The Midland FiberArts Guild of Midland, Michigan was founded in 1969 by Bernice Sizemore.  Bernice was a student of Professor Katherine Ux, Chair of the Weaving and Design Department at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. 

Bernice put an announcement in The Midland Daily News inviting anyone who was interested in weaving and related fiber arts to come to her home.  Several woman attended that gathering and a guild was formed. 

Bernice named the group “The Weaving and Related Arts Group”.  Expanding the interests of the group to more than weaving proved to be a successful model.  A wider variety of participants came to meetings, and program offerings reflected a broad spectrum of interests.  Weaving, quilting, spinning, embroidery, applique, knitting, dyeing, paper making and surface design were all featured topics of discussion or workshops. 

After many years, the name of the group was changed to the Midland Fiber Guild, a name which left many people wondering what the focus of the group was.  In 2001 the name was changed again, this time to the Midland FiberArts Guild.  This title once again reflects our various interests and skills in anything fiber related. 

Bernice Sizemore, our founder, was also our first President.  She taught a frame loom weaving class.  The Guild helped paint and varnish tables and cupboards in the new Midland Art Council weaving studio at the Midland Center for the Arts in 1971.  Many Guild members joined the first weaving class in the fall of 1971.  Bernice taught that first class and Katherine Ux conducted Friday workshops in conjunction with the class. 

Many fiber friends have come and gone throughout the years.  They left many legacies to the Guild.  Current members still benefit from their expertise, wisdom and forethought.  Today the Guild continues to be a welcoming environment for fiber artists of many interests.  Today’s members include those who weave, spin, felt, crochet, knit, quilt, embroider, dye, and explore surface design.  If it involves thread or cloth, the Guild is your  place! 

The Midland FiberArts Guild meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at Trinity Lutheran Church at 9:30 am. 

An evening group meets at 6:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran.  The usual meeting day is the Thursday following the 4th Tuesday meeting.  Please note “usually” and check our website or Facebook page for more information and programming.