I Interned at a HUGE Weaving Conference 🎉 Handweavers Guild of America's Convergence 2024!!

I traveled to Wichita, Kansas for one week of weaving adventures: workshops, museum exhibitions, fashion shows, and more! Thank you again to the Handweavers Guild of America for selecting me as an intern!!
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[@labcat647]

I don't weave or work with textiles, but I enjoy watching your videos because of the enthusiasm and passion you have for your craft. Thank you for sharing your world. I've learned a lot.

[@CatELyst]

Your videos are always fun to watch. Great job on your weaving! I really enjoy your designs!

[@flowmovementtherapy2096]

That split-shed technique!!!! Such amazing graphics you can create. Jaw was on floor.

[@MariaM-yn9tl]

OMG what an amazing video! Thank you so much for taking me along. Yes anyone in textiles & creative community has a whole different giving vibe that is so welcoming & giving. I personally love sharing & show & tell & offering techniques & sharing stories it’s just a unique community. I find it’s hard to find people like this except in that environment of a show. Can’t wait to find that right tribe that can have that show kind of group to meet up with more often. Looking forward to watching your channel. Thanks again. Mariaknits27💃🏻💕🧵🪡🧶📚🏠

[@tbouchonnet7270]

I have attended 6 HGA Convergences in the past. I am very happy that you wore your handwoven daily. You are a delight and joy to watch. I have watched your videos & if you ever come to WNC please plan to visit the Franklin N.C. We have lots of weaving.

[@deniseengel1451]

Thanks Andrea. That was a great synopsis of the conference. Can't wait to see what you do with your purchases.

[@lesleywatts1]

I have a big smile on my face after watching this video 🥰. Thankyou for taking us along on your weaving and textile journeys and sharing so much with us. I always feel uplifted and inspired after watching. I found your channel when I was looking for help making Saori garments and I quickly got hooked, binge watching everything! 😄 There is so much to play with in this world of textiles and you’ve really opened my eyes to the possibilities. It is such a generous and friendly community of people and I love being part of it. It is my tribe! 😊

[@cerwelt]

You rescued me from a cruddy morning. Yay! I’d read about convergence, but just got back from a vacation in Colorado, so I couldn’t rationalize another trip away from hubby and the critters. Happy as a clam you got to go. It’s great you are so young so you can push through huge amounts of work and classes. At almost 70 just hearing what you were doing overwhelmed me. I’m teaching myself to knit and I’ve only been weaving for a year and it feels like so much. When it gets to be a lot I go to my defaults of embroidery or crocheting. Looking forward to your other videos.

[@magdalenas8713]

I now have one more reason for regret for not attending Convergence. I simply could not make it work despite wanting to be there. And I could have met you as well - I’m a fan of your values, work ethic , creativity and delightful cup-half-full personality. Love the videos and the way you share your adventures

[@RhymingMime]

I am amazed at how busy you were interning and attending! You had so many tasks and priorities but you pulled it off. I also love hearing your excitement about the community you were interacting with :)

[@simonemortan1412]

So fun to see your experiences at Convergence. The fashion show at Convergence is always one of my favorite experiences. You did WAAAY better than me on your split shed samples. I took her class at CNCH 2022 and really struggled. I took Karin Donde's class on color and weave effect at CNCH this year. I really enjoyed that one! When you are out on the West Coast it would be fun to catch up and share fiber thoughts. I can't believe you are almost done with school. Simone

[@hertsengland]

I love your scarf, you are a real inspiration

[@karenadams5664]

Hi! Wichita was my first Convergence too! Thanks for capturing it so well - your video is a joy to watch.

[@dorcasfields6624]

I really enjoyed this video. I'm not a weaver. I'm learning to knit, I've crocheted for eons, and I love to hand sew things ( even clothing). The art work you and the other do is amazing.

[@cathibeastevenson634]

Such joy in you, love the music

[@Rebecca777]

I'm so jealous. I'm so glad you had a great time. Good for you!!!

[@EverleyStPeter-pw8ni]

How fun! Love all your vids. Looking forward to more.

[@JamesStopher]

Thanks for sharing your video and some of the Wearable Art Exhibit.

[@anajulian1002]

You are soooo right. I live conferences and workshops for the same reason!!! I love your style too

[@daram5257]

I have only done a little weaving but your video and your designs have inspired me to do more!

[@kristinalastname9445]

I can't believe you met fold out cat!! I love Q so much, they are such a kind soul. We met at a yarn convention and I really hope I can find them at another one someday.

[@diananelson3702]

Thank you so much for sharing Complexitites. I did not manage to get over there. This is a great video.

[@tracydean3678]

You are one hard worker bee! Your haul was full of things for you to experiment with looking forward to future videos. That baby camel fur looked like my hair, lol !

[@mishkalarsoncreations]

I’m not a Weaver, but I’ve dealt with textiles my entire life since I was a little girl. My grandmother and my mother taught us all how to knit, crochet, you name it. If it dealt with wool or cotton, we were doing it. That includes sewing. Now that I’m in my 60s and semi retired I’m enjoying getting back into sewing and somehow your videos popped into my feed one day several months ago. Your positivity and outlook are really inspiring. I’m sure you go through frustrations as a student and as an artist trying to make their way in the world. But it rarely shows. Thank you for sharing all that you do with us. There is always something to learn.

[@anajulian1002]

Love your vest.

[@CraigsOverijse]

looks like you had so much fun lobe your earrings

[@Julia-zj2ch]

This is a very enjoyable video, Andrea! Thank you so much! I have been a weaver for over 30 years and yet I have never been able to attend Convergence. Your sharing of it is special, as are you. (do I see a wedding band on your finger?)

[@deborah_silver_weaver]

It was such a joy having you in my class! You really rocked Convergence! I love this video.

[@mgannes]

I met u shortly at the exhibitions and you were such a delight to speak with. Love your enthusiasm and joy in all things fiber. Ever get to Los Angeles, come and speak at either our Southern California Handweavers Guild or our Ventura County Handweavers and spinners guild. It would be such a treat. Excited to follow your fiber journey. Want to learn how your Madder venture came out.

[@possum4774]

Thanks for such a fun look at all the aspects of convergence. I'm on the other side of the globe, so no chance to visit for myself. I hope you'll show your weaving samples after they've had a spa. Especially the pique.

[@trish3580]

I just had to comment after 1 minute and say thank you so much for taking us along!!!! I've never been able to attend Convergence....it was like being there in person. Tears of gratitude as I type this...thank you so much! Now back to the video :)

[@shirindabbah1436]

You are so talented Andrea, I really enjoy your videos 🫶🏻

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

Congratulations for your success. Love your work. 😊❤

[@yarnymcyarn]

such an opportunity !

[@KackyMuse]

A lovely presentation, beautiful haul, and a great atmosphere as always, in your videos.

[@jancooper6732]

It’s great to see a new video from you! I loved the way you “shot” this one-I really felt like I was at the show with you because you focused on things and edited it in just the way I would look at it if I was there. Your own weaving is beautiful and it was so fun to see the things you saw that excited you. I look forward to seeing more from your last semester. Thanks for sharing!❤

[@raevynwoods9403]

This video is making me so excited to start weaving my own work! Those little samples from the twill class were so cool, I would like to try something like that in the future! (I got a free(!!) second hand Leclerc counterbalance loom that is almost ready for weaving, I'm starting with a simple cotton test thing but I can't wait to get my hands on some wool and weave all the beautiful woolen things!)

[@jiggyfun807]

You didn't just get a free loom you got a free nice loom!! What a great way into weaving

[@raevynwoods9403]

@@jiggyfun807 I know right?! It's so cool! Only downside is that it's very big, but also on the plus side it is very big! I really want to make yardage for sewing clothes, so having a big loom was my 'one day' dream and then someone in my weaving guild was like "hey everyone i have this loom does someone want it?"........ i mean yes please!

[@marinamartinez6886]

Looks like a great fiber gathering. I would have loved to see the exhibits and of course the yarns. Looking forward to your next videos. 👍👍👍

[@corrinneloudon525]

What a great video! Thanks, Andrea, you’ve made my day 💐

[@1973shw]

I love watching your adventures in fibre. Looking forward to seeing more about your dyeing and how you use your fibre purchases from the conference. ❤

[@ThicThreads]

Amazing video! Such a cool experience 🎉

[@rinatheysmans5580]

I love watching your videos, you inspire me. I wish there were fibre meetings here in Spain

[@TamarLitvot]

Such a wonderful video. I've been weaving for over 30 years but was never able to go to Convergence. I've heard people talk about what it was like but your video is so much better because I could actually see things for myself. If you're still in NY or on the East Coast next summer, you could attend a smaller version of Convergence called MAFA -- Mid-Atlantic Fiber Association. It's usually held in Pennsylvania. Also, consider coming to my area for what's supposed to be the largest fiber festival in the country -- the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. It's held the first full weekend in May in a fairgrounds located between Washington DC and Baltimore (I live near Washington DC).

[@Quietcloud]

I've always wondered about Convergence. Great video! I'm obsessed with your San Diego scarf!

[@annefresia2102]

I keep tripping over black walnuts in my yard and thinking that I should send them to you for dye. This looked like an amazing conference!

[@deborahfaehner3368]

I enjoyed watching your video about Convergence. I wanted to mention that MAFA has their regional conference in June 2025. If you go to FIT, I assume you are close to NY. MAFA is in Millersville, PA and we have many people attend for the NY area. The class list will be coming out early in 2025. Hope you can make it.

[@lavendercottagefibrearts]

what an amazing conference, thanks so much for sharing with us!

[@terryduepner]

I went to Convergence this year as well, but only for the Marketplace. Hubby flew up with me and we were specifically looking at looms. I wish I had seen you because I so enjoyed all your videos from Scotland and would have loved to say hi. Maybe we will run into each other at a future Convergence when I have the time to attend a workshop or seminar. Happy weaving!

[@MsChrystophe]

You can dye your beige and grey wool for a lovely mix and depth to your yarns.

[@neilstephen6761]

Thank you for sharing

[@11naa44]

🎉🎉🎉

[@lauriedunn6198]

This was wonderful. Thank you for sharing

[@adelamoon]

I love watching your videos. I don't weave but your videos are inspiring to me. I'm an abstract artist that works on paper and I also do various crafts in the fiber world. I love the scarves you made, beautiful and bright colors!

[@BeautyIncognito]

My first weaving class was with Q of The Foldout Cat learning freestyle weaving in May of this year. I signed up for the class because of your videos on freestyle weaving. Small but really cool world.

[@vickistone3700]

wedding ring???

[@dianathefiberfan]

You are so talented. I weave on a Rigid Heddle loom but I consider myself a beginner... What are your plans now? Are you going to do weaving videos??

[@Chickadeetreedesign]

Erg Now I’m really bummed I didn’t go. I’m a 6 hour drive from there and was planning on going because a company was displaying a couple of my garments but things came up and I changed my mind. If i had been paying attention that your were going I would have gone 😂

[@jillipepper5353]

What happens if the paper fibre gets wet? Seriously would like to know. 👍🏼🥰🙋🏼‍♀️

[@moxielouise]

I'm used to you going for the wild colored yarn/fibers. I'm looking forward to your dying all the light fibers

[@teacat55]

Oh much fun! Thank you for bringing us along on your adventures! Oh Lord! I think this would be an AWESOME thing to participate in …… TWEED! (Somebody stop me….) Wait wait wait….. how do you do Summer Winter if your warp was set up for twill? Oh.. that (stag?) beetle looks like something I’ve seen you create… The spinning roving looks like a couple of bunnies found their way into your room….

[@bluewolfwalking]

Andrea, a raw fleece from a reputable source should not have any poopy bits at all in it-that should have all been removed. It may have dirt stuck in the lanolin, and a few pieces of grass here and there, but that’s all. If you want to try processing your own wool sometime, you might ask a friend or ask a spinner friend to split a fleece with you. There’s something oddly satisfying about weaving with yarn you processed, dyed, and spun yourself. (BTW-I posted your video in our Saori Ravelry group.)

[@DAYBROK3]

i was growing madder in a flower pot someone tossed it out the summer i was going to harvest it

[@Sandy-ch1mi]

Please share your list if you don't mind. Someday I would like to go to convergence.

[@lauriedunn6198]

My granddaughter loved watching this with me... especially your sampler. She wants to know what you will make from it. She is 8.

[@markbieraugel8217]

Couture tweeds!

[@angelapadman162]

Why do you never hemstitch?

[@Meredith36]

What a wonderful adventure! Your sampler looked amazing. Happy creating 💚🧶💚