[MR] Discussion on the Guild

[Lady Rhiannon]

I brought this up last year around this time, and it lead to a lively 
discussion.  I let the discussion die due to real life demands.  Those 
demands are now lessened, so I'm turning my focus back to the possibility 
of a Guild as well as the revitalization of this list.  I apologize here 
and now for letting the list and the Guild sit dormant for far too long.

I intend to remedy that now.

I will be posting the information I have  gathered over the past year about 
the formation of a Guild and we can discuss it here and then perhaps iron 
out what needs to be done face to face at the Weaver's Gathering at 
Sapphire.  If everyone is in agreement I would like to have a Charter made 
and signed by Their Majesties Cuan and Padraiga before their reign 
ends.  Now, that timeline may be a bit ambitious.. and I have no problem 
admitting that it might be.. it is a goal... nothing more.

I talked to the previous Golden Dolphin Herald (who just happens to be my 
husband).. and he suggested that in period, Guilds were named after Saints, 
locations or descriptions.  Locations such as "Weaver's Guild of London", 
descriptions could be something as brief as "Weaver's Guild".  As for the 
Saints angle, I've been able to find two Saints that were in period:

1.  St. Paul the Hermit - circa 230-342 AD, born in Thebes, 
Egypt;   Patronage:  Clothiers, weavers

2.  St. Claire of Assisi spun and wove linen even from her deathbed, also 
the patron Saint of needleworkers); 1198-153 AD

To be Guild, we would need to have a "mission" of sorts.  Here is what I 
propose (EVERYTHING in this email, is subject to discussion, re-writing or 
just plain tossing in the trash and starting over)...

Our Guild would be dedicated to learning, sharing our knowledge and 
producing handwoven goods.  These forms of hand weaving would be determined 
by the type of loom used.

Backstrap weaving – the creating of woven bands with the use of a backstrap 
loom or no loom at all.

Inkle weaving – the creation of woven bands by use of a non-period loom.

Card weaving – the creating of woven bands by the use of tablets or cards 
inserted into the warp and turned to create patterns.

Rigid Heddle – the creation of weaving by which a rigid heddle and beater 
combination are used.

Warp Weighted – an upright early period loom

Finger weaving – the creation of woven cloth or braiding by manipulating 
yarns or threads without the use of a weaving loom.


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I've also looked around on the web and picked out a few articles to 
include... again, this is also subject to rewriting, going back to the 
drawing board or whatever....
    * The Guild shall accept as a member anyone who has an interest in the 
art and science of weaving.  All forms of weaving in period are welcome.
    * The Guild will encourage learning and demonstration of weaving in 
many of its diverse forms.  The Guild will organize to support formal and 
information classes as well as displays and competitions,  The Guild will 
publicize their efforts in education.
    * the Guild’s main interest is in producing fabric and bands that can 
be researched to the period of 600-1600AD.  The Guild members are also 
encouraged to use out of period methods and patterns to aid their research 
and learning.
    * The Guild will not have a formal ranking system, but will strive to 
teach those who show an interest.  Everyone has the ability to learn 
something.
    * The Guild will maintain a bibliography of period and non-period 
sources to aid in the research of weaving.
    * The Guild will meet at least twice yearly at Known World Arts and 
Sciences Festival and Twelfth Night to discuss guild affairs (as well as 
other events where members would like to meet and socialize.  An electronic 
form shall be maintained for informal discussion and information.
    * The affairs of the Guild shall be organized and initiated, but not 
governed by one member to be selected on a volunteer basis once per year.
  These are all items I've pulled out of my head and borrowed from other 
charters within the Kingdom of Atlantia.  Some of these you will 
undoubtedly have seen before.  Please.. give me your opinions, thoughts and 
ideas.  This isn't MY guild.. it belongs to all of us.  I won't be upset or 
offended.  I am trying my best to make this a reality and to be helpful to 
others who will come after us.

Rhi