Weaving is an ancient craft, dating back 27,000 years. Virtually all cultures on every continent have practiced weaving for both functional and artistic purposes, and today’s weavers work in much the same way. Our demo will focus on using an inkle loom, a rigid heddle loom, and include some handmade cardboard looms that anyone can use to create fun and colorful textiles that can be used as wall hangings, coasters, or put to other uses.

Penny Seay is an Austin fiber artist who loves to weave, and especially to create colorful bands on one of her inkle looms using tablets, heddles, pick-up techniques, and imagination. Sandy Rice weaves on multiple looms at her Southeast Austin home with her husband, 3 elderly cats, and a very spoiled Rottweiler. Penny and Sandy, along with Denise De La Garza, make up Sisterweaves, fiber artists based in Austin.