House Open? The Guild House is open for events such as general and study group meetings, as well as classes and workshops.  See the calendar to check if the house is open.  If you would like the schedule a visit or tour please contact membership@weaversguildcincinnati.org.