May 2026

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: TBD