Guest Post from Local Artist and Community Associate Amy Huser, Who Taught A Tapestry Weaving Class at Groover Labs

We asked local artist Amy Huser, who is also a community associate at Groover Labs, if she’d write a guest blog post about her experience teaching the Tapestry Weaving class last weekend. It can be scary to sign up for a class if you’re new to the discipline. Read how teaching reminded Amy what it’s like to start at the beginning.

“I’m getting the hang of it!” 

As an instructor, hearing things like this and seeing people light up when they connect with an idea or process is wildly rewarding.  On Saturday I had the pleasure of leading a small tapestry weaving workshop in our Hotseat area.  Each guest picked up their materials kit and got settled in.  I could see excitement over the little looms, which was a relief because it took some trial and error to finally land on the right type of loom to laser-cut. The coffee was hot, the sun was shining through the windows… it was a beautiful morning for making!

I began our morning by teaching how to set up the loom for weaving.  Once everyone was all set, I instructed how to begin a piece.  With 9 years of weaving experience, I know the process like the back of my hand.  To a beginner, however, the initial learning stages can be downright frustrating. 

You know that feeling when you are excited to learn something new but quickly realize it will take practice?  I saw some of that during the first few rows of weaving.  As I placed myself in their shoes, it took me back to that feeling of being a beginner at something. Something that is exciting for me—and why I love teaching so much—is helping people push past those moments to the breakthrough.  

Gradually, the students started to really click with the process.  As those lightbulbs went off I noticed a shift in conversation from strictly technical questions to a more chatty and vibrant atmosphere.  One by one, people were “getting it”.  

After a process feels comfortable, it is easier to troubleshoot and make adjustments as you go.  Creativity comes easier, too!  Weaving is a process and everyone works at their own pace.  I ended our time by giving a demonstration on how to cut off their tapestries from the loom and finish them.  By the end of our two hours together, some had finished their tapestries and some had made great progress with just a little left to finish at home.  I love that they got to take home their little looms for future use!

This workshop was so much fun and was weeks in the making.  The idea started weeks ago in a monthly staff meeting.  As a textile artist, I presented the idea that we could do creative workshops of some kind, so we brainstormed as a team and landed on weaving to be our first.  Jeremiah made some test looms in the Makerspace.  It took a few iterations in various materials before landing on the acrylic laser-cut looms!  Tracy and I brainstormed where we could get yarns.  All the yarn for this workshop was donated by local fiber artists—thank you to the artists who were so generous! 

Our team also has ideas to do workshops in the Makerspace!  I would love to learn how to use the laser-cutter and 3-D printer, so will be signing up for those workshops with Jeremiah when they are offered.  This time I will be the beginner.  I am looking forward to learning a new trade, and hopefully having my own “getting it” moment!

There’s still a chance to take my weaving class virtually on March 18. Click here to sign up!