Hartland, Michigan
HISTORY
The Black Sheep Weavers Fiber Guild has its roots in the long and rich history of weaving in the Hartland area. Beginning in the 1930's, under the vision of John Robert Crouse and his Hartland Area Project, many renowned weaving instructors were brought in to teach local women and children to "Create Things Useful and Beautiful" which subsidized many local family incomes. In the 1930's and 1940's, Hartland's weaving industry grew to be the third largest in the country. Popular items were tea towels and placemats woven in the custom pattern variations of Whig Rose, Orange Peel and Honeysuckle, as well as, elegant Swedish lace adorned blankets, tablecloths and runners. These hand woven items were made available through 200 national retailers and helped to entice people to visit the rural community of Hartland.
In May of 1937, the weavers of Livingston County formed a guild offering each other knowledge, cooperation, support and loom rental. A local weaver and member, Ayliffe Ochs, was then instrumental in forming the statewide weaving association Michigan League of Handweavers, which still exists today.
In the mid 1970's, wishing to further their knowledge and challenge their weaving skills, a group of approximately 10 women from the Brighton area decided to begin meeting monthly in each other's homes. Interest grew quickly and the group decided to form an official guild, the Black Sheep Weavers Guild, in reference to one member's flock of black sheep. The Black Sheep Weavers Fiber Guild of today continues the tradition of creating things useful and beautiful for personal use and for sale in a wide range of fiber arts.
