Joan Hoffmeyer
The first time I wove was in a class in Denver, Colorado. It was in the mid ‘70s and I was immediately hooked. I started a family and put weaving on the back burner, knowing that someday I would weave again. That someday turned out to be on January 1st, 2016, which just happened to be my first day of retirement. I started out small, weaving on a rigid heddle loom and soon graduated to several multi-shaft floor and table looms. I still have my first rigid heddle loom! My passion is not only weaving but teaching the craft to others. Watching others when they create a scarf, towel, bag or sampler brings me much joy.
I find my inspiration in many things but especially in nature. This inspiration carries me through all of the different forms of weaving. I dabble in inkle, tablet, several tapestry techniques, Coast Salish weaving (I’ve taken several classes from Susan Pavel) and basket weaving, finding each a unique experience and a different way to express myself.
Currently, I teach rigid heddle weaving at Arbutus Folk School and Our Local Yarn Shop in Olympia. Occasionally I teach rigid heddle weaving in Gig Harbor. I also teach multi-shaft weaving at Ewe & I in Chehalis and for The Olympia Weavers Guild members. I offer private lessons on multi-shaft floor looms, which, quite honestly, are not very portable. I do have a web page, flying-shuttles.com where you can find upcoming classes.
A friend once asked me if I could only have three looms which ones I would choose. It’ kind of like asking me who my favorite kid is! I would keep my first rigid heddle loom-a Kromski, and my Mirrix tapestry looms and both my 8-shaft Louet looms, my inkle looms, my Coast Salish loom…..I think that might be more than three, right? What can I say? Weaving is my passion.