Whatcom Weavers Guild
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March 2020 Newsletter

Joy of Color ​
Everything around sets me to thinking about color this week! Seeing colors in the sunshine gets very exciting. Varied shades of purple are showing up in the crocuses in my yard. Purple and white are the colors of the Nooksack schools. How is this related? Well, “Big Bob” our 6-foot tall frame loom, is going to Everson Elementary for the whole school to weave a community tapestry! Purple warp yarns pulled out from leftover stash were perfect for the warp. We will set up the loom, train the teachers and volunteers, then return to help them take it down and finish the ends. It is exciting to reach out and help engage kids, teachers and volunteers in weaving. When kids participate in the technology of weaving, where the warp is held stable on a loom structure and the over and under creates a fabric, there is a hands-on understanding of simple machines. The interlacement of warp and weft is also a 3-dimensional analogy of relationships that support community. Text and Textile come from the same root word, texere, to weave. “Text” and “texture” can refer to the way words and sentences are “woven” together. We speak of “weaving” a tale or “spinning a yarn.” The Everson School Tapestry is created from yarns and fabric strips woven by each student into the warp we have prepared for them. The Everson weavers can opt to write their names or a message on the ends of the strips of cloth they weave in, adding to their story of community.
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Magenta, Orange, purple and gold are the colors in the wrap I chose for the Guild Color Challenge. I have ideas for three or four projects using Linda Rees’s original yarn wrap and have made a couple more wraps with different yarns. One project, a scarf with alternating sheer plain-weave and fluffy twill stripes, is almost off the loom. Two stripe sequences to go. Weave-it software, an inexpensive program that loaded onto my phone, is helping work out possibilities for an 8-shaft Deflected Double weave version, where the colored stripes can make woven circles, squares and zig-zags. The big reveal is coming. I’m excited to see how all our colors shine in the weaving, knitting, felting or other fiber projects we choose. For new and experienced weavers, Color Challenge takes on new meaning for learning, community and possibilities in May, when we host Sarah Jackson for a color weaving workshop!

Welcome to Guild newcomers! There is still time to participate in the 2020 Color Challenge, to sign up for workshops, and this summer all are invited to join in engaging visitors at the Fair with demonstrations of our craft, entries in the wool and weaving show, and weaving on “Big Bob”! 

The filtered light of our northwest shows off colors beautifully in shade or rain, but a day, hour or minute of sunshine does get me excited for summer, weaving, and community. Fiber is good for you. 
​
​​Carol Berry,
2019-2020 WWG President

Dues are due!

Have you paid your dues?
We now have 50 membership renewals for 2020 – thank you to all of you who continue to support our guild in so many ways!
The process of purging our e-mail lists of unpaid members will begin on March 1.  Those who have not renewed by that date will no longer receive e-mail notifications of meetings, special events, etc.  We know that several of you are snow-birding and will rejoin us in the spring.  If you choose to wait until your return to pay your dues, remember you can still keep up with Guild news on our website but without that personal touch.
To pay by mail, please fully complete the Membership Form (click here) and enclose it with your check.  The form has been revised to provide information that will help ensure that you get the most from your membership.  When completing the form, please do not write “same” or “no changes” – we want to make sure our records are up to date.
We have an exciting year ahead – join us!

Upcoming Guild Programs and Workshops​

Wrapped in History
​

Presenters: Linda Gettmann and Isabelle Fusey
When: March 21

Where: Jansen Art Center
Time: Guild meeting begins at 11:00 a.m. followed by show and tell and lunch break. The program will begin at 12:30 a.m.
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​This program features a review of historical weaving from by Linda Gettmann, one of the participants in ANWG’S project, Wrapped in History. Linda is from Bend, Oregon and is a member of the Central Oregon Spinners and Weavers Guild. Two of Linda’s towel designs inspired by 20th Century weavers have been published as projects in Handwoven Magazine in 2017 and 2018.
(See Upcoming Events at the Jansen Art Center in this newsletter for further information about this ANWG project.)
Double Weave on Warp-Weighted Looms
Presenter: Kay Larsen
When:
April 18
Where: St. James Presbyterian Church
Time: 
Guild meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by show and tell and lunch break. The program will begin at 1:00 p.m.
This program will include a slide presentation on the use of traditional Viking warp-weighted looms to produce double woven coverlets and will be accompanied by a look at woven samples and a warp-weighted loom demonstration.
Sarah Jackson Color Confidence Workshop
Presenter: Sarah Jackson
Where: Whatcom County Fire District 4, 4142 Britton Loop Road, Bellingham 98226.
When: May 1-3
Times: May 1: 10-4
May 2: 9-4
May 3: 9-4


Course description: This workshop is suitable for both beginning and experienced weavers.
Students will explore color compositions, learn how weave structures impact color interaction and discover fresh ideas for developing color studies. Included will be presentations, discussion and weaving (but is not a round robin workshop). Students will gain:
* a greater understanding of how colors interact in woven cloth
* how to sample effectively
* how to evaluate ideas for cloth using sample color combinations.
Everyone will leave the workshop with woven samples.


Equipment and supplies:
Each student will need a 4 shaft table or floor loom. (Looms will also be available to rent.)

Total cost: $115 + a $45 materials fee. (A pre-wound warp for each student will be mailed to Sharon one month prior to the workshop). A selection of more than 100 colors of 8/2 cotton for weft and many handouts will be available for use at the workshop.
A $50 deposit will assure your reservation.
Please mail your deposit check to: WWG, PO Box 403, Bellingham, WA, 98227 
For further information, please contact Sharon Allen (Sharon.newchapter@gmail.com)
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Samples of weaving and yarn warps from the 2019 Sara Jackson Workshop for the Skagit Valley Weavers Guild.
“Sharing my knowledge, experience and expertise gives me an opportunity to encourage other people and inspire them to be confident in their own creative ability. It will be a privilege to share my passion and skills with your Guild.”
Sarah Jackson
October Guild Meeting and Felting Workshops

Instructor: Flóra Carlisle-Kovács Guild program
What: Two one-day felting workshops: Felted flower jewelry and mosaic scarf
When: October 15-16
Where: Jansen Art Center
Registration: There will be a short time of restricted registration for Guild members and members of the felting interest group.
Guild Meeting: October 17, Jansen Art Center Chamber Hall. The program meeting will begin at 11:00 am and the program will start at 12:30 or so.
Description: How shrinkage works and how we can use the staple direction in order to shape a garment.
More details soon!

Community Outreach

Small Looms Group
​

When: First Saturday of each month (February 1, March 7, April 4)
Time: noon – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham
Bring your rigid heddle, inkle, kumihimo, card weaving, tapestry or other projects. Or come without a project to support this monthly outreach. You can stay all or part of the time.
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As you can see from these photos, this event is open to participants of all ages.
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Snow cap
61 knitted and woven scarves and 30 hats ready for delivery to Interfaith Coalition. 40 more went to homeless youth staying in the emergency shelter sponsored by Northwest Youth Services, the City of Bellingham and the Congregational Church of Christ.
Everson Event
​

From February 24-27, kids, their teachers and volunteers had a great time at Everson Elementary School weaving this beautiful tapestry. Some of you may remember “Bob” the loom from last year’s Northwest Washington Fair.  
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Announcements

New Newsletter Editor Elected

Guild member Marilyn Olsen is now the editor of the newsletter. She joined the Guild after moving from Indianapolis, Indiana in 2004, retiring from a career in public relations, marketing and publishing. You can see that we have now created a slightly new format for the newsletter and welcome your input. (Marilyn.Olsen@comcast.net)


Have something to add to the newsletter?
​

 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.  
Guild Library Contents now 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.

Upcoming Classes/Workshops at the Jansen Art Center

In addition to offering formal classes with an instructor, the Jansen Art Center offers a wide variety of informal groups that are generally led by a coordinator, but are designed to be group experiences where those involved learn from each other. Classes and workshops held at the Jansen Art Center require that reservations and payment be made through the Jansen Art Center. (jansenartcenter.org, click on Textiles).
​Early American Textiles Workshop
​

Instructor: Laurie Duxbury
When: March 10-12
Where: Jansen Art Center
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $265.50 (JAC member), $295 (non-member)
Materials fee ($5)
Prerequisites: Students must be able to warp a loom and weave independently

Description: Come learn how to weave textiles that were in common household use during the 18th and 19th centuries. Students will weave a number of samples of different fabrics. For this workshop, we will weave Cotton Toweling, Wool Blanketing, Linsey Woolsey, Huck a Buck, Ms & Os, Spot Bronson, and Overshot and Linen Napkins. All were common structures used for household linens and clothing. In this three-day workshop we will weave on pre-warped looms in round robin style. Spend time with friends connecting with each other while remembering the weavers of the past.
If you have any questions feel free to email me, laurieduxbury@mindpsring.com.
If you have yarns you already own and want to use them, let me know and I can advise you as to appropriate setts, etc. 
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Beginning Weaving

Instructor: Sheri Ward
Where: Jansen Art Center Textile Studio
When: March 20, 27, April 5, 12
Time: 1-4 pm
Cost: $145, Materials fee: $15


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Description: This class will introduce participants to basic weaving techniques, project planning, loom preparation, critical vocabulary, fiber characteristics and finishing techniques. Students will use the Jansen’s 4-harness table looms (included in the fee) learn to warp the loom, then weave a sample of plain weave and twills. The sample can be used as a scarf, table runner or pillow cover.
Wrapped in History

​Presenters: Linda Gettmann and Isabelle Fusey
Where: Jansen Art Center
When:
March 21
Time: 11:00 am


Linda Gettmann and Isabelle Fusey are two participants in ANWG's study group "Wrapped in History". An exhibit of items woven from historical drafts was on display at last summer's ANWG conference in Prince George. (See more details about ANWG later in this newsletter).

​They will review many of the historical publications related to weaving, such as Atwater's Recipe Book, Keep Me Warm One Night, The Coverlet Book, Robin & Russ pamphlets, Shuttle Craft Monographs, and old Weavers publications from the 60's. Isabelle will also share what she’s learned from Complex Weavers study groups that focus on historical textiles (Oscar Bériau, Early Weaving Books and Manuscripts, and Archaeological Textiles) and from the Weaving History Conference in Clayton, NY. Isabelle and Linda will also show several samples woven from historical drafts.

They will be joined by Deborah Staehle, ANWG 1st Vice President, from Federal Way.
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Tapestry Explorations

​Instructor: Joyce Noordsmans

Where: Jansen Art Center Textile Studio
When: April 2, 9, 16
Time: 1-3:30 pm
Cost: $112.50
Felted Slippers

​Instructor: Donna Hunter

Where: Jansen Art Center Alley Workshop
When: April 18
Time: 11 am – 3:30 pm
Cost: $55
Color & Weave

​Instructor: Sheri Ward
Where: Jansen Art Center Textile Studio
When: May 5, 8, 12, 15
Time: 1-4 pm
Cost: Class fee: $145, Materials, $15
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Beginning Spinning

​Instructor: Chris Paul

What: Beginning Spinning
When: 3 Saturdays, May 9,16, 23
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Where: Jansen Art Center Textile Studio
Cost: $63


Beginning Weaving

Instructor: Sheri Ward
When: June 2, 5, 9, 12
Where: Jansen Art Center Textile Studio
Time: 1-4 pm
​Cost: Class fee: $145, Materials $15
Jansen Studio Showcase Exhibit

What: An exhibit of work by students and instructors of the various studios, including textiles, ceramics, painting and jewelry.
When: March through April. 
Exhibit opening, Thursday March 5, 6-8pm.
Where: Jansen Art Center Library

Time: Any time the Jansen Art Center is open

Cost: No charge

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Fall Fiber Showcase 2020

​What: Guild members are invited to exhibit textile creations

When: September-November
Where: Jansen Art Center
More details coming soon!
Eco-Dyeing Study Group

Coordinator: Mary Oates
When: First Tuesday of the month
Where: Jansen Art Center Alley Workshop
Time: 11:00 – 5:00
​Cost: $10 per person paid to coordinator
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Samples of eco-dyed scarves
NOTE: There are also on-going study groups in felting, eco-dyeing, rag rugs, block twill towels and soon-to-be-formed study group for double-width blankets.
Go to Jansenartcenter.org for details and registration.

Other Things that Might Interest You

Spindrifters

​Spindrifters Spinning Guild is a no-dues spinning group based in Whatcom County. It is a registered member of the Northwestern Regional Spinners’ Association.
What: Spindrifters Spinning Guild
When: Meets 2nd Saturday of most months
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m (ish)
Where: Nancy Giordano’s Farm, 2030 E. Smith Road, Bellingham
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Dyeing, soaps, lotions, felting, spinning, weaving, botanicals.
​

Please check my website as my schedule is always changing and usually current. Liz Moncrief, www.aweaversway.com. 970-692-3949
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​From the Whidbey Weavers Guild

Meetings: are on the first Thursday of the month. Bring your brown bag lunch and cup.
Time: 10:00 to 2:30.
Place: 15 NW Birch Street, Coupeville, WA 98239
Website: www.Whidbeyweaversguild.org



​The Global Language of Headwear

An exhibit of hats from all over the world and 
felted hat making workshop with Flóra Carlisle-Kovács
Where: Whatcom Museum of History and Art
Downtown Bellingham
When: Exhibit: February 1 – April 26
Felted hat making workshop, March 22
Cost: $100 museum members, $120, non members
More information: www.whatcommuseum.org


Fibres West 2020

Where: Langley Events Center in Fieldhouse, B.C. Canada
When: March 13-14
Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
For more information: fibreswest.com

Muslin Monday

​What: Muslin Monday
When: March 16
Where: Hillside Room at the Burlington Library
Description: Making hand sewn buttonholes. Skagit Valley 3rd Monday Spinners will be meeting on the other side of the room.


​
From the Olympia Weavers Guild


What: “Point of Departure-Arashi Beyond the Pleat” workshop
Instructor: Kris Abshire
Where: McLane Grange, 931 Delphi Road, Olympia, WA
When: April 18-19
Cost: $160-$240 depending on number of attendees. ($100 non-refundable)

Description: Kris does shibori dyeing, but goes more than one step beyond. Silk is only the beginning with this dye-resist art form augmented in class by various surface design applications. Fiber reactive dye for silk and wool will be used.
For more information: Workshops@Olympiaweaversguild.org
Bobbin Lace

What: Bobbin Lace Heart Art exhibition
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3 and May 9-10 10am-6pm
Opening reception, Friday May 8, 6-8pm
Where Crescent Beach Pop-up Gallery: 12160 Beecher St., Surrey, BC
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Stehekin Spinning Rendezvous

What: Color Blending
When: June 5-8
Where Stehekin Valley Ranch
Instructor: Georgean Curran
Cost: $469.50/person +tax+ materials fee. Includes boat fare, 3 night stay, all meals.

Learn how to use 3 primary colors to spin a color wheel of yarns and spin beehive art yarn.
Call 509-682-4677 for further information. 

News From ANWG
​

The Whatcom Weavers Guild is a member of ANWG, the Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds. This organization is an association of fiber arts guilds located throughout the Pacific Northwest United States and Canada. ANWG provides support and information to its members. It also sponsors an association-wide conference every two years. The Whatcom Weavers Guild partnered with the Seattle Guild to plan the conference held at Western Washington University in 2013.
Each guild is encouraged to designate a Guild member to attend ANWG meetings and keep member Guilds up to date on ANWG activities. Susan Torntore is our guild’s representative.
The next ANWG conference (Fiber Connections) will be held at Wilamette University in Salem, Oregon, June 7-12, 2021.

Challenge Project

ANWG also offers its members the opportunity to be a part of challenge project. For this conference, the challenge will be based on the work of American fashion designer Bonnie Cashin. The challenge will involve the creation of a NOH Coat which was one of her iconic designs from the 1950s – 1970s and was featured in a 1990 edition of Threads Magazine.
For further details on this challenge, contact Susan Torntore (Sjtorntore@gmail.com)

Classified Ads

​The Whatcom Weavers Guild will accept non-commercial classified ads for those who wish to sell weaving or spinning equipment or supplies. The ad will run for 60 days, unless the seller would like to extend the ad a month or so. Please also notify the Guild if/when the item is sold.

Ads must contain:
The name of the item (e.g. LeClerc Wheel, 5 bobbins, the instruction book).
Condition of item (e.g. nearly new, seldom used).
Cost: (e.g. $300)
Location of item: (e.g. Bellingham- but not your street address).
Your e-mail address : or some other way a potential buyer can contact you. (We don’t recommend you publish your phone number).

Photo: Please attach any photos to your e-mailed ad request. All photos must be in JPG format. Send add information to: Marilyn.Olsen@comcast.net.
1947 Gilmore 22” Maple Floor Loom and Accessories for Sale

1947 X-Frame (folding) 22”, 4-harness, 6 treadle floor loom plus numerous accessories. This loom was acquired from the estate of the seller’s grandmother, a life-long weaver living in Santa Rosa, California. This maple loom is in excellent condition and still retains much of its original lacquer finish. The harnesses and jacks are straight and run free. No repairs, alterations or refinishing have been done by seller other than minor surface cleaning and replacing the treadle cords with Texsolv cords and pins. Due to its folding design, this loom is easy to move from room to room with no need to disassemble. Included with the loom are several hundred stainless steel heddles, all in excellent condition. Also included are 22 dory-type shuttles and 3 reeds, which have been cleaned and re-taped. Unfolded, the floor dimensions of the loom are approximately 36”W X 44”D X 40”H.

Accessories include a seat bench (31”W X 11”D X 23”D) with two end drawers for storage, a warping creel rack, and numerous odds and ends.


Also included are the following books:
18 Shuttle Craft Guild Monographs: ##2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21,22, 23, 25

Heritage Linens with Modern Ideas by Young (monograph)
Vavbok by Odlund (Swedish monograph)
Home Weaving by Beriau
Adventures in Weaving by Greer
Loom Construction by Hjert and Von Rosenstiel

Seller will also include a skein winder.
​

Price is $995, but reasonable offers will be considered. Loom is located at our home north of Bellingham near the airport and is available to view. If interested, contact cathytuttle@comcast.net. 
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  • Gallery
    • Ode To Joy: Our Story
    • Linda Rees
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