75 Years Strong!

The Illinois Prairie Weavers story began
in January 1949. Our goal as a guild is to promote and advance handweaving by coming together as weavers to teach, encourage, and inspire one another — sharing our knowledge and providing the opportunity to learn from experienced weavers. Throughout this special anniversary 2023-2024 program year, we will celebrate our guild’s past, present, and future. Check back often to see what’s new!

Member Spotlights

Illinois Prairie Weavers Guild Featured in Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot

The Illinois Prairie Weavers Guild was featured in the Winter 2023 issue of Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot, which is published by the Handweavers Guild of America. The article is posted with permission from Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot, Issue #216, Winter 2023, published by the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. Read the article.

Click to Check Out Our ANniversary Name Draft!

Outreach Events

The Illinois Prairie Weavers Guild seeks to promote the fun experience of handweaving and the Illinois Prairie Weavers Guild through community events.  This will introduce adults and children to the Art and Craft handweaving.

Upcoming:

September 18-19, 2026

Lisle Depot Days, Museums at Station Park campus, Lisle, IL

  • Demonstrations and hands-on weaving experiences from 11 am to 5 pm

November 7, 2026

St. Charles Library, One South Sixth Ave. St. Charles, IL

  • Demonstrations and hands-on weaving experiences from noon to 4:30 pm

Guild members: to work at these events, please contact Linda A.

Past:

March 8, 2025 — Glen Ellyn Library

November 9, 2024 — St. Charles Public Library

September 14, 2024 — Downers Grove Library

photos courtesy of Kevin Montgomery

Guild samples on display
Trying out a rigid heddle loom
Demonstrating a table loom

January 20, 2024 — Wheaton Public Library

September 16, 2023 — Yorkville Public Library

Photo of a woman helping two young boys weave on a table loom.
Guild member Linda A helps visitors weave on a table loom. In the background at left, guild member Jack F helps a child with a tapestry frame loom.
Photo of a woman standing beside a small loom on which a child is weaving.
Guild member Sandy MH helps a young attendee get started weaving on a rigid heddle loom.

September 3-4, 2023 — Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival

three people sitting at a table; two young people are weaving on frame looms as an adult looks on.
Visitors to the Illinois Prairie Weavers Guild booth at the 2023 Fox Valley Folk Festival try out tapestry weaving on frame looms as Guild member Jan M offers guidance. In the background, Suzanne W (in hat) discusses rigid heddle weaving.