MAFA 2013 Workshop Weekend - June 20-23, 2013
University of Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania

Classes by world renown instructors (16 hour class format)
All levels of classes from beginner to advanced, including novice classes in weaving and spinning

Weaving: Su Butler, Jason Collingwood, Barbara Diefenderfer, Karen Donde, Laurie Duxbury, Karel Henneberger, Barbara Herbster, Denise Kovnat, Kati Reader Meek, Sara Nordling, Pam Pawl, Sara Saulson, Mimi Smith, Bonnie Tarses, Marjie Thompson, Kathe Todd-Hooker, Betty Vera, Sara von Tresckow, and Barbara Walker

Spinning: Norma Bromley, Melissa Weaver Dunning, Sally Jenkins, and Amy Tyler

And More: Polly Barton, Chris Conrad, Sharon Costello, Carol Miller Franklin, Wendy Jensen and Kristen Walsh

Vendors: A Touch of Twist, Crimson Shamrock, Fireside Fiberart Looms, Gurdy Run Woolen Mill, Lady Liberty Trading Co., Marushka Farms, Serendipity Farm & Studio, and Twin Ponds Fiber Farm

Fashion Show on Friday evening

Open Studio Night on Saturday evening

All-inclusive Registration Package
The MAFA 2013 Workshop Weekend registration fee of $500 includes tuition for your workshop, room, and board at University of Scranton

Register NOW - late registration begins 15 May

Download your 2013 Conference brochure today by visiting www.mafafiber.org

 

 

Comments

sally orgren

When will we learn of our selection?

Sally

Lori Wall (not verified)

As of today, there is only one class that has reached maximum capacity and has a waiting list. All other classes are still open.

Late registration begins on 15 May. Shortly thereafter, any class that does not have sufficient enrollment will be cancelled.

According to the MAFA brochure, student Workshop confirmations, information, and supply lists provided by the instructors will be mailed before May 6, 2013.

 

caloosa (not verified)

You said that only one was full, are there many that may not go?

Lori Wall (not verified)

As of 22 April, there are a number of classes that are in danger of not having enough students to be held.  Historically, we like to have a minimum of six students per class, but occasionally, depending on the class, we have dropped this down to five students.  The two exceptions to this are the Novice Spinning and Novice Weaving classes - those classes are held as long as there is at least one student who wishes to take them.

Based on everyone's 1st class choices only, there are eight classes out of the 29 that are being offered that will go for sure.  There are five classes that currently have no students registered for them.  The remainder of the classes have five or less students registered for them.  Once the regular registration period closes on 14 May, the registrar will balance the classes, taking into consideration the 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices that everyone indicated on their registrations.  The intent is to be able to offer the largest variety of classes while making sure that minimum class sizes are met.

So, if you have been waiting to register, you may want to do so as soon as possible to ensure that your class makes the cut.

Lori Wall (not verified)

Life is ALWAYS going to be crazy-busy. Get away for a little while and recharge your batteries--you owe it to yourself and the people who depend on you.

Give yourself a chance to learn something new, or explore in depth a topic you love.  Enjoy the friendship, sharing, and support that happens only when fiber folk take a  few days to live and learn together.  Expand your horizons and gain inspiration.

There are still openings in the MAFA Workshop Weekend classes:

* Make two baskets with Wendy Jensen (whose October workshops at Rhinebeck are already closed)

* Did you just weave something the same color as what you're wearing? Again? Let Betty Vera help you break out of your color prison.

* Personalize your weaving in whole new way with block name drafting.

* Discover the meditative joy of doing kumihimo on the marudai (it's actually simpler than doing it on a foam disk!)

* Master your scary new 8-shaft loom and explore the intricacies of point twills.

* Spin cashmere, the ultimate fiber.

* Leave the cookbooks behind!  Develop your own weaving recipes. Karen Donde will show you how.

* Learn kakishibu, a rare technique to dye for

* Get started on your fiber journey.  MAFA offers novice (absolute beginner) classes in both spinning and weaving.

...and 15 other classes.  You can get a brochure with complete descriptions of classes and instructors at http://mafafiber.org/brochure2013-3.pdf.

Why MAFA?

* Conference fee includes room and board--you don't have to worry about expensive, overbooked conference hotels or overpriced convention-center food.

* Workshops designed for in-depth learning and exploration. You can focus and learn--and you won't burn all your vacation days doing so.

* Open studio night allows you to visit the other classes, see what they're doing, and speak with the instructor. This is a rare and valuable experience.

* Participant-run fashion show that allows you to show and talk about your work and to celebrate the achievements of others.

But time IS running out!  

The following classes have already closed: Tied Weaves, Blended Drafts, Supplementary Warp, and Weaving with Silk. Many, including some of the ones I mentioned, are close to being full.  Register soon, and save $35 (you'll want it to spend at the vendors).  Late registration starts May 15 and ends May 20.

caloosa (not verified)

Any word yet on when we will hear about our class selection?

 

 

sally orgren

Sooooooo, does everyone have their looms warped? If not, time to get crackin'

I am bringing my stash of diet snapple. What is on everyone else's must-bring list?

Lori Wall (not verified)

There is no charge for day visitors to shop at the vendor hall or to attend the fashion show or open studio tour on Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.  However visitors are not allowed to visit the classrooms while classes are in session. Visitors should park in Visitor Parking areas on campus, and obtain a parking permit from the Parking Office on the second floor of the Pavilion.  The Parking Pavilion is across the street from the DeNaples Center.  A campus map of the The University of Scranton is available from their website at http://www.scranton.edu/admissions/campusmap/index.shtml. Vendor hall will be located in room 405 in the DeNaples Center, which has elevator access.  The fashion show is being held in the auditorium, just down the hall from the vendor area.  The cafeteria is located on the first floor of DeNaples Center.  We are confirming that visitors will be allowed to purchase a meal in the cafeteria. Vendor Hall will be open from 2 PM – 8 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  It will probably be closed during the fashion show, but reopen afterward.   The following vendors will be located in vendor hall: 

A Touch of Twist

Crimson Shamrock

Marushka Farms

Serendipity Farm & Studio

Twin Pond Fiber Farm

 

Additionally, some of the instructors may have books, DVDs and materials for sale outside of class hours and during the Open Studio tour.  There are a couple of classrooms located in DeNaples Center, but the majority are located in Loyola Science Center.

sally orgren

I will spread the word among my guildmates! I am including this link to the University's website for a downloadable campus map:

http://matrix.scranton.edu/admissions/campusmap/index.shtml

Here's a screen capture of the buildings visitors are aiming for. The parking pavilion is on Mulberry Street (just like Dr. Suess, And to Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street)

sally orgren

Here is a QR (quick response) code for this MAFA 13 thread. By scanning this code with your smart phone, you can bookmark the spot, allowing you to check in from your dorm room, classroom, etc. for updates.

If you have a smart phone with a camera and a "code reader" application (C-NET came on my Verizon phone), you can scan this code and your phone will take you right to this page. Then just "save" or "bookmark" it.

If you don't have a barcode scanner application on your phone, these apps are free, and you can get them for your iphone from the itunes store. (Also, they are handy to have when comparison shopping or grocery shopping, so the usefulness of having a scanning app will last well beyond the conference!) 

Can't wait to see everyone next week!

fairhavenweaver (not verified)

I am all ready - loom is warped and all set to go, so now I can think about all the other stuff, like clothes and bedding and snacks! I'm excited! Virginia

Leslie M (not verified)

Loom is almost threaded, bag is packed with assorted wefts to try, but what is everyone wearing in the fashion show?

sally orgren

who will not be modeling a dishtowel this year. (But she did such an amazing job in 2011!)

fairhavenweaver (not verified)

Does anyone know whether the beds are standard twin or extra-long? We'll need to know if we want to bring a mattress cover or sheets.

Virginia

 

sally orgren

Virginia,

Having slept at a few colleges for both conferences and clients, my best guess is ALL the beds are extra long, to accommodate any size student. 

I would just bring some clippy-type clothes pins to clip your normal size twin sheets to the existing bedding. Maybe bring two flat sheets instead of a fitted one?

(A pillow + extra blanket is probably more critical for most folks.)

sally orgren

 

From Lori —

"It appears that the Parking Pavilion at the University of Scranton is being renovated and all of our MAFA Workshop Weekend attendees will need to park in either the Rock Hall (Lot P) or Madison (Lot L & M) parking lots."

Here is a map showing where the new lots (see M & L, P) are in relation to the original Parking Pavilion and DeNaples. (The lots are accessible from Madison or Monroe Aves.)

Below are the directions to each lot from the college website. If you would like to print out a complete campus map, link to:

http://matrix.scranton.edu/admissions/campusmap/index.shtml

 

 

sally orgren

I was going to ask if we can access the college's fitness center? I thought I was the only crazy one thinking about this, but one of my guildmates just asked me the same question.

 

msthimble

Will the soda machines be filled for us addicts??  I think i remember the dorms being very airconditioned, and Deb loaned me an additional blanket.  I'm bringing one this year!   XO Gail & Fog

sally orgren

If anyone else likes to work out early, let me know. I would love to have walking partners in the early a.m. (we can meet at the DeNaples Center at 6:30 a.m.) and walk around campus for 40-60 minutes. In case of inclement weather, I am hoping the fitness center will be accessible.

  I am still waiting to hear if we'll have access to the fitness center and pool via our key cards.  (Yes, it appears they have a pool!) 

Here is a link to the website, and the stated summer hours for the facilities.

-----------------

http://athletics.scranton.edu/Recreational_Sports/Summer_Hours

Byron Recreation Complex 2013 Summer Hours
(Starting Tuesday, May 28th)

Monday through Thursday: 7am to 8pm

Friday: 7am to 6pm

Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 5pm

 

Summer Open Swim

Monday through Friday: Noon to 2pm and 4:30pm to 6pm

Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 2pm

The pool will be closed from 8/9 at 2pm until 8/26 



Summer Fitness Center Hours

Monday through Thursday: 6am to 8pm

Friday: 6am to 6pm

Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 5pm

 

sally orgren

We will be staying in Pilarz Hall (#36 on the map). This residence hall looks very new, and is right across the street from DeNaples, where most of the conference activities take place.

I happened to find a YouTube video about Pilarz Hall, produced by the University of Scranton. (I certainly wish the residence halls were this nice when I was in college!) The view from the room in the video reminded me of UBC/Vancouver when I attended Convergence in 2002. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HJFaCRvVL4&lr=1&feature=watch 

BTW, the Fitness Center is located in Pilarz.

 

sally orgren

I called the bookstore, and yes, they have Coca-Cola products in both the convenience store and the cafeteria. 

sally orgren

At the 2011 conference, organizers surprised us with a retrospective fashion show of Virgina West's work, narrated by the artist. After the show, the racks of her garments were brought on stage for attendees to inspect inside and out.

No worries! Despite the dynamic angle of the photo, everyone handled the items gingerly.

So, what is your favorite part of the MAFA workshop weekend?

sally orgren

The folks who are traveling to ANWG reminded me — don't forget to pack your chargers for your phone, laptop, or other electronic devices.

I believe my car will be loaded up with 4 (very small) looms and a wheel. What's everyone else's gear count?

Leslie M (not verified)

For those traveling on 80 to 380 to 81 - 380 is down to 1 lane due to repaving . Shouldn't be too much of a problem if you're traveling mid day, but might be slow traveling during rush hour (5ish).

msthimble

I am bringing my portable spinning wheel and a few yarns, maybe my card weaving loom and a sock for knitting in the evening.  I am expecting that we will have internet access in the dorm, will there be a guest password to access the school network?

XO Gail & Fog

 

sally orgren

Shut the door — I discovered Kirspy Kreme is located just across the river from the University (511 North Moosic St.)

Guess I am going to have to get up even earlier to walk a few extra miles each morning to burn those puppies off. 

I was hoping to be able to see the hot light from my dorm room, but no need, they actually post their Hot Light hours on the website. (6-11 a.m. and 6-closing.)

If anybody needs to make a KK HOT LIGHT donut run, count me in and I can drive!

sally orgren

Gail,

No one has responded from MAFA, so I will step in and try to answer your question, based on my experience with colleges and universities.

1) They usually have a guest password, but I am not sure that will be part of our conference package. (Ask when you register about this.) 

2) Alternatively, visitors may access their email at the library, (building #39 on the map, just southwest of DeNaples) where the staff can give you a password. My co-workers use the public computers when we are visiting campus. If you want to use your own laptop, check with the librarian. Usually they have printers available, but there might be a fee for printing.

The summer hours as posted on their website:

Monday-Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. –   4:30 p.m.
Noon  –         6:00 p.m.
Noon  –         8:00 p.m.

------------

This is definitely something for future conferences to consider. I know more than one of the attendees will be bringing their tablets to this conference and are hoping for Internet accessibility from the classrooms and residence halls. 

sally orgren

The cafeteria is on the 3rd floor of the DeNaples. The vendor Hall is on the 4th floor in room 405 and it will be open from 2 to 8. Dinner will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. today Thursday. Registration will be open until 6 p.m. See everybody soon!

sally orgren

The university representative is in the lobby of the dorm with peoples passwords to access the internet. Stop by now to collect your password. (7:30 p.m.)

sally orgren

You will need to give them an email address in order to receive a username and password. If you haven't given them an email, then it'll take a little bit of time to generate your password a password for you.

sally orgren

For those of you who can't remember the building your class is in, or are arriving Thursday morning, here are the class locations. Also, this list will be helpful for the studio tour on Saturday evening, as it is grouped by building. (In case we have any day visitors. The registration desk will be closed after check in tomorrow.)

Brennan 203 (Butler), 205 (Meek), 109 (Tyler)

DeNaples 404 (Franklin), 406 (Saulson)

Loyola Hall - Dyeing, 318 (Barton) & 320 (Conrad) 

Loyola Science Center (everything else!)

091 (Collingwood), 90 (Walker), 113 (Thompson), 114 (Todd-Hooker), 212 (Kovant), 224 (Donde), 226 (Jenkins), 316 (Diefenderfer), 329 (Bromley), 439 (Herbster)

I will be giving one of my guildmates a ride down to Loyola Science Hall at 8:30 a.m. and will have room for 2-3 more. If interested, meet us at the DeNaples Mulberry Street entrance, across from the dorm. I will be in a silver Toyota Avalon with NJ plates. 

sally orgren

But if anyone knows where the pop/soda machines are in the dorms, please chime in soon! (We found the laundry.)

Everyone gets their own bedroom, and the bath is shared with just two of you. There are spacious kitchens and gathering areas as you can see. (Actually, there are only 4 to a suite, but you know how weavers like to gather!)

sally orgren

Yes, that's a Weavolution shirt on Andi, and I am shooting over the coolest SUSHI pajamas on the planet! (Can anyone top this pajama print?) And can anyone guess who owns these pajamas?

sally orgren

Several folks commented their password would not work. After entering your University-given password and username, you need to selet "UofS" as the provider (not the LPAD that shows up as the default). 

If this does not connect you, you will need to check with the University/Registration Thursday morning. 

Have fun at your workshops today, folks!

sally orgren

There will be a change in the ride service. I will be picking people up on the side of the DeNaples where the registration desk it At 8:30.

Erica

We're so glad Weavo I taking part in MAFA and able to provide you all with a good way to give up to date information! I wish I could have sorted this sooner, but I'm sure you will all notice the pesky Groups list is gone!!!!!

It took a lot of digging to figure out where the offending code was and I'm happy to say it has now been obliterated!

Enjoy the rest of your event,

Erica

sally orgren

For those with mobility issues: At breakfast, you can request the cafeteria pack a lunch for you, so you do not need to walk up the hill during the lunch break.

I will be picking up my guildmate (and anyone else who would like a ride back to DeNaples/Dorm) at 4:35, at Loyola Science. The door closest to the road.

Weavolutionary

Really lovely Sally! I hope you are all having as much fun! I wish we could be there!

sally orgren

It was announced at the fashion show last night that the vendor area will open early (at 10:00 tomorrow). One of the vendors may have to pack up early, so it is unclear if all the vendors will be available until 8 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) eve.

Remember, the open studio tour is from 7-9, and instructors may be selling their books in their classrooms. The Rochester Guild book will be available in 212 Loyola Science Center.

(Note to self—bring the Baltimore Guild book and collect more signatures next time! ;-)

FYI-the fashion show was fun as always. In addition to the usual scarves and shawls, there was a beach chair and slippers, and one of the award winning garments from Convergence 2012. (It's not too early to start thinking of 2015!)

sally orgren

and the sound of bagpipes came wafting through the window. At the stoke of midnight, it stopped. Kati Meek is here...did she bring a bagpiper with her? I think the dorms are too new to be haunted. Was it my imagination? Did anyone else hear the bagpipes?

msthimble

Sally, you are not hallucinating!  I heard the bagpipes, too.  At midnight.  It's a Super moon and spring solstice, that calls for pagan bagpipes, is my guess.

msthimble

So happy that you were able to remove groups lists that were accompanying each post.  Now i should be able to read the posts on my cell phone, the member's groups lists took forever to scroll thru to get to the post.  Many thanks for acting on this in the midst of your travels.  XO Gail & Fog

Erica J

Not a problem Gail and all,

That problem was a real thorn in our side and took quite some time to sort out, but as with weaving things that take longer to perfect are sweeter in the end!

I really love reading this thread and imagining the bag pipes at midnight and the loyal fans making pilgrimages to convenience store for Coke. I hope to see more beautiful weaving posted here or in the projects pages!

Enjoy everyone,

Erica

sally orgren

And we have photos from the fashion show, just no time to download and post! (Gee, what's happening over at ANWG?)

 

sally orgren

I am tongue-tied about tied weaves! Here is what appeared on my loom today, with the design on my laptop in the background. It was SO cool!

Here is a shot from Barbara Herbster's classroom in the science building during the open studio tour.

And some lucky person in Barbara's class had a GREAT view of the HOT LIGHT at the Krispy Kreme (across the tracks) right from their loom. Good thing it wasn't me. I would have been distracted, even if I had this beautiful warp on my loom.

Besides the excellent view, many of the classrooms had *great* light.

sally orgren

Lunch will be served until 1:15. The parking meters are not monitored on Sundays. Safe travels home everyone! Hope you had fun. Thanks to our MAFA organizers for putting this 2013 conference together.

You know it was a good conference if you can't wait to get home and start weaving!

sally orgren

So, was it hard NOT to think about weaving this morning? For those of us returning to work for 8+ hours today, it is VERY hard to switch gears from such an exciting weekend! 

As everyone returns home, please feel free to continue this thread—post photos from the conference or your workshop project as you complete your classwork in the coming weeks. I know some folks had trouble with their Internet connection in the res hall, so you may only be accessing the site today. Don't hesitate to jump in, now that you have had a chance to catch up on your sleep, emails, and download your photos!

Most importantly, however, I would like to hear feedback.

Was this thread helpful? Would you like to see other conferences adapt this idea? What types of information would you like to see and hear (whether you attended or not, and whether you were aware of this thread during the conference or only afterward?)

You can send me a PM (private message) if you don't want to post publicly. (Just click on my name in blue at the top of this post.)

Or, send an email to our MAFA president, president2013-at-mafafiber.org

OK. Let's see & hear what everyone was doing for the last 4 days...

Sally