As weavers throw the shuttle from side to side, we’re all weaving the cloth of time – the weavers who came before and the weavers who will come after, connected with each pass of the shuttle. Past, present, future.
Join Contemporary Handweavers of Texas for our biennial conference, Nothing but Blue Skies, to celebrate time’s traditions, the essence of weaving and its storied history, and to embrace its future.
Use the tabs to the left to find out more about, teachers and classes, conference venue, members’ exhibit and fashion show, vendors and members’ sale, members’ exchange and volunteering.
Priority registration opens February 1, 2023
General registration opens February 15, 2023
Venue ~ Houston Marriott Sugar Land
16090 City Walk | Sugar Land, TX 77479 | 281-275-8400
Welcome to a landmark, just 15 minutes southwest of downtown Houston, where contemporary comfort and classic Texas charm converge. The Houston Marriott Sugar Land is located in the heart of the vibrant Sugar Land Town Square, surrounded by fabulous dining and delightful shopping venues all within walking distance.
Explore Sugar Land Town Square
Book your stay and get the conference rate!
Last day to receive the conference room rate is May 10, 2023.
Teachers ~ Classes
Pre-Conference Workshops:
May 31 – June2
Karen Donde | Weaving
Molly Elkind | Tapestry
Nathalie Miebach | Basketry
Barbara Walker | Ply Splitting
Kathrin Weber | Dyeing
Conference Classes:
June 1 – 4
Mary Berry | Spinning
Karen Donde | Weaving
Molly Elkind | Tapestry
Deborah Harrison | Weaving
Giovana Imperia | Kumihimo
Nathalie Miebach | Basketry
Carol Moseley | Beading
Lynn Smetko | Design
Marti Swanson | Felting
Laura Viada | Weaving
Barbara Walker | Weaving
Kathrin Weber | Dyeing
Lynn Williams | Design
Jessica Wilson | Social Media
Members Exhibit and Fashion Show
Start those looms, wheels, and dye pots!
Have you been exploring color and are excited about showcasing your discoveries in a new creation? Maybe you have taken a deep dive into a structure that has your creative juices flowing and are ready to take it to the next level. Is there a new pattern that you are dying to interpret in your handwoven fabric?
We all want to see your ideas come to life! Whether you are a beginning, intermediate, or accomplished weaver, this is a wonderful opportunity to display your work. More details will be released during registration, but here are some basic guidelines to help you get started:
Weaving, spinning, dying and felting entries are accepted.
2D and 3D art concept entries in any of the above processes. Household and utilitarian textiles are appropriate.
Wearables that will be featured in the fashion show can include fashion accessories and garments.
Awards will be given. Start today!
Sign-ups for the Fashion Show and Members Exhibit will be available when registration opens.
Vendor Hall + Member’s Sale
In addition to many exciting vendors selling fiber arts supplies and handmade items, Nothing but Blue Skies will also feature CHT Member’s Sale! The Vendor Hall and Members’ Sale will be open to the public.
Information on how to enter will be released with registration. See your newsletter for information on accepted items.
Sign-ups will be available to members when registration opens.
Challenge Project: Members’ Exchange Weather Pattern Napkins
Texas is the largest state in the continental United States and has a variety of climate zones. In fact, Texas has eight unique climatic zones, creating many types of weather throughout the state. This is the inspiration for our Member’s Exchange Challenge Project. Using the weather as a guide, participants in the exchange will design and weave a set of four napkins inspired by a weather event, occurrence, or pattern. Find out more.
We Love Our Conference Volunteers
The CHT Conference is planned and organized by a team, but needs attendees to serve as volunteers during the event. When our members join us as part of the team then things run smoother, instructors have support, the doors to the Exhibits and our Vendor Hall stay open, people connect, and everyone has a better, more engaged experience. All because someone says, “Yes”.
Learn about the jobs for conference volunteers here.
Where would you like to help? Let us know by completing the Online Volunteer Contact Form (coming soon).
Scholarships
Because the CHT’s mission is to support individuals and guilds in Texas through education and networking of the history, the craft, the art, fashion and innovation in weaving, spinning and related fiber arts techniques, CHT has committed to provide financial scholarships to our members.
The scholarship opens the door to opportunities to learn more about weaving, spinning, and related fiber arts techniques and share that knowledge with the CHT community.
Learn more about our scholarship programs here.
Priority registration opens 10a on February 1, 2023
General registration opens 10a on February 15, 2023
Membership will be closed to new members beginning January 15, 2023 at 12a and reopen February 15, 2023 at 10a to provide existing members priority registration for the CHT Conference.
Need help?
Here is a list of common problems and issues with conference registration.
- What dates do I need to keep in mind?
- Priority registration for current members opens Feb 1, 2023 at 10a.
- General registration opens for new members on Feb 14, 2023 at 10a.
- Last day to sign up for the Members’ Exchange, Members’ Sale, Members’ Exhibit, and the Fashion Show is April 15, 2023.
- The last day to withdraw and receive a refund is April 30, 2023. Withdrawal before April 30, 2023 are subject to an administrative fee ($15).
- Last day to make reservations at the conference hotel, Houston Marriott Sugar Land, and receive the special room rate is May 10, 2023.
- Conference registrations after April 30, 2023 will incur a $50 late fee. Registration will be open until May 27, 2023.
- See the CHT 2023 Registration Booklet for additional deadlines.
- I can’t see registration/entry form buttons on the website – The buttons will not appear for members until Feb 1, 2023 at 10a, and you must be a current member prior to Jan 15, 2023 to see the buttons, and furthermore you must be logged in to see any of the buttons for conference registration, fashion show, members’ exhibit, members’ exchange, etc. Your first step is to log in. If you still don’t see the buttons, you may need to clear your browser cache. Here are instructions for Safari on iPhone, Safari on Mac, Chrome and Firefox.
- I forgot/my dog ate/my cat chewed my password and I can’t login – you can reset your password by selecting the Lost Your Password? link at the bottom of the login screen. If you still have trouble, contact Nancy using this form by selecting the subject “Membership.”
- I want to join, but the website won’t let me – memberships are closed to new members between Jan 15 and Feb 14, 2023 to provide existing members priority registration.
- I already registered for the conference, I need to change or add something/I never got a confirmation email/something went wrong – you can contact Rebecca using this form and selecting the subject “Conference.”
- The website is displaying unintelligible gibberish/gives me an error message/won’t display anything – well I guess you can’t see this note either, but if you read this far, keep this in your back pocket … you will want to contact Laura using this form and selecting the subject “Website.”
Below are the main contacts for the various conference activities. You will only be able to see them if you are a member and logged in.