The current window features items woven by Joyce Potter. Joyce had her first weaving class in college in the 1960's, at East Tennessee State University where she was an art education major. While staying an active weaver from that point, it was almost ten years later before she bought a loom of her own. At the time she was living in Fairmont and teaching in Monongalia County. Joyce often uses yarns she purchases at the Needlecraft Barn in her scarves and shawls. She says that:
My instructor in college had been a very traditional weaver so we only used cotton threads in the warp (the length-wise threads on the loom). But I went to New Hampshire for a workshop and learned that different types of threads could be mixed with the warp. So I incorporated all kinds of colors and textures in my weaving. In the late 1980's, I "discovered" the world of dollhouse miniatures, bought the thinest threads i could find, and started weaving one inch to one foot scale textiles. Over the next 15 years I went to dollhouse shows in several states. After more than 40 years of weaving, it still seems like magic to watch the patterns emerge as the shuttle zips across the threads.
Joyce's traditional scarves and shawls, as well as her miniature work, are included in the display. Additional examples of her miniature work can be seen inside the shop, in the glass counter at the cash register. Many of the items included in the display are for sale. Joyce will be participating in the Fairmont Miniature Club Show on April 28th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Fairfield Inn near Middletown Mall.
