Weaving Hope

In the town of Occoquan, Virginia where I was a member of a co-op gallery for several years, there is a little weaving shop that has been offering hope to mentally challenged adults for almost 30 years. The shop is called Spinaweb and was started by a caring weaver named Erna Gilker. In the early 80s, she offered classes to residents of an intellectually disabled adult activity center and they responded with excitement. The shop employs a small staff who warp the looms and do the weaving. The program is supported by ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens of Prince William County, VA). Through the years, visitors from around the globe have brought handwoven gifts to their home countries, and orders have risen. In addition to handwoven shawls, ponchos, scarves, purses, tea cozies and other gifts, they also offer a selection of weaving and knitting yarns for sale. Spinaweb is nestled in the lovely historic community of Occoquan, on the banks of the Occoquan River. Shop hours are 9 to 4 Monday through Saturdays. For more info, call 703-491-7422 or visit Spinaweb .

1st Weekly "Friday Fiber Find"

I've decided to share my favorite Etsy fiber find of the day every Friday. Every other Friday, I staff the gallery at Artists' Undertaking Gallery in Occoquan, Virginia and we recently got wireless internet in the town. So while I'm gallery sitting, I plan to do some Etsy-surfing. Here's what I found today: Peaks and Valleys Art Basket by johnsbasketcase. I just love the way this basket looks like it created its own personality. Check back next week for my next "FFF" and happy Etsy-surfing this weekend !