The Thanksgiving Potholder Project at Manor Mill in Monkton MD
Wow! What a day — or rather, three wonderful days — of weaving at Manor Mill in Monkton, Maryland! The studio was filled with looms, loops, hooks, stunning works of art, and creativity as weavers of all ages explored the art and craft of potholder weaving for a cause.
Artisan weaver “Deetzie” Walker brought these community gatherings to life. A retired Latin teacher and skilled fiber artist, Deetzie also teaches rigid-heddle loom weaving and appears to possess encyclopedic knowledge of all things loops and fiber. She also knits and crochets. When she learned about the Thanksgiving Potholder Project (THXGPP), she saw an opportunity to connect weaving creativity with supporting others in a meaningful way.
To make the most of school closures, Deetzie hosted three free weaving workshops at Manor Mill. The schedule allowed community members, teachers, caregivers, and children to learn and connect side-by-side. Supplies were provided, and everyone was welcome — from first-time to experienced weavers. The sense of connection that comes from creating together, phones aside, was pure joy.
I was fortunate to attend two of the sessions, and together, the Manor Mill Potholder Weavers made 25 potholders — not bad for a mostly beginner group! Each one was one of a kind, full of heart, and sure to brighten a family’s Thanksgiving meal.
Words like thank you hardly seem enough to express my appreciation for Deetzie and the Manor Mill community. So I turned to her beloved Latin for help:
Gratias ago tibi pro potholders et amicitiam!
Thank you for the potholders and the friendship!
Keep the Goodwill Going
If you’ve been inspired by Deetzie’s example, consider hosting a small weaving day in your own community — at a school, studio, or around your kitchen table. Every potholder adds warmth, and every gathering adds connection.
We still need 1,500 potholders for this year’s distributions. Please send your potholders to:
Beth Myers (THXGPP)
2007 Clipper Park Rd. #216
Baltimore, MD 21211
Together, we can reach 2,000 potholders — and share a little more warmth, kindness, and connection during this challenging time of growing need this Thanksgiving.
THANK YOU
For all the weavers across the nation who are making a difference in the lives of families in need.
Namaste.
