Out & About is a monthly blog series celebrating the vibrant communities that support and inspire fiber artists. From local meetups to virtual gatherings, we will highlight the many ways artists come together to share skills, spark ideas, and build lasting connections. In the world of fiber art, community isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a vital part of the creative process.
This month, we’re shining a light on the Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance. We hope their story inspires you to connect, create, or even start a fiber community of your own.
Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance Building; mural by Riley Kitchin
Riley Kitchin; building mural
Is a light-filled space in Chamblee, Georgia. SEFAA offers a creative haven designed with fiber artists in mind. The facility includes a spacious studio for hands-on workshops, a dedicated wet room for dyeing, a retail shop full of textile treasures, and a lending library rich with resources. The SEFAA Center is open to the public for browsing and events, with rentals available to both members and non-members (at discounted rates for organizations), while individual members enjoy free library borrowing. The Center sees the most visitors on weekends, during exhibits, and for fiber meetups.
It’s a welcoming, well-equipped space where makers of all levels can learn, grow, and create. And for those beyond Georgia, SEFAA also hosts online gatherings, from community stitch-ins to workshops with guest instructors and vendors.
What truly makes SEFAA special, though, is the strong sense of belonging. Members connect regularly through events like the Weekly Lunchtime Fiber gatherings—relaxed, judgment-free meetups for stitching and chatting, in person or online—and a Monthly Book Club that sparks conversation and creativity. One of the most anticipated events of the year is the Square Foot Fiber Art Pin-Up Show, a free, nonjury exhibition open to all ages and skill levels. With only one rule—use a textile technique and keep it to 12×12 inches—it’s a joyful celebration of creativity and community.
Jane Hutchens; Kiss Me I’m Yours; 2024; wool, wool canvas; needle felting; 12 x 12 in.
SEFAA’s Square Foot Fiber Art Pin-Up Exhibit
Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance Library
That spirit of inclusion and inspiration was on full display when Paige, a high school art teacher from New Orleans, joined a SEFAA workshop led by Nigerian-born artist Gasali Adeyemo. Learning traditional resist-dyeing techniques and exploring Yoruba culture alongside fellow makers, Paige left feeling empowered to bring what she learned into her classroom. “It’s important to me as an art educator,” she shared, “to bring cultural histories that may not otherwise be presented in the public-school curriculum to my students.”
SEFAA’s reach is wide, but its heart is local—rooted in connection, creativity, and care. For anyone hoping to find or build their fiber art community, their message is simple: don’t wait for permission. Start small. Host a stitching circle. Show up. Whether it’s weaving or dyeing, quilting or knitting, fiber art has always carried stories—of identity, memory, resistance, and love. And your passion just might be the spark that helps weave something beautiful.
Make sure to check out their website: https://fiberartsalliance.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sefiberarts/
Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance Retail Shop; Embroidery Kit
Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance class; 2024; traditional Yoruba Indigo resist dyeing techniques with renowned Nigerian-born artist Gasali Adeyemo
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Cami Smith is the Fiber Art Now media manager, community engagement coordinator, and a mixed-media artist.
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