Ludlow textile artist on Maine tour map

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    LUDLOW — Laney Lloyd’s art studio is on the map, literally. Lloyd, a weaver, spinner and textile artist for about 30 years, is on the Maine Fiberarts Tour Map of studios and farms offering demonstrations and workshops this coming weekend, Aug. 7-9.
Pioneer Times photo/Elna Seabrooks
ARTIST AT WORK — Laney Lloyd, weaver, spinner and textile artist, is seen here weaving cotton dishtowels for a demonstration in Houlton. This weekend she will give free demonstrations in silk dyeing and weaving as part of the Maine Fiberarts Tour at her studio in Ludlow.
    Lloyd’s studio is number six out of 134 sites on the tour that also includes 18 fiber-related non-profit organizations. She will give free demonstrations in dyeing techniques and says she works mostly in silks because “it’s a fabulous fiber to dye and because of the sheen.”
    The demonstrations are free and Lloyd will also show visitors weaving on her computerized loom.
    Maine Fiberarts and the tour are the brainchild of Christine Macchi, executive director and founder who is encouraging residents and visitors to take advantage of “a fabulous chance to walk into a studio or be on a farm or visit a collection of antique spinning wheels so you can understand what goes into the making of handicrafts.” Macchi, a spinner and knitter herself, says she has “worked day and night to create the tour.”
    Lloyd is also excited about meeting visitors in her studio and says the map is good for three years. So, anyone who wants to visit or learn more can contact her and other artists on the tour.
    A transplant from Eugene, Ore. since last year, Lloyd says she is interested in seeing if there is interest in establishing classes. But, mostly, she says, “I’m here having fun and playing with yarn.”
    Lloyd is doing demonstrations at her studio, 867 Ludlow Road, Ludlow from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. To set up an appointment after this weekend, she can be reached at 267-0955.
    To read more about Maine Fiberarts or to download the map, visit www.mainefiberarts.org.