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December 2020 Newsletter

Some years ago, possibly during a previous administration, I put 25 yards of 16/2 cotton at 60 epi on my big loom with the Drawloom attachment and 20 pattern shafts. It is a magical loom, and I love it, but it does not weave itself. Last week, I finished that warp! It will get a new warp in December, or maybe January, but for now I have draped it with colored twinkle lights for some winter cheer and I’m letting the sock monkeys play on it. This warp produced numerous quirky Damask tea towel experiments including birds, flowers, little dogs, and a copy of a Swedish ladybug design. I worked these designs out on graph paper, because, although I look up weaving drafts and project ideas on the internet, I still don’t have weaving software. Pencil, graph paper, and a big eraser from the art supply store. At some point, I will take the plunge into the advantages of weaving software, (this will require a new computer) but for now I have everything I need, even if it is slower and a bit messier.

This year I broke my own rule about not decorating the house before Thanksgiving. A pandemic calls for extra measures. Colored twinkle lights on the porch in early November. LED lights, so they can be left on 24/7 without running up the electric bill. I also made molasses sandwich cookies with cream cheese frosting. Weaving patterns aren’t the recipes you can find on the internet.

Our Zoom meetings and programs continue, with popular approval! A first for me this month has been taking a weaving workshop online! Laverne Waddington’s Andean Pebble Weave Pick-up on Inkle Loom workshop was awesome! I didn’t think I would be able to do it, and I can. Laverne sent out handouts ahead of time, we pre-warped our looms, and she went through the techniques step by step, on Zoom – with video slides and in person instruction. This works. Our Zoom visit to the Ikat workshops in Uzbekistan in November was beyond inspiring.

I am grateful for the roof over my head, friends and loved ones staying sensibly safe, plenty of string waiting to be transformed. As we head into the darkening winter, I am also thinking of those in need. I am embarassed to realize that our Guild “Snow Cap” project had fallen below my radar in the pandemic. There is plenty of need, and plenty of time before spring, to make use of the extra odd bits of yarn and keep hands busy making scarves and hats for folks who need them. Read the announcement in this newsletter for where to drop off contributions for local distribution. Need yarn – or have too much? Ragfinery is open again, by appointment only for drop off, and socially distant shopping! Or list your fiber-related extra stuff in the WWG Newsletter Classifieds. My “extra” 8-shaft table loom found a good home with a new weaver, who is now a new member of our Guild!

And finally, believe it or not, spring may be sleeping but it will soon be on its way! Neighbor Joan was out planting last-minute daffodil bulbs this morning. Wendy saved seeds from her gorgeous fluffy Salmon pink poppies to sprinkle in late fall, for blooms next year. Mine are spread in the garden now, and I still have more, if you would like some!

Hoping you are warm and safe, with just enough of everything you need, ​
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Carol Berry
2019-2020 WWG President

Please Renew Your Membership!

Membership renewals are due in January.  In order to update our files, we are asking everyone to fully complete a 2021 Membership Form.  (Click Here for Membership Form) The form has been revised to provide more information that will help the Guild plan for the future.  Please mail your check and form to the address at the bottom. Also, please fill out the entire form. Writing “same” or “no changes” is not enough. We may need to refer back to a form to make sure our information is accurate. Thanks for supporting your Guild!

Guild Meetings and Programs – Winter 2020 & 2021

​Online meetings and programs using ZOOM will be the norm, at least through June 2021. A Zoom meeting invitation will be sent to all members a few days before each meeting.


December 19 - Zoom Business Meeting, Potluck, Show and Tell.
Bring snack and a beverage for one! 
Meeting starts at 10 am - break 11-11:15, 
Potluck and Show & Tell starts 11:15am - 12:30pm. 
Zoom link will be sent the week before.
January 16, 2021, Handweavers Guild of America
Have you ever attended National Handweavers Convention? Wondered how the Convergence Conferences come to be? Learn about Convergence, the Certificate of Excellence Programs, HGA Publications, the scope of weaver’s guilds throughout North America and beyond, from a representative of the Handweavers Guild of America, in the January 2021 Whatcom Weavers Guild Program.

Meeting starts at 10 am - break 11-11:15, 
Potluck and Show & Tell starts 11:15am - 12:30pm. 
Zoom link will be sent the week before.
February 20, 2021 – Judy Newland, Navajo Weaving and Culture
Navajo weaving is a mirror of the Social, economic and political history of the Navajo People of the Southwest. Judy Newland, retired faculty in Museum Anthropology at Arizona State University, and director for the ASU Museum of Anthropology, will take take us through an illustrated look at the history, designs, motifs and iconography of Navajo textiles. A weaver, spinner and dyer for over 40 years, Judy has relocated to Whatcom county and is now a member of the Whatcom Weavers Guild.
​
Meeting starts at 10 am - break 11-11:15, 
Potluck and Show & Tell starts 11:15am - 12:30pm. 
Zoom link will be sent the week before.
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Announcements

Snow Cap Project – 2020/2021

It is not too late to start making hats and scarves for those in need, continuing our annual “Snow Cap” project, shepherded for many years by Guild Legacy member Barbara Snow. The coldest days are yet to come, and over 700 people are without permanent shelter in Whatcom County, as of last count. Interfaith Coalition connected us with Ronalee Kincaid, who is collecting hats and scarves at her home during COVID.  She distributes them through schools, CAST (Interfaith’s Coffee And Sandwiches Together meal program) and by taking them to sites such as the current tent encampment at City Hall.
The current drop-off location is near Bellingham Tech School.  Contact Ronalee/Project Warmup at 360-393-1283 to arrange a drop-off time. ​
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​Attention all Tapestry weavers or anyone who might be interested in learning about Tapestry Weaving
 
I want to recommend a new book for you to consider.  It is “The Art of Tapestry Weaving” by Rebecca Mezoff.  and just released this month.  This book is for beginners to advanced weavers. It is easy to understand and is illustrated with lots of beautiful photographs.
 
It includes chapters on; equipment (review of the different looms), materials for warp and weft, techniques of shape building, design and color, fixing problems, finishing and display tips, plus lots of other hints and tips.  Even if you have taken some of Rebecca’s courses, I find it a useful resource for easy reference.
 
Currently it is available through Amazon for $24.12 and all other booksellers for $35.00.  The public library does not have it yet, hopefully in the future.
 
Submitted by Sheila Atwater

Kumihimo Wishes Project – Seiko Purdue
​

WWU Fiber Arts Professor SeikoAtsuta Purdue has invited the community to share in a Kumihimo project, which will be exhibited at the Jansen Arts Center in 2021. Seiko is planning to hang 365 pieces of Kumihimo collected from participants, as well as one big Kumihimo piece. If you would like to participate by weaving a small Kumihimo cord, kits are available at NW Yarn and Social Fabric. For more information about the project click here.
Guild Library contents online

Dori Painter, the Guild’s librarian is pleased to announce that the entire library inventory can now be viewed online (click here to see the inventory). The magazines and other resources are now also being uploaded to the site.
Guild Library new check-out procedure

The majority of items in the Guild Library have been moved from St. James Church to Carol Berry’s Studio in Bellingham. Books, magazines and videos can be accessed two ways:
A book or video can be requested and Carol will pull the request, fill out the check-out card, and place the book in a bag on the enclosed porch to be picked up at a pre-arranged time. 
Guild members can make an appointment to view the collection in person and select items to check out. Studio visitors will be required to be Covid symptom free and wear a mask at all times while in the building.

The Guild Library is located about 1.7 miles from St. James Church, in Bellingham. There is a bathroom, with handwashing and hand sanitizer available, adjacent to the room where the books are kept. Appointments to access the Guild Library are available most days of the week, between 9 am and 4 pm. Contact Carol by email to make an appointment info@whatcomweaversguild.org. She will give you the address and a number to text or call before your arrival. 

For those who have checked out a book and haven’t been able to return it for the last 6 months, You can return your books now! Send an email to info@whatcomweaversguild.org, with book return in the subject line. Carol will get back to you about dropping it off curbside at the Studio. A reminder message will be sent out soon to folks who have books checked out. ​

Sweltering (or Shivering) in Place

Napkins from the Early American Workshop
These napkins were still on the loom I used during Laurie Duxbury's workshop, back in March, and are now finally finished.
The warp and weft are 40/2 linen, natural colored linen in the warp, sett at 36 epi. The pattern is an extended point twill.
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The workshop instructions were for a white weft across a natural colored warp. I wanted more color, so the others are with a red or rust weft.
Before this, I had the idea that napkins were pretty low on the list of items a hand-weaver might make - too much time, fuss, and for what? For something you could buy cheap at a big box store? I'm now a convert. These napkins are lovely and definitely worth the time.
Round Robin Tea Towels
A small group of us gathered at the Jansen Art Center and made a set of tea-towels, round-robin style. We each chose colors and patterns separately, and warped up a table loom. Marilyn and Susie each did a straight draw threading, which then could be woven as plain weave or twill. Patty chose a huck pattern, and Sheri an M's and O's pattern. Then we took turns weaving on each other's warps.
These are all 8/2 cottolin, sett at 18 epi.
We had a great time making these towels, and enjoyed each other's company. ​
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Sheri's M's and O's, Patty's huck, Susie's straight draw, and Marilyn's straight draw

2020-2021 Guild Challenge(s)

Every year, the Challenge committee dreams up a fun challenge for our collective creativity! Last year’s Challenge yielded lovely results, based on founding member Linda Rees’s lifetime collection of yarn color wraps. It was fun just to see all of Linda’s color schemes, and choose what we liked, or what we thought would help us “push the envelope” creatively. The results included tapestries, towels, a tote bag, shawl, scarf, Inkle bands and more!
This year, we have several source ideas to challenge us, which can be pursued separately, or combined. 
Whatcom Weavers Guild 2021 Challenge Options
“World’s Best Handtowels - from VAV, the Swedish Weaving Magazine
This handtowel pattern is a reconstructed draft, based on handtowels woven at the “Hamsta Home” a care home for men with disabilities, in Timro, Sweden. The latest issue of VAV - available in the Guild Library, has an article about the origin of these towels and the author/designer’s personal connection. The project requires a four shaft loom, and is very suitable for a table loom or a floor loom. The project will be warped on the Guild Table Loom, and a narrow version, for mug rugs, will be warped on the Guild’s tiny “Structo” loom, which members can check out of the Library and take home for weaving. 

VAV magazine has generously provided us with a PDF of the project instructions and draft for these towels. (Link to PDF here) As designed, they are woven in 16/2 cotton, two threads to a heddle. They can also be woven in 8/2 cotton, or in 22/2 cottolin, one thread to a heddle. Bonus Detail: These towels are finished with a zig-zag stitch and a sweet little fringe - no hemming! ​
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Sophie Bardsley-Tayor is weaving the VAV Challenge hand towel pattern as mug rugs on a structo loom.  A happy weaver!
“Bento Bag” - from Handwoven Magazine
Several members have made this type of bag, in a class at the Ragfinery. Very simple sewing! We had a little discussion about making a Bag as a Guild Challenge this year. And then there it was in the latest issue of Handwoven!  If you don’t subscribe, the magazine is available in the Guild Library. The project as shown in the magazine was woven on a rigid heddle loom. It could be any type of fabric of medium weight and drape. All it takes is a piece of medium weight cloth 3 times as long as it is wide.  A section of “World’s Best Hand Towel” fabric, from the VAV project, would work very well!

ANWG 2021 Conference Colors 
The “Worlds Best Hand Towels” as designed, call for a natural unbleached warp, and any colors you like for stripes in the weft. Bobbin buster!  OR - Use the ANWG conference colors for Fiesta stripes, and triple your challenge accomplishment. (Link to PDF of the ANWG Conference Colors)
Samples of the Bockens Cotton versions of the Conference colors, in 16/2 and 8/2 will be available at Carol’s Maple Street Weaving Studio.

Whatcom Guild Challenge Details
Start planning now to complete 1, 2, or all 3 parts of the 2021 Challenge. We will set up an online interest group, ask questions and chat about our progress. The Big Reveal, where we show off our results will be the May and/or June Meeting Show and Tell sessions.  We also share photos of Member Challenge projects in monthly newsletters, as they are completed and submitted.

If you would like assistance planning your project, ordering yarn or assessing the usability of yarn you have, measuring a warp, dressing a loom, or want to borrow a table loom, email info@whatcomweaversguild.org, with WWG 2021 Challenge in the subject line.
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ANWG 2021 Challenges (from Susan Torntore)
Susan has information about the Conference Challenges for the ANWG 20121 Conference in Salem, OR, next summer! See the ANWG Notes below for details and links.

Study Groups, Fiber Show and Share Options

  • Sakiori (Japanese Rag weaving) on rigid Heddle Study Group – contact Susan Torntore or Mary Oates
  • Andean Pebble Weave Pick-up Band Weaving online Interest Group -Wednesdays at 9 am – via ZOOM – contact Carol Berry or Sharon Allen to join the group.
  • Photo Carol Berry lap top case with pick-up band strap& handles
  • Sharon Allen, Andean Pick-up band
  • Susan Torntore, Andean Pick-up Band

Member Show & Share 

Please prepare to share your work at the December Guild meeting – be sure to take pics before you wrap everything up and send it off to loved ones on your gift list! Please send photos and a short description of your fiber work to the WWG Newsletter editor marilyn.olsen@comcast.net, or to info@whatcomweaversguild.org.

The Jansen Art Center & current Covid restrictions

In compliance with the state directive in effect through Dec. 14, the Jansen Art Center plans have changed, as follows.

1. The Winter Textile Explorations Exhibit will be rescheduled for some time after the turn of the year. Many thanks to those of you who already submitted items for this exhibit. We have some lovely items, but would like to have more. If there's something you want to enter in the exhibit, stay tuned for a notice about entry submissions in this newsletter or via email.

2. The Beginning Weaving class, which has three more class sessions to go, will be rescheduled for early 2021, when it is considered safe to do so.

3. All planned study groups - ecodyeing, rigid heddle, tapestry, and so forth - are on hold for now.

4. Studio time is still possible, but the J is unlikely to be open to the public before the turn of the year.

​There is now some availability of studio time at the J, even with its current closure. We may have one person at a time in the studio.  That’s one person in the front studio, one person in the back studio with minimal contact and sanitizing and tracking procedures.  This will be especially valuable to those of us have gotten started on various projects and would like to continue with them.

You need to make an appointment through Sheri, so she can coordinate the schedule.  Available studio times are roughly Monday through Friday, 9-5, but only by pre-arrangement.

After Dec. 14, we may be able to resume studio time with more than one person in a room at a time, but that depends on state guidance.  The J is unlikely to be open to the public until after the turn of the year.

Thanks, and stay well!

Videos You Might Enjoy

Muppets are Fiber Art and more! Amazing Color, Texture, Sound, Humor, Inspiration & Cheer.
Muppets Perform Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody:

How to submit to the newsletter

Have something to add to the newsletter?
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Whatcom Weavers Guild Newsletter welcomes news about textile related activities.  We do not accept commercial advertisements of goods or services.
Please e-mail your submission to:  Marilyn.Olsen@comcast.net.
Your submission should include: title of event (e.g Eco Dyeing Workshop), name of Instructor or group leader (e.g. Donna Hunter), and location, time and cost (if any).  It may also be helpful to give directions to the location.
If you are including any photos, they must be attached to the e-mail and be in JPG format. (Do not embed the photo in the email.)
Deadline for submissions is the 25th of the previous month.  (e.g. deadline for March would be February 25).
We do not charge for listing sale of weaving or spinning equipment.  Please see the listing in this issue for an example.  Your ad will run for 60 days. ​

Online Resources & Activities (Header)

Our guild members are enjoying the Zoom Programs and our monthly meetings, and lots of other resources available online. Handweaving.net, The Norwegian Textile Letter, Seattle Weavers guild Instagram, Jane Stafford Online guild, maiwaschooloftextiles.com are just a few.
Due to the uncertainty around us regarding how and when organizations may again begin meeting and/or holding events, we are not able to provide updated information. Below is contact information for the groups in our area.


Olympiaweaversguild.org
Whidbeyweaversguild.org
skagitvalleyweaversguild.org


Maiwa School of Textiles – Free online mini-workshops
Textile supplier, Clothing and textile retailer, and Artisan Foundation: Maiwa, is preparing to offer the Maiwa School of Textiles Online! Maiwa is launching a new online presence with a collection of free lessons on Natural Dyeing. Topics covered include Fibre Types, Water PH, WOF (weight of fibre
) to Setting up your Dye Studio – whether it’s a separate space or a corner of the garden.

News From ANWG
​

​The Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds (ANWG) is located in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories and the Yukon.  ANWG provides services and support that might not be available to the individual guilds such as a classifieds ads site for members.  Your membership in the Whatcom Weavers Guild includes full access to ANWG.
 
The ANWG newsletter address is:  newsletter@northwestweavers.org
 
Susan Torntore is the guild’s voting  representative to the ANWG board. Questions about ANWG?  Contact Susan Sjtorntore@gmail.com.
 
Fiber Connections,  the 2021 ANWG Conference will be held at Willamette University, Salem, OR, June 7-12.  Workshops will be held Monday-Thursday, seminars will be on Friday and Saturday.  Check the conference website for more information.
 
Open and Juried Show Exhibits include a runway show and a towel exchange.  Calls, entry criteria forms and deadlines can be found here.

The Conference Colors Exhibit offers attendees to create a space where they can present items in the conference colors including towels, garments, yardage and other items.  For further information visit this page.
 
Towel Exchange:  Stay tuned for More information about this popular activity.  
STUDY GROUP OPPORTUNITY—Weaving Challenge ANWG Noh Coat
ANWG Conference 2021 in Salem OR

The ANWG challenge is based on the work of American fashion designer Bonnie Cashin. The Noh Coat was one of her iconic designs from 1950s-1970s, and Threads Magazine generously provided a pattern for the challenge (Oct/Nov 1990 No.31).

This study group will:
Provide the Threads article and coat pattern
Learn the designer’s inspiration and philosophy for this the garment
Explore the innovative handwoven fabrics that Cashin used in her designs
Sample some of Cashin’s and other fabric structures to design our own coat fabric
Make a full size pattern and muslin/fabric coat samples that fit us
Explore methods of binding our coat fabric, even making our own handwoven binding

If you are interested in joining a ZOOM STUDY GROUP for this challenge, beginning in September, email Susan Torntore (sjtorntore@gmail.com).

Get ANWG Challenge info here. ​

Classified Ads

Note! If you have fiber supplies or equipment that need re-homing, you can place them in the Classified section of the newsletter. An 8-shaft table loom listed has found a good home – and its new owner is now a member of our guild! ​
Pendleton Loom for Sale
Mary Pendleton Handweaver, Sedona
4-shaft Jack Loom for Sale
48” wide, 6 treadles, Bench, extras
$2,000 for all, OBO. Any reasonable offer considered
Contact Valorie Swenson, vkswen@gmail.com
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Ashford upright Tapestry Loom   $65.00
Weaving area; 29" x40"  Loom size:  66" tall x 47" wide
Instruction Book and sword included.
Contact:  Sheila Atwater
sheilag1948@comcast.net 

360-201-0818  
Floor Loom for sale:
Nilus Leclerc, 4 harness
36” weaving width, 43” total measure across
43” tall
Folds up to 14” width (front to back) when not in use
Comes with 2 reeds, lease sticks and 2 boat shuttles
Asking $800.     Sedro Wooley 
Please call Dorothy at (360) 856-1727. 
Ddefremery@cnw.com
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Ashford upright Tapestry Loom
Old handmade loom from Sweden
4 shaft counter-balance

Outside dimensions 50” wide, 42” long and 58” high
In good weaving condition around 100 years old.
Including
Bench, 40” long, 10” wide and 24” high
4 reeds, 50/80, 14/90, 35/110 and 60/110
4 shuttles
2 Temples
Heddles
Texsolve cord kit
Threading and Reed hooks
3 boxes of weaving material including a table runner kit
And lots more not shown here
Total package $700
Karin 425-387-6727 Camano Island, WA
karinrainier@yahoo.com

Please click here to see photos.
Glimåkra Standard Counter Balance loom 120 cm/47”
Outside dimensions, 51” wide, 58”long and 65” high
4 shaft and 10 treadle
Including:
Big handmade winding board
3 boxes of weaving material including a couple of table runner kits.
Bench also from Glimåkra 35” long15 wide and max 28” high
7 reeds (carbon) 30/120, 35/120, 50/120, 70/120, 80/120, 90/120, 100/120
Reed rack
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4 shuttles, Swedish- style and 2 roller shuttles
3 temples 12-18”, 18-30” and 28-48”
Heddles and a heddlemaker,
Texsolve cord, anchors and arrow pegs
Threading and reed hooks
Spool rack
Total package plus lots more $2000
Karin 425-387-6727
Camano Island, WA
karinrainier@yahoo.com

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Please click here to see photos.
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