 A Weavers Valentine
Almost 40 years ago, in a tiny yarn shop in Victoria, four skeins of fine silk yarn were purchased by a young man for his new bride. Soon after, in a small apartment in Seattle, she measured a warp from one of the skeins, tied some resists, and dyed the yarns. She intended to use four colors, but never got further than the first dyebath. Later on, the warp was unwrapped and the web woven. Pale and disappointing, her weaving and the three remaining skeins were kept with other textile treasures, the glimmer of a dream to make Ikat. Within a year, the young woman’s activities changed focus, with the necessary intent of contributing to the costs of rent and groceries. Time went on. Thread and ideas continued to accumulate, even as the days were filled with other worthwhile work. Money was saved, plans were laid, looms were acquired, dye pots materialized…. This morning I measured a warp, tied resists, and prepared to scour the yarns, before preparing an Indigo vat. 2021 is the Golden Anniversary year for the Whatcom Weavers Guild. Our group started in 1971, as the Whatcom Textile Guild. The name changed in 1998 to Whatcom Weavers Guild, due to the majority of members being weavers. The WWG textile community continues, welcoming anyone with an interest in fiber/textile arts. When I joined in 2009 or so I was not sure if I could still remember how to weave, but persisted, inspired by a spinning, knitting, basketry, felting and weaving community. The Guild keeps going this year, as we manage pandemic precautions, organize zoom and email study groups, sign up for online courses, weave one at a time at the Jansen Center, make appointments to check out books from the Guild Library, and touch base with one another through phone calls, emails, social media, Zoom meetings, and this newsletter. For me, Ikat Dream 2.0 is assisted by a book and an online workshop. Artist, Dyer, Weaver, Professor Mary Zicafoose, interviewed in the first “Textiles & Tea” program aired by the Handweavers Guild of America, has written “Ikat, The Essential Handbook to Weaving with Resists.” This new book provides the guidance I needed so many years ago – when I didn’t have the space, the time, or the focus to fully realize my Ikat dreams. And the Maiwa School of Textiles has transitioned to offering workshops online. “Journey Into Indigo” is leading me through all the steps necessary for successful Indigo vats for dying, on silk, wool, cotton and linen. My textile practice commitment this year is to planning and follow-through, attention to all the necessary procedures, learning from the experts, keeping track and keeping notes. Giving it the time it takes. Taking breaks to look around, be inspired, touch base with friends. Perseverance, Patience. Yarn, Dye, Weave, Textile. Commitment. Practice. Fifty Years of the Whatcom Weavers Guild. I am so glad to be here with all of you! Carol Berry WWG President To read the entire newsletter please click here. To see details about our upcoming meetings and events please click here. To see who our board members are please click here. To browse through our "Resources" page please click here.
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 Endings, Beginnings, and a year that has been “A Bit Wonky”
The January Newsletter heralds not just a month and season, but also a New year. Every year we look to the turning over, what’s been accomplished, what events have passed, what are our goals, what do we anticipate? This little time between the two mid-winter holidays is more than ever, a time for some reflection. Gratitude: I am well, with enough food, a warm, dry place to live and plenty of string! Gratitude for the work I am able to do with my hands, which occupies my mind, pleases my senses, and keeps my loved ones warm or dries their hands when it’s finished. The past month has seen the passing of two long-time weavers associated with the Whatcom Weavers Guild. Linda Rees, a founding member and career tapestry weaver, passed away in December. A few of Linda’s remaining tapestries, including one simple and charming piece titled “A Bit Wonky” are looking for homes. Rowlanda Hughes, limited by a life-long disability, found satisfaction in weaving, assisted in recent years by Weavers Guild members who dressed her table loom regularly, passed in December also. Gratitude that there is still some warp left on my loom(s) figuratively, and literally. I received two lovely weaving books as gifts recently, and I am inspired by what I am reading to approach familiar weaves in a new way! But First… Two looms have the remainders of scarf warps on them – in each case, the first scarf has been woven, cut off, finished and gone to a happy recipient. Now, time to re-tie, and weave the second half of each. Nice to have some weaving to do without having to make big new decisions before getting started. But then…I get to start a new program of color and cloth for the year. By the time you read this, I will be finished with a 12-thread Andean Pebble Weave band, and have a wider, more ambitious band on the inkle loom. A small portable project is a welcome break, and I am so pleased to have braved the world of online learning this past year. It’s something I would not have done if I didn’t have to – and I am so glad I tried it! With my new-found tech-ish confidence, I have signed up for two new projects in 2021. The Maiwa School of Textiles Indigo Course – taught online for the first time ever. And FiberWorks Weaving Software. Yes, I’m getting started with drafting software, thanks to the gentle persuasion and awesome support of a wonderful mentor. Also still learning in the old-fashioned way, looking at new and old weaving books, and experimenting with “what-if’s” on the loom, adapting known structures to try them out in new ways. Looking forward to seeing you, via Zoom – and maybe at the front porch or garden gate – remember, you can request a book from the Guild Library, anytime, and pick it up curbside! Between online resources, mentors, ongoing projects, and the books and videos in our Guild Library, the Public Library, and on your own shelves, I hope there is inspiration enough for all of us, to keep our spirits up as we enter into a new and hopeful year. Carol Berry WWG President To read the entire newsletter please click here. To see details about our upcoming meetings and events please click here. To see who our board members are please click here. To browse through our "Resources" page please click here. |
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