Page 9 - MidWeek - Nov 2, 2022

NOVEMBER 2, 2022 MIDWEEK 9
T he Hawai‘i Handweav- ers’ Hui gives the term “spinning a yarn” a whole new meaning. The scope of its offerings range from actu- ally spinning yarn, to weaving, soap-making, jewelry-making,
superior to store-bought ones,” adds Steinhoff. “I discovered that they are not only fun to weave, but are more absorbent and long-lasting.”
Classes are taught by experi- enced volunteers from Honolu- lu’s fiber arts community.
For more information and a full schedule, visit hawaiihandweavers.org or follow them on Instagram (@hawaiihandweavershui).
MaryAnne Long is an art- ist, art instructor, art collector and curator. Contact her at malong@hawaii.rr.com or longlostart.weebly.com.
Where A Hui Of Weavers, Spinners Still Gather
and more.
After Honolulu Museum of
The hui also offers a wide range of weaving- and fiber-re- lated classes such as natural dyeing, spinning, needle felt- ing, sashiko, coil baskets and eco-dyed silk scarves.
See handweavers in action Nov. 4 as part of First Friday activities from 5 to 8 p.m. at Downtown Art Center (1041 Nu‘uanu Ave.); Nov. 12 at the Kalama Beach Club annual sale; and Nov. 19-20 at Bloom at Ward Village Shops.
Art School closed its weaving program, the hui transformed a sun-filled space at Down- town Art Center into a 15- loom studio/classroom and a small, promising business in 2021.
A natural dyeing class featuring participants Jane Gallagher, instructor Ghislaine Chock, and Jena and Laurel Hayama. PHOTO COURTESY BY ERIC CHOCK
Pat Steinhoff, president of the hui, describes the impact this has had.
“The move to DAC has been transformational,” he says. “Needing to find a place for the donated looms and offering weaving/fiber-related classes have brought out the organi- zation’s talents and goodwill. Our members’ many profes- sional skills made the move possible and some stepped for- ward to teach courses. Working together, old members became closer friends and new mem- bers invigorated the group. At DAC, we have new opportu- nities to demonstrate spinning and weaving and to sell our weavings.”
Gina Taylor (left) and Mari Macmillan blend dyed bundles of fiber, called roving, then spin them to make thread. PHOTO COURTESY SIDNEY LYNCH
Currently, the hui is raising the lowly dish towel to an art form.
“Weaving takes many forms, and currently the hui has a tow- el project where many of our members are weaving hand and dish towels to sell at our upcoming events,” explains hui registrar Sidney Lynch. “These towels are lovely pieces woven mostly in cotton and linen with a wide variety of patterns and colors.”
“In addition to being beauti- ful, handwoven towels are far
Handweavers keep busy working on looms. PHOTO COURTESY SIDNEY LYNCH