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At the weaving class at the Long Beach Senior Center on a Thursday afternoon in March, about a dozen women and one man are busy creating different projects on a variety of floor looms, table looms, rigid heddle looms and frame looms. One lady is making "mug rugs," a few are making woven tapestries, and others are making scarves. One women is making a blanket for her grandbaby, and another is weaving fabric for clothing. Another just finished a lacy scarf using the leno technique that the instructor taught her. Those in the weaving class have varied levels of experience, ranging for one month to as many as ten years. Today everyone takes a break for a little send-off party for the volunteer teacher of nine years, Deanna Deeds. Everyone is grateful to have had Deeds as a teacher and inspiration during that time. Many of the attendees come here either to learn a new skill or refine existing ones. They say Deeds is talented, patient, and insightful to their needs. And indeed, she has quite a biography. Deeds comes from an engineering background and has used her knowledge to take weaving to new heights. Her exhibitions and awards include Complex Weavers Award, Handweavers Guild of America Convergence, Ebb & Flow Yardage (1st Place Award), and Virginia Harvey Award for Use of Color. She has had many speaking and teaching engagements and has had her work featured in weaving publications. 

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The weaving room is a weaver's delight, filled with all kinds of looms, many donated by retired weavers. The shelves and cabinets are filled with weaving supplies, including yarn that was donated by local people and organizations, including the Alamitos Bay Yarn Company, located nearby. Dana Clark, the manager at the Long Beach Senior Center has said that no one has volunteered yet to take Deed's place as a weaving instructor. The students have decided to continue to meet at the weaving class every Thursday from 1-4pm and to help each other the best they can. "Deanna is just awesome, " says one of the ladies. "She will be sorely missed." Any experienced weaver who is willing to donate one day a week in the afternoon as a weaving instructor can contact Dana Clark at the Long Beach Senior Center.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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