September 2026

Program and Workshop

Program:
Outside the Box

Program Presenters:

Three Guild member artists will share personal  histories of creating work that defies the ordinary, developing new techniques as they extend the boundaries of craft. 

 –Eileen Doughty will share her evolution of thread sculpture – beginning with landscape art quilts, then thread painting, finally adding a third dimension that led to freestanding fiber art constructed of thread alone. Her distinctive decorative teapots perfectly illustrate how thread could take center stage.

-Kendra Biddick got hooked on wet felting “when I discovered I could go from fiber to fabric in one step at a variety of scales.” Her flat work – large and small – incorporates roving, ink, fabric, multiple kinds of wool, even ceramics.

Marla Rudnick discovered a way to take the art of knitting to another level. She was researching the construction of a metal chain and experimenting with knitting needles and crochet hooks. She then devised a procedure to knit using fine silver on her double bed knitting machine.

 Q&A to follow.

Kendra Biddick

Title: “Spain Spring Flowers”
 50″ x 32″ x 2″
Merino, alpaca wet-felted onto silk, silk fabric, knitted cotton, woven fabrics, fulled sweaters, cotton hand and machine stitching

Eileen Doughty

“Kelp Forest Tea”
6 x 7 x 5 inches
cotton and metallic threads

Marla Rudnick

Title:  Pebbles Mosaic
Measurements : 17″ X 1.7″ X 0.3″
Materials: Fine Silver, Sterling Silver Findings and Fresh water Pearls

Guild Meeting/Program:

Date/Time: September 19, 2026 10:30 AM (following guild administrative meeting)

Location: St. James Episcopal Church, 11815 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854

Mini Workshop: Coiled Sewn Baskets, trivets, coasters

Instructor: Norma Brooks

Using strips of fabric wrapped around rope, we will hand coil and machine stitch (bring your machine!) our way to a trivet that can also be used as wall art or a basket. If time permits, we will make a set of 4 coasters (or at least get started)


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Date/Time: September 19, 2026 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Location: Guild Studio, 11810 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD

Mini Workshop Fee: Members: $75 Non-Members: $130

Student Supply List:

  • Sewing Machine – capable of zig zag stitch
  • Heavy Duty, Jean or Universal 90/14 Machine Needle -at least 2 extra (just in case)
  • Bobbins – at least 2
  • Clothesline/Rope – 3/16” 100 ft. Cotton (Walmart is a good source)
  • Clothespins – at least 50
  • Cotton Fabric – 1 ½ yards (no stretch fabric)
  • Matching Thread – about 1200 yds, cotton or all purpose)
  • Head pins – about 5
  • Large Glue Stick
  • Sharp Scissors (optional rotary cutter & mat, scissors still needed)
  • Ruler at least 12 inches long or tape measure
  • Note Pad & Pen

Max number of students in the workshop:8