The Fiber Guild of the Savannahs turns 50

 One thing that keeps Fiber Guild members doing fiber arts is versatility

THE Fiber Guild of the Savannahs was once known as the Handweavers of the Savannahs on November 4, 1972. Emmie Howard and Janet Bailey wrote a grant to purchase equipment for the group and hosted meetings at other members’ homes. Now known as The Fiber Guild of the Savannahs, the organization will host its 50th celebration on November 4.

Current residing President Suzanne Hokanson is looking forward to her organization’s celebration. The Pittsburgh native has been a part of the Fiber Guild for 14 years.

Hokanson's mother taught her how to knit when she was a little girl—she had a potholder loom and began to make potholders.

“As an adult, my main interest is weaving. But I spin, knit, crochet, embroider and do all of those other things. Sometimes they cross-pollinate. For some of my hand-woven clothing, I crochet around the edges and embellish them with different things. I am primarily a weaver, but I use my handspun in my weaving,” Hokanson said.

When Hokanson initially joined The Fiber Guilds of the Savannahs 14 years ago, the group was aging out—the typical age range was 60 and over. However, the group has had a nice influx of younger women in recent years. Members have found this encouraging as it's a way for fiber arts to continue.

“We have a series of fiber arts workshops that usually take place in January through March. Kind of the quiet time of the year. We call it A Taste of Fiber Arts workshop. We have everything from beginning weaving, beginning knitting, to spinning. We’ve had beaded jewelry and dying. That I think has been a good way to encourage members to get involved, too,” she said.

The guild has a great relationship with Oatland Island; they have a studio space upstairs that the group has with equipment and looms that were purchased years ago with the original grant. The Guild has received donations of looms and spinning wheels. Hokanson hails it as a place for the group to offer workshops and be a place for the group to gather and work on their respective projects.

As of right now, 45 people will attend the November 4 opening, and Hokanson is hoping for more. Former members are coming from a distance: one member, in particular, is coming from Charlotte and looks forward to meeting and reconnecting with everyone.

In regards to the 50th celebration, Hokanson said, “It will be a relaxed, fun gathering of like-minded souls.”

Members of The Fiber Guild of the Savannahs have years of experience in fiber arts and they all share their love of the craft. Some will come to the celebration wearing things that they have created.

One thing that keeps Fiber Guild members doing fiber arts is versatility. Things can be created for home, things to wear, and things to hang from a wall. These crafts are created with fine yarns and fibers. Before Hokanson moved here, she used a lot of animal fibers such as wool, alpaca, and mohair, all used to stay warm. Here in Savannah, she and the other members use cotton, linens, silks, and plant-based fibers since they are in the South.

Hokanson thinks the creators of The Fiber Guilds of Savannah would be proud of where their group is today.

“I think they would be excited about where it is today. They would love to see the diversity of ages and people who come to our meetings and participate in our committees. They would be excited that the vision they had way back in 1972 is flourishing,” she said.

After the November 4 event, the group will have an event in December called In Search of the Golden Fleece, the group’s annual show and sale. This will be held for the entire month of December and will be hosted by the Jewish Alliance Center. This year Hokanson is encouraging people to do some things along with the golden theme. There will be golden items on display.