The Legacy of Star Work Coverlets,
7:30 PM April 12, 2022
Zoom Presentation for the Pioneer Valley Weavers Guild, Northampton, Massachusetts
German linen weavers, who immigrated to Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th century, brought their linen patterns with them. They enlarged the patterns to create their handwoven coverlets that they originally used to weave Hin und Wieder Arbeit (back and forth work). 19th century extant coverlets and handwritten pattern manuscripts have been the basis of Gay McGeary’s research and weaving of these star work beauties. She will share the coverlets and drafts that she has found and how they have been inspiration for her coverlet weaving.
7:30 PM April 12, 2022
Zoom Presentation for the Pioneer Valley Weavers Guild, Northampton, Massachusetts
German linen weavers, who immigrated to Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th century, brought their linen patterns with them. They enlarged the patterns to create their handwoven coverlets that they originally used to weave Hin und Wieder Arbeit (back and forth work). 19th century extant coverlets and handwritten pattern manuscripts have been the basis of Gay McGeary’s research and weaving of these star work beauties. She will share the coverlets and drafts that she has found and how they have been inspiration for her coverlet weaving.
A Master’s Class in American Handwoven Coverlets
March 19,2022
Zoom Presentation for Arrow Rock Weaver Guild, Arrow Rock, Missouri
Gay McGeary’s handwoven coverlets are inspired by the works of early Pennsylvania Germans. By studying early coverlets and pattern manuscripts from the nineteenth century, she has learned about the design elements used by the early master weavers to create this early art form. She incorporates color, texture and pattern within her finely woven coverlets, combining art with function.
Gay will share her design process for weaving her coverlets. While she often weaves star work and star point twill coverlets using her Toika computer assist loom, she also has explored weaving star work coverlets on 6-8 shafts.
March 19,2022
Zoom Presentation for Arrow Rock Weaver Guild, Arrow Rock, Missouri
Gay McGeary’s handwoven coverlets are inspired by the works of early Pennsylvania Germans. By studying early coverlets and pattern manuscripts from the nineteenth century, she has learned about the design elements used by the early master weavers to create this early art form. She incorporates color, texture and pattern within her finely woven coverlets, combining art with function.
Gay will share her design process for weaving her coverlets. While she often weaves star work and star point twill coverlets using her Toika computer assist loom, she also has explored weaving star work coverlets on 6-8 shafts.
Unlocking the Mysteries of 19th Century Coverlets and Manuscripts
June 26, 2021
Zoom Presentation via Mid Atlantic Fiber Association 2021
Experience the art of early-American coverlet pattern weaving, while learning about the simplicity of planning with weaving software. Students will learn how the 19th century coverlet weavers used block designs to create their patterns with different weave structures and how to interpret and prepare drawdowns from handwritten manuscript drafts for many different weave structures. The student will learn how to take the profile draft/drawdown of a double weave pattern that would require
between 16 to 24 shafts and write a thread by thread draft in overshot
(4 shafts), summer & winter (4-8 shafts) and star works (6-8 shafts).
June 26, 2021
Zoom Presentation via Mid Atlantic Fiber Association 2021
Experience the art of early-American coverlet pattern weaving, while learning about the simplicity of planning with weaving software. Students will learn how the 19th century coverlet weavers used block designs to create their patterns with different weave structures and how to interpret and prepare drawdowns from handwritten manuscript drafts for many different weave structures. The student will learn how to take the profile draft/drawdown of a double weave pattern that would require
between 16 to 24 shafts and write a thread by thread draft in overshot
(4 shafts), summer & winter (4-8 shafts) and star works (6-8 shafts).
Interpreting 19th Century Southern Counterpane Drafts
June 24, 2021
Zoom Presentation via Mid Atlantic Fiber Association 2021
Early southern counterpanes, woven with fine weight cotton, provided a lightweight bedcovering for hot summer months. While the patterns may be subtle, they were often combined with elaborate fringes. Unfortunately, few examples have survived. However, Gay has found two collections of 19th century counterpane drafts attributed to weavers from the western counties of Virginia. Come join her in an exploration of the counterpane drafts that were handwritten on narrow strips of paper. Interpretation of the threading drafts can be challenging. Usually only the draft is given and, if lucky, the weave structure will also be included. The weave structures used for the counterpanes included dimity, honeycomb, huckaback, Ms & Os, satin, and twill. The weaver often combined two of these weave structures to form an interesting block design. Come and get a taste of the beautiful, but subtle southern counterpanes. Not only will this class include the interpretation of 19th century drafts, but it will include examination of woven samples of many of the drafts, woven by Gay or members of the Early American Coverlet
& Counterpane Study Group of the Complex Weavers. Finally, it will also include a detailed bibliography of books and article written about early southern counterpanes.
June 24, 2021
Zoom Presentation via Mid Atlantic Fiber Association 2021
Early southern counterpanes, woven with fine weight cotton, provided a lightweight bedcovering for hot summer months. While the patterns may be subtle, they were often combined with elaborate fringes. Unfortunately, few examples have survived. However, Gay has found two collections of 19th century counterpane drafts attributed to weavers from the western counties of Virginia. Come join her in an exploration of the counterpane drafts that were handwritten on narrow strips of paper. Interpretation of the threading drafts can be challenging. Usually only the draft is given and, if lucky, the weave structure will also be included. The weave structures used for the counterpanes included dimity, honeycomb, huckaback, Ms & Os, satin, and twill. The weaver often combined two of these weave structures to form an interesting block design. Come and get a taste of the beautiful, but subtle southern counterpanes. Not only will this class include the interpretation of 19th century drafts, but it will include examination of woven samples of many of the drafts, woven by Gay or members of the Early American Coverlet
& Counterpane Study Group of the Complex Weavers. Finally, it will also include a detailed bibliography of books and article written about early southern counterpanes.
19th Century Coverlet Fringe: Plain & Fancy
April 23, 2021
Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Studio
York Haven, Pennsylvania 17370
Gay will share with you her exploration of 19th century coverlet fringes. Some are very plain while others are fancy. Each enhances the beauty of a coverlet. Her presentation will include examination of fringes on early coverlets as well as information on how to weave the early fringes. Students attending the virtual class will need to warp their own loom before the class, while students attending Red Stone Glen will use a pre-warped loom. All students will get to weave several fancy fringes and a couple of plain ones using one warp.
For more information go to: Red Stone Glen Fringe Class
April 23, 2021
Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Studio
York Haven, Pennsylvania 17370
Gay will share with you her exploration of 19th century coverlet fringes. Some are very plain while others are fancy. Each enhances the beauty of a coverlet. Her presentation will include examination of fringes on early coverlets as well as information on how to weave the early fringes. Students attending the virtual class will need to warp their own loom before the class, while students attending Red Stone Glen will use a pre-warped loom. All students will get to weave several fancy fringes and a couple of plain ones using one warp.
For more information go to: Red Stone Glen Fringe Class
Lecture Series- Master Class in American Handwoven Coverlets
February 15, 2021
Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Studio, York Haven, PA 17370
In this online lecture series, Gay will share her research of early American nineteenth century handwoven coverlets. She has learned from the master weavers how to design, draft and weave coverlets by studying the extant coverlets, handwritten pattern drafts and account manuscripts from the period. After all it takes a weaver to truly understand the work of the master coverlet weavers.
For more info go to: Red Stone Glen Lecture Series
February 15, 2021
Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Studio, York Haven, PA 17370
In this online lecture series, Gay will share her research of early American nineteenth century handwoven coverlets. She has learned from the master weavers how to design, draft and weave coverlets by studying the extant coverlets, handwritten pattern drafts and account manuscripts from the period. After all it takes a weaver to truly understand the work of the master coverlet weavers.
For more info go to: Red Stone Glen Lecture Series
Fabulous Fringe Workshop
October 2nd & 3rd, 2020
Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Studio, York Haven, PA 17370
Come and learn how to weave a wide variety of fancy fringes used by the early coverlet weavers. The 19th century weavers did not leave instructions for their fringes. Thankfully, we do have their extant coverlets to analyze and decipher. Gay has done the analytical work, so you can learn how to weave these intriguing fringes for your own weaving. You will learn how to take stripes of warp separated by spaces and manipulate the weft to form unusual fringe. In addition, you will learn how to downsize several of the trimmings to use for smaller weaving. You will also weave tape fringe and fringe for your overshot projects. Join Gay to explore the world of fabulous fringe.
October 2nd & 3rd, 2020
Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Studio, York Haven, PA 17370
Come and learn how to weave a wide variety of fancy fringes used by the early coverlet weavers. The 19th century weavers did not leave instructions for their fringes. Thankfully, we do have their extant coverlets to analyze and decipher. Gay has done the analytical work, so you can learn how to weave these intriguing fringes for your own weaving. You will learn how to take stripes of warp separated by spaces and manipulate the weft to form unusual fringe. In addition, you will learn how to downsize several of the trimmings to use for smaller weaving. You will also weave tape fringe and fringe for your overshot projects. Join Gay to explore the world of fabulous fringe.
A Master’s Class in American Handwoven Coverlets
7:00 PM, July 9. 2020
Zoom Presentation for the Hudson-Mohawk Weavers’ Guild.
While we can no longer sign up as a novice weaver and work with a 19th century master weavers, we can study the extant coverlets they wove and the handwritten manuscripts they wrote as novice weavers.
Early coverlet weaver designed their decorative bed coverings by combining the use of pattern, texture, and color. Each element was utilized for eye appeal as well as function. Once the door is opened to the exploration of this early art form, we will discover the variety of weave structures used with basic block designs. We will learn how to decipher the early handwritten drafts and tie-ups that were recorded by hand in their manuscripts. Each early coverlet and manuscript draft is a mystery waiting for us to solve and use as inspiration for our weaving.
7:00 PM, July 9. 2020
Zoom Presentation for the Hudson-Mohawk Weavers’ Guild.
While we can no longer sign up as a novice weaver and work with a 19th century master weavers, we can study the extant coverlets they wove and the handwritten manuscripts they wrote as novice weavers.
Early coverlet weaver designed their decorative bed coverings by combining the use of pattern, texture, and color. Each element was utilized for eye appeal as well as function. Once the door is opened to the exploration of this early art form, we will discover the variety of weave structures used with basic block designs. We will learn how to decipher the early handwritten drafts and tie-ups that were recorded by hand in their manuscripts. Each early coverlet and manuscript draft is a mystery waiting for us to solve and use as inspiration for our weaving.
Weave structures Used for Geometric Coverlets Workshop
September 23, 2016
Coverlet College 2016
The National Museum of the American Coverlet
Bedford, Pennsylvania
Learn how to identify the basic weave structures used in geometric coverlets. Defining characteristics will be presented along with hands-on examination of coverlets woven with the various weave structures. For more info go to
Coverlet College.
Pennsylvania German Coverlets, Related Manuscripts and Their Connection to Maryland
12th Annual History Symposium
September 17, 2016
Historical Society of Frederick County
Frederick, Maryland
When German linen weavers immigrated to Pennsylvania, they brought their seventeenth and eighteen century weaving books with linen patterns. They used these patterns to weave handwoven bedcoverings called coverlets. Gay will explore the rich heritage of 19th century Pennsylvania German coverlet weaving through extant coverlets and handwritten pattern and account manuscripts. She will connect the migration of the Pennsylvania German weavers and German weavers to Maryland.
Click for PowerPoint presentation.
12th Annual History Symposium
September 17, 2016
Historical Society of Frederick County
Frederick, Maryland
When German linen weavers immigrated to Pennsylvania, they brought their seventeenth and eighteen century weaving books with linen patterns. They used these patterns to weave handwoven bedcoverings called coverlets. Gay will explore the rich heritage of 19th century Pennsylvania German coverlet weaving through extant coverlets and handwritten pattern and account manuscripts. She will connect the migration of the Pennsylvania German weavers and German weavers to Maryland.
Click for PowerPoint presentation.
19th Century Singles Coverlets: Subtle Patterns & Muted Colors
Weaving History Conference 2016
May 14, 2016
Clayton, New York
Christian Frey, a nineteenth century Pennsylvania German weaver, classified coverlets into three groups: Double, Half Double, and Single "Coverletz" This presentation focuses on the third and less known group, "singles" coverlet, aptly named since they are woven with one layer of cloth . It includes the following weave structures: Turned Twill, Combination Weave, Point Twill Diamond & Star, and Gebrochen. Extant coverlets and early drafts will be explored to show provenance, as well as the distinct characteristics of this unique group of coverlets.
Weaving History Conference 2016
May 14, 2016
Clayton, New York
Christian Frey, a nineteenth century Pennsylvania German weaver, classified coverlets into three groups: Double, Half Double, and Single "Coverletz" This presentation focuses on the third and less known group, "singles" coverlet, aptly named since they are woven with one layer of cloth . It includes the following weave structures: Turned Twill, Combination Weave, Point Twill Diamond & Star, and Gebrochen. Extant coverlets and early drafts will be explored to show provenance, as well as the distinct characteristics of this unique group of coverlets.
Something Old, Something New Presentation
Weavers of Western Massachusetts
April 27, 2016
Florence, Massachusetts
Gay discusses designing and drafting with pattern blocks (something old) in a digital format (something new). She explores the use of pattern block designs and the preparation of profile drawdowns in Fiberworks. Once a profile design is created, the weaver can experiment with the substitution of different weave structures. With the use of weaving software, the weaver can obtain a graphic view of the proposed design. However, it is important to understand the characteristics of various weave structures in order to convert a profile drawdown to a thread by thread one.
Understanding Summer & Winter Weave Workshop
Susquehanna Valley Spinners & Weavers Guild
April 16 & 17, 2016
Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania
During this one-and-a-half-day workshop you will learn about the theory of block design and the use of profile drawdowns to plan your work for summer & winter weave. You will warp your loom with a two block, four shaft pattern in the summer and winter before the workshop. You will weave the three basic treadling for summer and winter weave for pairs, singles and Dukagang. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to use block substitution for the profile drafts found on one of the pages of the Gutelius manuscript. The patterns can be woven on 7 shafts for summer & winter weave.
lick here to edit. See attached file with profile drawdowns for
Frederick Gutelius patterns.
Cat Track & Dog Paw
Coverlet College 2015
September 27, 2015
National Museum of the American Coverlet
Bedford, Pennsylvania
Gay will describe the naming, patterns and provenance for Cat Track, Dog Paw, Eagle and Turtle Shell coverlets which are also currently on exhibit at the National Museum of the American Coverlet, Bedford, Pennsylvania. See Coverlet Presentation for Gay's PowerPoint Presentation
Coverlet College 2015
September 27, 2015
National Museum of the American Coverlet
Bedford, Pennsylvania
Gay will describe the naming, patterns and provenance for Cat Track, Dog Paw, Eagle and Turtle Shell coverlets which are also currently on exhibit at the National Museum of the American Coverlet, Bedford, Pennsylvania. See Coverlet Presentation for Gay's PowerPoint Presentation
Designing with Pattern Blocks and Weave Structures
Mid Atlantic Fiber Association Week End Workshops
July 16 - 19, 2015
Millersville University
Millersville, Pennsylvania
Experience the art of early pattern weaving while learning the beauty of planning with computer software. It takes at least two blocks to create a pattern motif such as a star or rose and three blocks to create a snowball and its variation, the tree. Come learn how the 19th century coverlet weavers used block design to create their patterns with different weave structures such as overshot, summer & winter, star work, tied
Beiderwand, double weave and turned twill. Students will weave a runner in one of these weave structures while gaining experience treadling in woven as drawn in, rose fashion and by manipulating the block design to create border patterns. Students will also have hands-on experience determining a draft of an early pattern through fabric analysis and will utilize tools from the 21st century to plan a pattern design in Fiberworks PCW or WeavePoint.
Learn more at the MAFA website
Mid Atlantic Fiber Association Week End Workshops
July 16 - 19, 2015
Millersville University
Millersville, Pennsylvania
Experience the art of early pattern weaving while learning the beauty of planning with computer software. It takes at least two blocks to create a pattern motif such as a star or rose and three blocks to create a snowball and its variation, the tree. Come learn how the 19th century coverlet weavers used block design to create their patterns with different weave structures such as overshot, summer & winter, star work, tied
Beiderwand, double weave and turned twill. Students will weave a runner in one of these weave structures while gaining experience treadling in woven as drawn in, rose fashion and by manipulating the block design to create border patterns. Students will also have hands-on experience determining a draft of an early pattern through fabric analysis and will utilize tools from the 21st century to plan a pattern design in Fiberworks PCW or WeavePoint.
Learn more at the MAFA website
Fabric Analysis Class
Barefoot Weavers Studio
March 21, 2015
9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
500 East Main St.
Purcellville, Virginia 20132
540-454-0019
[email protected]
Have you ever looked at a coverlet or a handwoven piece and wondered how it was woven? Here’s your chance to learn how to analyze the piece and produce the draft. Gay is a long time weaver and specializes in coverlets. Gay will cover block designs, identifying motifs and analyze an overshot pattern. For those of you who have laptops and weaving software, please bring them along to test your analysis and determine the draft. Gay will also draft it out by hand. Please know you do not need a laptop to attend the workshop. Gay assured me this process may be applied to all fabrics, not just overshot or coverlets. You may bring a piece along to analyze or at least get started on it.
Barefoot Weavers Studio
March 21, 2015
9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
500 East Main St.
Purcellville, Virginia 20132
540-454-0019
[email protected]
Have you ever looked at a coverlet or a handwoven piece and wondered how it was woven? Here’s your chance to learn how to analyze the piece and produce the draft. Gay is a long time weaver and specializes in coverlets. Gay will cover block designs, identifying motifs and analyze an overshot pattern. For those of you who have laptops and weaving software, please bring them along to test your analysis and determine the draft. Gay will also draft it out by hand. Please know you do not need a laptop to attend the workshop. Gay assured me this process may be applied to all fabrics, not just overshot or coverlets. You may bring a piece along to analyze or at least get started on it.
Heddles & Treadles - A Juried Fiber Arts Show sponsored by the Weavers of Western Mass Guild
October 9 - 26, 2014
Eastworks
Suite 137
116 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Heddles & Treadles 2014
October 9 - 26, 2014
Eastworks
Suite 137
116 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Heddles & Treadles 2014
Weavers' Guild of Boston
www.weaversguildofboston.org/index.htm
Congregational Church
57 West Main Street
Westborough, Massachusetts
October 8, 2014
Morning Workshop: Fabric Analysis - In this workshop you will have the opportunity to explore the
mystery of interpreting the drafts of early coverlets. Through each coverlet the master weavers from the 19th century speaks to
us about the art of coverlet weaving. We can learn about the patterns, weave structure and yarns that they use. We will examine the tools for analysis including contemporary weaving software such as Fiberworks and WeavePoint. The theory of block design along with fabric analysis will be discussed. Work sheets will be provided to show the steps to perform analysis. Major emphasis will be placed on analysis of overshot coverlets, but the same techniques can be used to examine other weave structures such as double weave, summer and winter, turned twill, star work and the many varieties of point twill coverlets.
Afternoon Lecture: Design Elements of Early American Coverlets - Early coverlet weavers designed their decorative bed coverings by combining the use of pattern, texture and color. Each element was utilized for eye appeal as well as function. Once the door is opened to the exploration of this early art form, we will discovered the variety of weave structures used with basic block designs such as what Gay calls the "Whig Rose" form.
Gay sees each coverlet as a mystery to be solved. What is the early weaver telling us. What are the important features of their work. She dissects each piece and then shows how the pieces contribute the whole. She will share her journey of research and weaving by examining the elements of design in coverlets in her collection and ones she has photographed from museum collections such as the National Museum of the American Coverlet, the Alling Coverlet Museum, and The State Museum of Pennsylvania as well as coverlets in private collections. Once the ground work has been laid, she will demonstrate how we can use the legacy of the early master weavers as inspiration for our own work.
Please bring your own early coverlets, which Gay
will identify as part of the discussion of form.
October 9 & 10, 2014
Workshop: Weaving Coverlet Fringes - This is a master's class in the weaving of coverlets fringes. While we will be examining the fringes used on nineteenth century coverlets, the same techniques can be used for other types of weaving. We will explore both simple and elaborate fringes techniques. Some are woven with the coverlet, while other are woven separately and sewn on. One simple technique allows us to have the colorful wool fringe on the bottom of the coverlet as well as the two sides
for float work coverlets in order to create an artful framing of our work. We will be weaving tape fringe, weft fringe, leno lace fringe, parallel and diagonal tied fringe as well as bands of plain weave fringe to name a few. Gay is always finding new techniques used on this early art form and welcomes the opportunity to share what she has
found. Since different types of warp will be required, this is a round robin class. The only requirements are a desire to explore the myriad of fringe techniques used as an important design element by the early coverlet weavers. Plus your four shaft loom must be warped and ready to go by class time so we can jump in to the land
of fringes. Gay will provide assistance through email as needed for warping the looms.
www.weaversguildofboston.org/index.htm
Congregational Church
57 West Main Street
Westborough, Massachusetts
October 8, 2014
Morning Workshop: Fabric Analysis - In this workshop you will have the opportunity to explore the
mystery of interpreting the drafts of early coverlets. Through each coverlet the master weavers from the 19th century speaks to
us about the art of coverlet weaving. We can learn about the patterns, weave structure and yarns that they use. We will examine the tools for analysis including contemporary weaving software such as Fiberworks and WeavePoint. The theory of block design along with fabric analysis will be discussed. Work sheets will be provided to show the steps to perform analysis. Major emphasis will be placed on analysis of overshot coverlets, but the same techniques can be used to examine other weave structures such as double weave, summer and winter, turned twill, star work and the many varieties of point twill coverlets.
Afternoon Lecture: Design Elements of Early American Coverlets - Early coverlet weavers designed their decorative bed coverings by combining the use of pattern, texture and color. Each element was utilized for eye appeal as well as function. Once the door is opened to the exploration of this early art form, we will discovered the variety of weave structures used with basic block designs such as what Gay calls the "Whig Rose" form.
Gay sees each coverlet as a mystery to be solved. What is the early weaver telling us. What are the important features of their work. She dissects each piece and then shows how the pieces contribute the whole. She will share her journey of research and weaving by examining the elements of design in coverlets in her collection and ones she has photographed from museum collections such as the National Museum of the American Coverlet, the Alling Coverlet Museum, and The State Museum of Pennsylvania as well as coverlets in private collections. Once the ground work has been laid, she will demonstrate how we can use the legacy of the early master weavers as inspiration for our own work.
Please bring your own early coverlets, which Gay
will identify as part of the discussion of form.
October 9 & 10, 2014
Workshop: Weaving Coverlet Fringes - This is a master's class in the weaving of coverlets fringes. While we will be examining the fringes used on nineteenth century coverlets, the same techniques can be used for other types of weaving. We will explore both simple and elaborate fringes techniques. Some are woven with the coverlet, while other are woven separately and sewn on. One simple technique allows us to have the colorful wool fringe on the bottom of the coverlet as well as the two sides
for float work coverlets in order to create an artful framing of our work. We will be weaving tape fringe, weft fringe, leno lace fringe, parallel and diagonal tied fringe as well as bands of plain weave fringe to name a few. Gay is always finding new techniques used on this early art form and welcomes the opportunity to share what she has
found. Since different types of warp will be required, this is a round robin class. The only requirements are a desire to explore the myriad of fringe techniques used as an important design element by the early coverlet weavers. Plus your four shaft loom must be warped and ready to go by class time so we can jump in to the land
of fringes. Gay will provide assistance through email as needed for warping the looms.
Unmasked: Exhibit by the Yellow Breeches Chapter - An exhibition of works created to reveal an important facet of each artisan's personality that, as a collection, manifest the identity of the Yellow Breeches Chapter
October 3, 2014 to November 1, 2014
Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Gallery
335 N. Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
http://www.pacrafts.org
October 3, 2014 to November 1, 2014
Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Gallery
335 N. Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
http://www.pacrafts.org
Coverlet College
National Museum of the American Coverlet Bedford, Pennsylvania September 28, 2014 Coverlet Fringe: The Framing of a Coverlet - Nineteenth century weavers used fringe as a design element. The various types of fringe will be discussed in tape fringe, leno lace fringe, tied fringe and additional fancy fringes. www.coverletmuseum.org/ |
Thousand Island Arts Center's 20th Annual Weaving History Conference 2014
Old Opera House, Clayton, New York
May 17, 2014
Nineteenth Century Coverlet Fringes: Plain & Fancy
While nineteenth century weavers recorded their coverlet drafts in handwritten manuscripts or published books, there is little written about the beautiful fringes which frame this early art form. However, by studying the extant coverlets Gay has documented the simple and elaborate fringes which the weavers applied to enhance their work. During Gay’s presentation she will share many of the early coverlets in her collections and explain why and how the fringes were created.
Thousand Island Arts Center's 20th Annual Weaving History Conference 2014
Old Opera House, Clayton, New York
May 17, 2014
Nineteenth Century Coverlet Fringes: Plain & Fancy
While nineteenth century weavers recorded their coverlet drafts in handwritten manuscripts or published books, there is little written about the beautiful fringes which frame this early art form. However, by studying the extant coverlets Gay has documented the simple and elaborate fringes which the weavers applied to enhance their work. During Gay’s presentation she will share many of the early coverlets in her collections and explain why and how the fringes were created.
All Across Pennsylvania
March 7 to April 26, 2014
Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Gallery
335 N. Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
http://www.pacrafts.org
March 7 to April 26, 2014
Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Gallery
335 N. Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
http://www.pacrafts.org
Red (Delicious) Member Artists Show
February 21 to March 22, 2014
CALC Gallery
38 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
http://www.CarlisleArts.org
February 21 to March 22, 2014
CALC Gallery
38 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
http://www.CarlisleArts.org
Weaving History Conference 2013
Clayton, New York
May 19, 2013
Early American Point Twill Related Coverlets: A Living Statement of the Creativity of Pennsylvania German Weavers
Pennsylvania German weavers enlarged and modified the German Hin und Weider Arbeit star motifs in order to create interesting coverlet designs. This talk will focus on the point twill related patterns and weave structures found in extent coverlets and early manuscripts. By connecting a pattern from an early coverlet to a pattern in a manuscript, it is possible to determine who might have been weaving certain related patterns, as well as what, where and when they were weaving them. For discussion purposes the motifs and weave structures are categorized into five groups (1) Nine Stars, (2) Large Star & Rose, (3) Stars & Flowers, (4) Window, and (5) Dog Paw.
See my Notebook/Pennsylvania German Ingenuity page for articles I have written for the Early American Coverlet Study Group on this topic.
Clayton, New York
May 19, 2013
Early American Point Twill Related Coverlets: A Living Statement of the Creativity of Pennsylvania German Weavers
Pennsylvania German weavers enlarged and modified the German Hin und Weider Arbeit star motifs in order to create interesting coverlet designs. This talk will focus on the point twill related patterns and weave structures found in extent coverlets and early manuscripts. By connecting a pattern from an early coverlet to a pattern in a manuscript, it is possible to determine who might have been weaving certain related patterns, as well as what, where and when they were weaving them. For discussion purposes the motifs and weave structures are categorized into five groups (1) Nine Stars, (2) Large Star & Rose, (3) Stars & Flowers, (4) Window, and (5) Dog Paw.
See my Notebook/Pennsylvania German Ingenuity page for articles I have written for the Early American Coverlet Study Group on this topic.
Complex Weavers Seminars 2012
4-H Conference Center, Chevy Chase, Maryland
September 12-15, 2012
Designing and Drafting with Early Coverlet Patterns
Starting with the theory of block design, we will examine the patterns and weave structures used by 19th Century coverlet weavers. We will explore how this early art form was produced by examining the elements of design in coverlets in the instructor's collection and coverlets she has photographed from such museum collections as the National Museum of the American Coverlet, the Alling Coverlet Museum, and the State Museum of Pennsylvania, as well as coverlets in other private collections. Once the ground work has been laid, we will explore how we can use the legacy of the early master weavers as inspiration for our own work.
Weaving Fringes Found in Early American Coverlets
In this seminar, we will examine early coverlets to learn about the fringe techniques used by 19th Century weavers to frame their handwoven coverlets. The fringes range from simple warp and weft fringe to tape fringe and leno lace fringe. A particularly interesting one is a fringe that is woven in strips, tied into bundles as woven, and sewn onto the finished coverlet. We'll see samples of that and several other types of coverlet fringes. All of the decorative types of fringes can be easily adapted to other forms of weaving. Instructions for weaving the fringes will be included.
Handweavers' Guild of Connecticut,
May 19. 2012
Coverlet Fringe Workshop - Using photos, coverlets from her collections and her own work, Gay will show examples of different types of coverlet fringes and explain how to weave them. She will explore the fringes used by 19th century weavers to enhance their handwoven coverlets including weft and warp fringes, tape fringe, leno lace fringe, woven tied fringe and some unusual fancy fringes.
Guest Program: Traditional Coverlets - Gay is a traditional coverlet weaver who has learned her art and craft by studying the legacy of the early weavers. She has documented her research in articles in the Complex Weavers Journal and the Early American Coverlet Study Group Newsletters. It is not her goal to copy the early coverlets, but to use them as inspiration for her weaving, just as an early weaver would have done. She will discuss her explorations of the early coverlet patterns and weave structures and how she uses them for her weaving. Gay invites you to bring in geometric coverlets you own and she will use them to explain how she analyzes and identifies coverlets.
http://www.handweaversguildofct.org/stateprogram/stateprogram.html,
Frances Irwin Handweavers Guild
Quiet Valley Living Historic Farm
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
April 9, 2012
The Creativity of the Pennsylvania German Coverlet Weavers - Gay McGeary will share her research on point twill coverlets woven by Pennsylvania German weavers in the 1820s to 1860s during the peak period of coverlet weaving in the United States. The German linen weavers who immigrated to Pennsylvania used their creativity to produce many different types of coverlets. For her presentation she will explore a group of point twill coverlets, which include many of the more unique float work coverlets. She has categorized them into five groups: (1) Nine Stars, (2) Star and Rose, (3) Stars & Flowers, (4) Window, and (5) Dog Paw. Gay will also share her handwoven coverlets which have been inspired by the patterns and weave structure of these early weavers.
Please visit the following galleries and shops if you would like to see Gay McGeary's woven coverlets, pillows, and runners.
History on High
33 West High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-7610
t[email protected]
www.historicalsociety.com/History_on_High.html
Village Artisans Gallery
321 Walnut Street
Boiling Springs, PA 17007
(888) 258-0256
[email protected]
www.villageartisansgallery.com
4-H Conference Center, Chevy Chase, Maryland
September 12-15, 2012
Designing and Drafting with Early Coverlet Patterns
Starting with the theory of block design, we will examine the patterns and weave structures used by 19th Century coverlet weavers. We will explore how this early art form was produced by examining the elements of design in coverlets in the instructor's collection and coverlets she has photographed from such museum collections as the National Museum of the American Coverlet, the Alling Coverlet Museum, and the State Museum of Pennsylvania, as well as coverlets in other private collections. Once the ground work has been laid, we will explore how we can use the legacy of the early master weavers as inspiration for our own work.
Weaving Fringes Found in Early American Coverlets
In this seminar, we will examine early coverlets to learn about the fringe techniques used by 19th Century weavers to frame their handwoven coverlets. The fringes range from simple warp and weft fringe to tape fringe and leno lace fringe. A particularly interesting one is a fringe that is woven in strips, tied into bundles as woven, and sewn onto the finished coverlet. We'll see samples of that and several other types of coverlet fringes. All of the decorative types of fringes can be easily adapted to other forms of weaving. Instructions for weaving the fringes will be included.
Handweavers' Guild of Connecticut,
May 19. 2012
Coverlet Fringe Workshop - Using photos, coverlets from her collections and her own work, Gay will show examples of different types of coverlet fringes and explain how to weave them. She will explore the fringes used by 19th century weavers to enhance their handwoven coverlets including weft and warp fringes, tape fringe, leno lace fringe, woven tied fringe and some unusual fancy fringes.
Guest Program: Traditional Coverlets - Gay is a traditional coverlet weaver who has learned her art and craft by studying the legacy of the early weavers. She has documented her research in articles in the Complex Weavers Journal and the Early American Coverlet Study Group Newsletters. It is not her goal to copy the early coverlets, but to use them as inspiration for her weaving, just as an early weaver would have done. She will discuss her explorations of the early coverlet patterns and weave structures and how she uses them for her weaving. Gay invites you to bring in geometric coverlets you own and she will use them to explain how she analyzes and identifies coverlets.
http://www.handweaversguildofct.org/stateprogram/stateprogram.html,
Frances Irwin Handweavers Guild
Quiet Valley Living Historic Farm
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
April 9, 2012
The Creativity of the Pennsylvania German Coverlet Weavers - Gay McGeary will share her research on point twill coverlets woven by Pennsylvania German weavers in the 1820s to 1860s during the peak period of coverlet weaving in the United States. The German linen weavers who immigrated to Pennsylvania used their creativity to produce many different types of coverlets. For her presentation she will explore a group of point twill coverlets, which include many of the more unique float work coverlets. She has categorized them into five groups: (1) Nine Stars, (2) Star and Rose, (3) Stars & Flowers, (4) Window, and (5) Dog Paw. Gay will also share her handwoven coverlets which have been inspired by the patterns and weave structure of these early weavers.
Please visit the following galleries and shops if you would like to see Gay McGeary's woven coverlets, pillows, and runners.
History on High
33 West High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-7610
t[email protected]
www.historicalsociety.com/History_on_High.html
Village Artisans Gallery
321 Walnut Street
Boiling Springs, PA 17007
(888) 258-0256
[email protected]
www.villageartisansgallery.com