May 2026
Program and Workshops
Melissa Weaver Dunning
The Artist:
Melissa Weaver Dunning is a hand-weaver, spinner and knitter with over 45 years of experience working on
antique and modern equipment to recreate 18th and 19th century home produced textiles. She began her
textile study with Scottish master weaver Norman Kennedy in 1980, and carries on this rich tradition in her
own teaching. Melissa is an avid tartan and linen weaver, a compulsive knitter and a lover of wool who
enjoys sharing her passion for weaving and spinning with students. She is also a ballad singer,
specializing in the ballads and songs of Ireland, Scotland and England from before Napoleon’s time.
Guild Meeting/Program: L’Amour de Maman, Acadian Weaving
The earliest European settlers arrived in Maritime Canada beginning in 1632 and were known as Acadians.
Caught in the political conflict between France and England, the Acadians were forcibly removed from
their homeland in 1755 and many spent ten long years imprisoned or homeless before eventually settling
in Louisiana where they became known as Cajuns. 250 years later, Cajun weavers were following the
same weaving traditions as their Acadian foremothers. Come and hear about this remarkable story and
see the beautiful fabrics they created on their two harness looms!
Date/Time: May 9, 2026 10:30 AM (following Guild meeting)
Location: St. James Episcopal Church, 11815 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
Mini Workshop: Traditional Wool Preparation
We will start looking at a fleece from a variety of sheep and move on to sorting and grading fleece, washing, and then picking and carding with hand cards. Wool combing and preparation for worsted spinning and an unique approach to using the drum carder to produce small rolags will also be covered. Suitable for novice to advance spinners.
Date/Time: May 9, 2026 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Location: St. James Episcopal Church, 11815 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
Mini Workshop Fee: Members: $80 Non-Members: $115
Student’s Materials Fee: $0
Student Supply List:
If you have them, bring hand cards and/or combs.
Extended Workshop: L’Amour de Maman, Acadian Weaving
L’Amour de Maman (A Mother’s Love) is the charming French phrase for a handwoven wedding dowry, and
this class highlights fabrics and techniques from the early French settlements in maritime Canada that
were carried along to modern day Cajun Louisiana. Beginning and advanced weavers alike will be amazed
at the variations of pattern possible with just 2 harnesses and a few simple techniques. Working on your
own loom, each student will weave samples of the Couverture de Mariage, summer skirting with a la
planche and other delightful patterning, a winter weft-faced skirt fabric, Boutonne and Cordonne.
Date/Time: May 10-11, 2026 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: PFAG Studio: 11810 Parklawn Dr Suite 204 #11, Rockville, MD 20852
Workshop Fee: Members: $240 Non-Members: $330
Student’s Materials Fee: No
Student Supply List:
4 Harness floor loom – Floor looms are best, but table looms with 12” weaving width are OK.
Bench or stool, Shuttles and bobbins, Sley hook,Scissors
Measuring tape, T pins, Notebook & Pen, Graph Paper, Temple 8” – 11” size – optional.
For additional supplies and equipment please see the pdf file linked below.
