Supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses and creatives is all part of Arlington’s Creative Economy initiative. With public/private partnerships, growth of these endeavors is an important part of business sector diversity and economic sustainability.
Check here for ongoing Creative Economy listings and opportunities. More Creative economy stories on the blog.
Want a change from a brown bag lunch at your desk? Try weaving.
This week, from October 1-5, Arlington Weaves, Etc. gets in on the fun of Spinning & Weaving Week, a national celebration of spinners, weavers, fiber artists and basket makers from the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.
With daily activities from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-2 p.m. in the Arlington studio, visitors can stop by and weave a sample, watch a guest demonstration and see the weavers at work. Sign up for a weaving time and get introduced to the process of weaving twill, a type of weave noted for its diagonal parallel ridges and its sturdy quality.
A weaving studio isn’t what you’d expect to find in a public school administration building, but Arlington Weaves, Etc. has never been ordinary. From its inception, the Arlington Department of Human Services has been managing this unique weaving program that is part skill training, part integrated socialization, part social entrepreneurship and full on amazing.
Operated by ServiceSource, Inc. the program supports adults with developmental disabilities by integrating technical skills with improved self-sufficiency. Over time, Arlington Weaves, Etc. has become a feature of Arlington Economic Development’s Made in Arlington Initiative with items stocked at the pop-up shop at Plaza Branch Library.
And if you don’t finish your sample or need to rush back to brown bag lunch, the ArlingtonWeaves, Etc. studio also features a storefront shop where you’ll find tote bags, yoga mat straps, small zipper bags, place mats and scarves all produced on site. The studio and shop are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Event: The Thrill of the Twill
Date: October 1-5
Location: 2100 Washington Blvd., Suite 301
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Sign up for a weaving session here.