HGA Learning Exchange

The Learning Exchange is an international swap. As a participant, you weave samples or spin small skeins for everyone in your Learning Exchange group and in return you will receive samples from the other group members. Your work, as well as the work of every member in your group, will be evaluated by an experienced teacher. Every member of the group receives all of the evaluations. It is a terrific way to learn from your own work and draw inspiration from the work of others!

Current LX:

Learning Exchange 42
  • Weaving Exchange
    • Weave with Bamboo
    • Triaxial Weave
  • Spinning Exchange
    • Spinning Worsted without Combs
    • Spinning Mohair

Application form for current Learning Exchange. Send the completed application and fees to Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.,1255 Buford Highway, Suite 211, Suwanee, GA 30024.

Past Learning Exchange Topics

A copy of the HGA Learning Exchange Weaving Draft and Information Sheet for weavers and the HGA Learning Exchange Spinning Information Sheet are available on the Web site as a PDF file. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat to read and print the form, please click here to download a free copy of Acrobat® Reader™.

LX FAQ

Who can participate in the Learning Exchange?

Any HGA member can join the LX. Weavers and spinners of all levels participate, from beginner to intermediate and advanced.

How many samples must I weave or spin?

The number depends on the size of your group. Most groups weave or spin 6 to 8 samples.

How large are the samples?

  • Weaving: The woven samples are about 8 inches (20 cm) wide by about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long. For special techniques, the size may vary.
  • Spinning: The spun skeins are about 5 yards (5 m.) long. Also include a fiber sample and a wrapped sample.

Do I need to do any paperwork?

Documentation of your weaving and spinning is to be included with each sample. Weaving information includes draft, yarn information, sett, etc. The form is available on this Web site. Spinning information includes fiber preparation, twist, ply, etc. The form is available on this Web site.

What does it cost to weave or spin in the LX?

The fee is $15 for each exchange. Outside USA add $7.50 postage for each exchange. You are also responsible for the cost of your fibers and yarns, photocopying, and mailing.

How long is the study?

The weavers and spinners have about four months to research the structure or fiber and complete the samples. See the typical timetable for general dates.

When must I be finished?

The typical timetable shows when the samples are due.

What if I can't be done in time?

Start early so you can finish on time. Remember, other weavers are weaving samples for you. Other spinners are spinning samples for you. If you do not turn in samples, you receive no samples in return.

Where do I send the samples? How do I ship them?

Send the samples to your group coordinator. The group coordinator's name and address is included in the packet of information you receive shortly after the registration deadline. We suggest that samples be mailed 1st Class or shipped via UPS. Participants mailing outside their own country (Canada, Mexico, Europe, etc. to the U.S. or vice versa) should mark the package "SAMPLES OF NO COMMERCIAL VALUE" for customs purposes.

Is there someone I can contact if I have questions about the weave or the spinning study?

There is a mentor for each topic. The mentor's name and address is included in the packet of information you receive shortly after the registration deadline.

Who do I contact about any administrative problems during the study?

Contact your group coordinator. The group coordinator's name and address is included in the packet of information you receive shortly after the registration deadline.

Who evaluates the samples? What does the evaluation include?

The evaluators are experienced weavers or spinners who have teaching experience and experience in the technique being studied. Evaluations cover record sheet information, yarns, the woven sample, and more.

Who do I contact for more information?

I have a suggestion for a topic for a future Learning Exchange. Who can I contact?

You may include your suggestion with your program evaluation comments at the end of your study. Or, at any time, you may send your suggestions for topics or authors to HGA Educational Services Chair Mary Ann Sanborn.

I am a long way from a guild with a library. How can I do research on the LX topic?

HGA offers the following resources:

Do I have an opportunity to tell HGA about my LX experience?

Yes. There is a program survey after each exchange.

I am interested in being a Group Coordinator. What are the duties of the Group Coordinator?

The Group Coordinator has the following responsibilities:

  • serves as the liaison between the group and the Vice Chair
  • communicates with the group to keep them on track
  • collects samples from all participants and sends a set of samples to all who have completed their assignment plus one set to the evaluator.
  • after receiving receiving the evaluator's comments, makes photocopies, and sends copies of each evaluation to all weavers or spinners and the Learning Exchange Chair. Normal expenses for postage and copies may be reimbursed for the Group Coordinator.

Typical TIME TABLE

Information packets mailed mid-October, mid-March
Research, weave, spin November - January, April - June
Samples mailed to coordinator Early February, Early July
Group's samples mailed to participants and evaluator mid-February, mid-July
Evaluations mailed to participants mid-March, mid-August