Join the Band: A New Retreat Just for Bandweavers

Weavers love the question “What if?” Those two small words have spurred countless creative journeys. Ten years ago, Anne Merrow asked, “What if we had a magazine just for small-loom weavers?” and that’s how Easy Weaving with Little Looms was born. A few months ago, somebody asked me, “What if we had an event just for bandweaving?” I thought about the question for all of two seconds before listing all the reasons a retreat for bandweavers just made sense. We then asked the same question of more people, including some of our regular inkle and tablet designers, and they all had similar reactions. The consensus was clear, and “What if” once again became something so much more: Band Camp for Weavers, a new retreat created by and for bandweavers.

When we first started planning Band Camp, we wanted a retreat that would feel unique compared to Weave Together, SOAR, and Long Thread Media’s other fiber events. Once we chose the name Band Camp, we realized we had our inspiration: What if we put together an all-inclusive retreat that had all the comforts of our other events, but with a summer-camp spirit? Just think of the lanyards! Taking place October 18–22, 2026, at the beautiful Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan, Wisconsin, Band Camp is the perfect opportunity to build your skills, try out a new technique, and enjoy spending four days surrounded by bandweaving friends.

So, what exactly is Band Camp?

Band Camp is an all-inclusive retreat featuring three full days of hands-on weaving workshops from world-class instructors, exciting group activities, and a chance to share ideas and inspirations with your fellow weavers. Enjoy evenings by the firepit or take a stroll along the picturesque Delavan Lake before heading to your comfortable accommodations—no tents or bunk beds at this camp! It’s a retreat focused on not just education, but also the joy that comes from being part of a creative community.

Enjoy evenings alongside the beautiful Lake Delavan, as you spend time with your fellow bandweavers.

I can’t emphasize enough how excited I am for this event. We have a lineup of incredible instructors including:

• Annie MacHale
• John Mullarkey
• Jennifer B. Williams
• Stacy Schlutsmeyer

We’ve got classes for a variety of bandweaving techniques and styles, including inkle, tablet, and backstrap weaving, as well as classes on design and finishing. We really and truly have something for weavers of all levels—including a track for absolute beginners. (Interested to know which classes are best for beginners? Send us an email at littlelooms@longthreadmedia.com.

Band Camp instructor Jennifer B. Williams is not only a talented weaver and teacher—she’s also got an incredible sense of style!

Try out an Uzbek tablet-weaving technique that uses two-holed tablets, learn the basics of backstrap weaving using a traditional Scandinavian-style rigid heddle, create reversible bands using a technique developed by fifth century Anglo Saxons, and explore the world of color as it applies to bandweaving.

These are just a few of the incredible classes we have planned—you can find the full course listings here, along with information about the instructors, the event, and how you can come and join the fun.

I hope to see you in October!

Christina