Metrothreads is an online and live fiber arts community based in the Baltimore/Washington area for personal and community growth in the exciting field of fiber arts. In 2006 I, Debra Gabel, wanted to start an East Coast Fiber Group for art quilters. After some research I met Carole Lyles Shaw and together we birthed Metrothreads. This has become a very exciting forum online and in person.

Today, Linda Shiffer, owner of Seminole Sampler in Catonsville, MD and I oversee the Yahoo site and organize the meetings. There is a quarterly live quilt/fiber show-and-tell meeting typically held in Howard County, MD at Debra Gabel’s studio. It is very inspiring and exciting!

Once gathered at the meeting, artists will display and present their work to the group. There will be an opportunity to mingle and make your own connections. You may bring your own water and snack to have during the meeting. You are also welcome but certainly not required to bring a finger snack to share with the group if you would like. The show is open for viewing by non-member visitors.

The original meeting of Metrothreads had 25-30 people in attendance at my home in Clarksville. In August 2008 we had 67 members. In September 2009 we had 79 members, and to date (3-2010) we have 88 members. Metrothreads has been the birth place of several smaller special interest groups. We have special groups that meet and talk about dying, mixed media, critique groups and other specific topics. If you would like to join the Metrothreads fiber arts group please send an email to debra@zebrapatterns.com and she will send you a personal invite to join the Yahoo group.