October 2, 3, 4 2026
46 Years of Gathering!
SPINNING AND WEAVING WEEK
The first week in October Spinning and Weaving Week spotlights creations made on looms, wheels, and spindles. It’s a week in which practitioners of the ancient skill like to publicly demonstrate their creations.
Animals grow it, and you wear it, but what happens to get that garment from the animal to your closet? Spinning and Weaving Week aims to help people learn what it takes to turn different types of threads into fabric. It’s of special interest for those who have preserved the ancient techniques of spinning and weaving. The skill knows no national boundary and has been practiced for thousands of years.
Weave Minnesota is a registration website in support of the Minnesota Federation of Weavers Guilds and Fiber Artists, aka “Federation”, whose purpose is ‘to encourage interaction between all Minnesota guilds to widen the scope of all and encourage education’. That was the original vision; today it is open to anyone who has an interest in fiber arts.
Federation is not a formal guild or organization in itself, it is an annual fall weekend retreat open to all fiber enthusiasts providing lodging, meals, keynote presentation, classes, a vendor fair and so much more! Nor is it limited to Minnesota; we have attendees from all over the U.S. and occasionally from outside the U.S.
As we are a self-supporting group, registration fees cover the costs for use of the facility, lodging for 2 nights with linens and towels, all 5 meal charges, and pays our instructors. We are not a for-profit organization nor do we solicit/request grants or scholarships from outside organizations. We strive for a balanced year of income to expenses keeping “seed money” in the account for facility deposit for the following year. Current year fees are determined by facility costs and upcoming fees for any website charges. All staff support is volunteer time. Fees also provide some benefits to current year participants in the form of registration credits for the following year (through prizes) and contributions to non-profit organizations, such as the current facility we utilize. Instructors traditionally come from within the group attending the event and are paid per class period.
Included in your weekend away is lodging with linens, all meals starting Friday evening meal through Sunday brunch, choice of two classes with an option for a third class and lots of extras! Kicking it off with a Keynote Presentation and reception for inspiration, a Show and Share with 8 categories to enter and display your works, a Style Show, classes, drawings for special wares, a vendor fair and more!
“Show and Share” has become a big hit! Thanks for all who participate and what a showing of talent it is!! With multiple categories and no specific theme, there’s lots of opportunity to show your wares, and of course, there are prizes! Please see the page titled “Show and Share” for all the categories to enter and details. Many of our participants also have wares for sale throughout the weekend in the vendor room set up throughout the weekend. SO fun to shop and support our fellow artists!
COVID PROTOCOL
WE ANTICIPATE OPERATING UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES THIS YEAR. HOWEVER, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO UPDATE COVID PROTOCOL AS RECOMMENDED BY CDC AND THE FACILITY WE ARE ATTENDING.
Mt. Carmel
800 Mount Carmel Drive NE
Alexandria, MN 56308
Please see Mt. Carmel website for location and directions. Or Google maps at:
There are multiple lodging options at Mt. Carmel. Please see Lodgings page, make your selection at registration and indicate your roommate names. The Lodgings page lists the cabins with their amenities and capacity. All bedding and linens are included.
If you want to stay at Mt. Carmel Thursday prior to the event, the charge is $50.00/cabin/night. Please make your arrangements through them directly.
Lodging Descriptions:
https://www.mountcarmelministries.com/lakeside-bible-initiative
Alexandria, MN
Have some time to spend in between classes or just want to attend and enjoy some rest and relaxation? There’s a lot to do around the Alexandria area and near Mt. Carmel. Biking, hiking, shopping, dining, or maybe some wine tasting, Alexandria area has lots to do and see.
Check out the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce for some local highlights:
