MAFA 2019 Keynote Speaker: Tom Knisely

The Conference Committee is pleased to announce Tom Knisely as our 2019 keynote speaker. A local favorite with both spinners and weavers alike, Tom is much adored as a teacher and mentor in the fiber arts community. Tom has made his career from his interest and love of textiles from around the world. He has been studying, collecting and teaching others about weaving and spinning for more than four decades, making him one of the most well-versed weaving instructors in North America.

In addition to teaching, Tom weaves professionally and is a frequent contributor to Handwoven magazine. Voted Handwoven’s Teacher of the Year, Tom is renowned among his students for his kindness, good humor, and “seemingly infinite” knowledge on the subject of weaving. Tom is the author of three books – Weaving Rag Rugs, Weaving Baby Blankets, and Table Toppers as well as star of several how-to videos, in which he has shared his fiber knowledge far beyond our region.