The Weavers and Spinners Society of Austin (WSSA) is a collective of women and men interested in weaving, spinning, and dyeing, from beginners to masters. The guild meets on the second Thursday of the month for a presentation by a member or an outside expert, recently in Zoom but normally in person at the Northwest Recreation Center. Two study groups, one for weavers and the other for spinners, provide an opportunity to delve deeper into members’ skills and knowledge. A couple of two or three-day workshops a year taught by respected experts not only teach new techniques, but are a great way to get to know other guild members. The same can be said for the WEST Studio Tour, which gives us the chance to exhibit and sell our work, demonstrate our skills, and educate the larger community about the creative possibilities found in weaving, spinning, and dyeing.

To spin yarn from sheep’s wool, a cotton plant’s seed hair, or a moth’s cocoon silk is to make a connection to nature and our far distant ancestors. And then when we weave that yarn into a baby blanket, a fashionable jacket, or a contemporary wall hanging, we get a rush of satisfaction that we have created a unique work that expresses our individual aesthetic and cultural values. The Weavers and Spinners Society of Austin members all share the love of making, of exploring new and old techniques and materials, and appreciate the advantage of sharing our passion with each other and the larger community.