The Fascinating Life of Mary Meigs Atwater by Karen Donde, presented by Illinois Prairie Weavers

On-Line Meeting – March 9, 10 AM. Regarded as the unofficial dean of American hand weaving, Mary Meigs Atwater did not start weaving until she was 40. Inspired by hand weaving industry in the South, she saw weaving as a way to help the women of her remote Montana community become more productive, as occupational therapy for injured soldiers returning from World War I, and as a means of supporting her family after her husband’s death. She was an artist, designer, world traveler, adventurer, writer, patriot, political activist, wife, mother and avid fisherman.

Karen Donde, our presenter, is a fan of Mary’s courage, adventurous spirit, and contributions to American hand weaving. She will share her favorite stories and quotes from Mary’s autobiography and books. Karen herself is well known and respected, a talented weaver/artist, a frequent contributor to Handwoven, an esteemed national and regional conference instructor, and a juried member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild! Karen on weaving: “I am drawn to intricate structural interlacements, but am thrilled when simple combinations of structure, color and texture yield beautiful, complex-looking woven designs.”

Registration information is available on our website, www.illinoisprairieweavers.org/programs. Non-member registration closes March 7, midnight. Guild members receive meeting access specifics privately. Meetings are subject to change. Visit our website; see us on Facebook and Instagram. The Illinois Prairie Weavers Guild was organized in 1949 to promote and advance hand weaving. We meet to teach, encourage and inspire one another by sharing our knowledge and resources, and providing the opportunity to learn from experienced weavers.  The guild is open to anyone interested in weaving.