My introduction to weaving was in the summer of 2003 at our church’s annual retreat at Hanover College in southern Indiana. I registered for the triangular weaving class in which we wove prayer shawls. Actually it was an answer to my prayers, as I found the medium in which I could express my dormant design abilities. I was enthralled!

My enthusiasm did not diminish. I purchased my loom in December as we were going through Missouri on our way to Oklahoma for my brother’s wedding. However, I had to wait until Christmas to set it up! I had two small shawls woven before the end of the year. I have been weaving ever since, with a project in progress on the loom at any given time.

An in depth workshop with Carol Leigh Brack-Kaiser, at her Hillcreek Fiber Studio in Columbia, Missouri provided me with the techniques to triangular weaving. I love combining different colors, fibers with various weave structures. There are so many possibilities! Each new shawl is an adventure!

One of the most meaningful projects represents the unity of believers. Each member contributed a strand. I knotted the strands together and then wove the strand into the “Fabric of the Church”.

My first public appearance with my weaving was at the opening of the Decatur Area Arts Council in August of 2004. I have had shawls in two shops in Decatur, as well as at the Art in Central Park, and have given workshops for groups. I have sold several shawls, and many have been given as gifts.

Lenore Snyder

April 17, 2007