The 13th Annual Gathering will be held at Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School in Hull, Ma July 24 to 26. Organized by local seat weaver George Goodwin of Goodwin Caning and a committee of volunteer guild members, it will be a weekend of camaraderie, sharing skills and knowledge of the craft of chair caning and seat weaving.

 

The SeatWeavers’ Guild is a non-profit organization with over 160 members strong ranging from crafters and hobbyists, to full-time professionals and teachers. Our Gatherings are styled to assist practitioners in methods, knowledge, tool tips and tricks and even advice on running a chair weaving business. Members travel from around the country for this event.

 

“We are committed to the preservation and perpetuation of the craft “says Goodwin, who taught chair caning at the Perkins School for the Blind for 30 years before retiring in 2014.

Indeed, it is not a dying art, with dozens of seat weaving suppliers around the country, and cane popping up in design magazines on chairs and other furniture, in lighting, even panels on purses and shoes. Sessions will include instruction by renowned weavers teaching hickory bark weaving, advanced caning patterns, rawhide, canoe seating, mid-century modern furniture weaving, and more.

Registration for this members-only event will be held Friday. Saturday schedule will feature rotating classes with at least 8 different weaving stations. Sessions on different styles of chairs ranging from antique and vintage to modern and retro will be featured. Sunday afternoon is open to the public to view an exhibit of many unique chairs you might not see elsewhere. You will be able to chat with weavers about your chairs or your weaving experience.

 

New to this year’s Gathering is the first annual Enhanced Furniture Design and Seatweaving Contest. Students, furniture makers and artisans have been invited to create a unique style of chair or furniture and incorporate seatweaving or woven elements. Winners will be on display along with a slideshow presentation of entries, showcasing exciting new ideas blending furniture and weaving.

 

The public is welcome to join the guild for a nominal fee of $35 and register for the event by July 1. Information on membership and the gathering can be found on the website.

 

Please join us in celebrating the craft and crafters of The SeatWeavers’ Guild.

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