Panel Discussions

We're thrilled to offer activities and events for seven days devoted to celebrating spinning and weaving. Our programming will educate, inspire, and support the fiber art community. The registration fee includes access to all 7 days of programming, including Marketplace LIVE, Thread Talks, Studio Tours, Panel Discussions, Virtual Exhibit Hall, and more.

SpinWeaveWeek
Full Schedule
Art Sparks
Fashion Shows
Studio Tours
Thread Talks
Vendors
REGISTER to Attend Spinning and Weaving Week 2025

$0 - HGA Student Members

$30 - HGA Members

$60 - Non-Members

All sessions will be recorded and available on-demand to registered attendees for 90 days. Not a member? Join Today

2025 Panels Schedule

All panels take place at 6:00 PM ET.

Monday, October 6: Beyond Wool and Cotton - Exploring Unconventional Fiber Materials 

Sponsorship Available

The world of fiber art stretches far beyond the familiar. This panel invites you to discover how today’s artists are pushing boundaries with unexpected materials—from recycled plastics and industrial synthetics to foraged plant fibers and other organic innovations. Panelists will share how these materials expand the possibilities of texture, color, and form, while also sparking conversations about sustainability, technology, and cultural expression. Join us to learn how unconventional fibers can challenge tradition, inspire new creative directions, and redefine what fiber art can be. Panelists include:

Tuesday, October 7: Balancing Art-Making with Life's Demands

generously sponsored by MidAtlantic Fiber Association (MAFA)

For many artists, the creative process doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it unfolds alongside jobs, family responsibilities, and the pressures of everyday life. This panel brings together fiber artists who candidly share their strategies for navigating competing priorities without losing their artistic momentum. From managing time and energy to avoiding burnout and setting realistic, sustainable goals, panelists will discuss practical approaches as well as personal stories of challenge and resilience. Whether you’re seeking tools to protect your studio time or inspiration to give yourself grace, this conversation will offer insights and encouragement for maintaining balance while nurturing your creative practice. Panelists include:

Wednesday, October 8: Publishing a Craft Book

Sponsorship Available

Dreaming of seeing your fiber art or craft work in print? This panel brings together experienced book publishers to demystify the process of publishing a craft book. Panelists will discuss everything from pitching ideas and finding the right publisher, to navigating contracts, editing, photography, and marketing. Attendees will gain practical insights into what makes a craft book successful, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for turning creative expertise into a published work that reaches a wide audience. Whether you’re considering your first book or looking to understand the publishing landscape, this conversation offers essential guidance for bringing your ideas to print. Panelists include:

Thursday, October 9: Self-Taught vs. Formally Trained - Different Paths, Same Thread

Sponsorship Available

Every fiber artist’s journey is unique, shaped by the way they learn, grow, and connect with their craft. This panel explores the different routes artists take—whether through formal education in art schools and universities, or through self-guided exploration, community workshops, and trial-and-error in the studio. Panelists will reflect on the advantages and challenges of their paths, from structured mentorship and academic critique to the freedom of independent discovery. Attendees will gain insight into how diverse experiences influence creative voice, professional opportunities, and artistic confidence, while discovering that, despite different beginnings, all artists are connected by the same thread of passion and dedication. Panelists include:

Friday, October 10: Finding Your People - Joining or Creating a Fiber Art Collective

Sponsorship Available

No artist thrives in isolation. This panel explores the power of fiber art collectives—how joining or forming a group can provide support, mentorship, and accountability while amplifying visibility in the broader art world. Panelists will share their experiences building communities, collaborating on projects, and navigating the dynamics of group creativity. Attendees will learn strategies for finding like-minded peers, fostering meaningful connections, and leveraging collective energy to inspire new ideas, sustain motivation, and expand professional opportunities. Whether you’re seeking your first creative community or looking to strengthen an existing network, this conversation highlights the benefits and challenges of collaborative fiber artistry. Panelists include:

Please continue to check back as we update the schedule. Spinning & Weaving Week is supported by generous contributions to HGA's Fiber Trust and the donation of our presenters' time, energy and expertise. HGA is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN #06-08661organization. In honor of this event, please consider a donation.

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s (HGA) Spinning & Weaving Week celebration is a 7-day digital extravaganza showcasing the fiber arts with vendor demonstrations and product talks, virtual studio tours, speakers, panels, and a fun fashion show. Each year HGA’s Spinning & Weaving Week Celebration includes more than 40 hours of virtual programming over 7 days with more than 650 fiber enthusiasts participating either in real-time or by viewing recordings. The event will be presented virtually through Cvent with the ability to host an unlimited number of attendees. All sessions are recorded and available to be viewed at the convenience of registered attendees for up to 90 days. This event brings together fiber enthusiasts from across the world and provides opportunities to connect online and in the days following.

We understand that the dollars you spend need to bring the maximum benefit to your company. Sponsors are offered exclusive benefits and services based on their level of contribution. These packages are carefully structured at each level to provide the maximum visibility and the greatest mutual benefit but can be tailored to meet your organization’s philanthropic or marketing objectives. For more information, please call (470) 893-0556 or email HGA@WeaveSpinDye.org.

Purchase a Sponsorship for Spinning and Weaving Week 2025
Download Sponsorships Description

All Spinning & Weaving Week Sponsors will receive the following recognition in addition to the items listed in the packages:

  • Name recognition on HGA’s webpage as Sponsor and logo and link to your website
  • Logo and name recognition in approximately *8,000 copies of Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot magazine
  • E-Blast sent to HGA’s mailing list of more than 11,000 promoting your sponsorship
  • Post recognizing your sponsorship on HGA’s Facebook page (11,000+ followers)
  • Post recognizing your sponsorship on HGA’s Instagram account (5,700+ followers)
  • Tax-deductible receipt letter for your donation less goods & services received
  • Continued publicity for 90 days after the week is over through recorded viewing of each event

Download Additional Resources

Share your Spinning and Weaving Week ideas and success stories! Call (678) 730-0010 or email HGA@WeaveSpinDye.org.