February 2021 Newsletter

​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.
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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
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