Welcome to the web site for the Mid-Atlantic Fiber Association (MAFA). MAFA is a non-profit organization whose objectives are to promote education in the fiber arts, to plan, organize, and conduct conferences, and to facilitate communication among member guilds.

MAFA represents nearly 60 guilds from 8 states and the District of Columbia in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our member guilds are located in NY, PA, MD, VA, NJ, DE, DC, NC, and WV. Individuals become automatic members through membership in a participating guild.

Associate membership is open to commercial enterprises, institutions, organizations, schools and individuals not in affiliated guilds.

Any organized guild of handweavers or related fiber activities located in the Mid-Atlantic region may be considered for membership in MAFA. Membership consists of timely payment of annual dues and entitles members to participation in the biennial conference, the MAFA newsletter, and the opportunity to apply for grants, which support mini-conference venues.

Each guild is allowed one representative and one alternate representative to send to the two annual general meetings held in October and May.

Guilds, individuals, or organizations wishing to join MAFA should go to the Joining MAFA page for further information.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Spring is almost here. New things to weave! Time to make plans for the summer and the summer beyond.

The MAFA Reps and the Board have been busy making changes so it is easier to access records and information of interest to you. Check with your Reps for specifics.

The Guilds have lots of interesting things going on that they are telling us about. That gives us inspiration for our own guild programs. Sometimes we are even invited to join in a workshop or two. These are always good and lots to fun!!!

The MAFA Weekend is gearing up. We have signed a contract with Marywood University in Scranton PA again. The dates are July 30 & 31 and August 1, 2009. Proposals have been coming in from prospective instructors. It is going to be a tough decision to choose.

The Board has decided to have the same small classes but more of them. That seemed to go over well with everyone. At the end of the last Weekend, attendees submitted suggestions. A good many of them have been adopted to make things flow more easily.

We are looking for guild help for the Weekend itself. We would like for a guild to volunteer for On Site Registration. That is a matter of giving out the packets when students arrive along with the Goody Bags. That generally is only for the first day.

We would like to consider some exhibits in ‘09. That could start with guild exhibits. Someone (usually a group) will be needed to coordinate. We did not have any exhibits last time for lack of volunteers. Since we had such a great time, maybe now is the time to do it again.

All of the key positions have been filled so you need not worry that we will tap you for a major job. If lots of people give a little bit of time, no one will need to give a great deal of time.

Mickie Schneider President MAFA

Conference 2009--preparations have already begun!

See the Conference 2009 page!

2007 Conference Photos!

Here is a photo gallery of the classes offered at the conference -- courtesy of Elisa Eiger

And here are photos from the conference fashion show -- courtesy of Elisa Eiger

By popular demand, a gallery of the many items donated by guilds for the Goodie Bags given at the 2007 MAFA Conference!--courtesy of Lori Wall