April 2025 Newsletter

I know those of us at the March guild meeting really enjoyed Janet Dawson’s talk on stash busting. For me it opened up a whole new way to use up all my little bits and ends and make it look creative. I was even so inspired by stash that after the meeting I went to Nadia’s fundraiser for Ragfinery and bought 8 more cones. Good thing the husband was out when I got home, and I could sneak it into my weaving room!!

April to me is all things lilac. I started with 2 bushes, and am now up to 4, as I keep falling in love with new varieties. My current favorite is the sensation lilac – a purple flower with white edges. I only wish I could make their blooms and sweet fragrance last longer. But soon enough other flowers come up and make me smile. I like dark rich purples and light lavenders – just all things purple. And as I grow more talented and curious as a weaver, I try new and interesting color combinations to remind me of my favorite flowers. While nature truly is the master designer, I must admit we have many talented folks in our guild, and I enjoy show and tell each month. I can’t wait until June for the grand parade of creativity. 

Please DON’T FORGET --- the April meeting will start promptly at 12:30pm. We can get into the room at 12noon to set up, then our speaker starts at 12:30. Come and learn about Sprang. The business meeting and show & tell will follow the speaker. See you on the 19!


​Meg Spaulding
WWG President 2024-2025
Stash Busting
April Weaving Colors

April 2025 WWG Program

The WWG April meeting will be held at the Bellingham Public Library on Saturday April 19. The meeting room is in the lower level of the library; go down the stairs/elevator just inside the front door.
Whatcom Weavers Guild strives to be available and accessible to all members. With this goal in mind, we would like to ask any member or guest that is attending a meeting or other WWG function to refrain from using perfumes or strongly scented lotions or other products for the health and safety of our members who have allergies or respiratory problems. Thank you for your consideration.

​Set up and Social Time: 12:00-12:30
Program: 12:30-1:30   -   Carol James - Sprang

Carol will begin with a discussion of sprang, videos of how it works, and a few examples of the way sprang can be made up into bags, shirts, socks etc. 
For the second part she will take a quick run through the history of sprang, starting with bonnets from bronze-age Scandinavian finds, through ancient Greece and Rome, Egypt, and on to Renaissance Europe. I’ll show slides of artwork depicting sprang, sprang in museum collections, as well as my own re-constructions of these pieces.
A 3rd section will focus on a specific project.
​
Social Time and Break Down: 1:30-2:00
​There is no mad dash to leave, we have the room until 2:30. Your help is always appreciated in stacking chairs when you are done visiting!
Membership update

74 renewals and new membership applicationss have been received as of March 29th. Thank you!
E-mail reminders are being sent to 2024 guild members who have yet to renew for 2025. Your deadline is Tuesday, April 15th (midnight) to complete an Online Membership Form or the print version of the Membership Form and pay your dues. If you do not renew by Tuesday, April 15th, you will be removed from the WWG membership email list for WWG emails about newsletters and other information.
The annual WWG Membership Directory is moving to a PDF copy emailed to members, planned for late April. Also, it can be printed and e-mailed to members upon request.

Questions? Please contact me by email at [email protected] or [email protected].

Weaver’s Yarns

This new section is dedicated to YOU, the amazing weavers in the Guild. Marion will be contacting people each month for a short “get to know you” spotlight. She’s going to try to get a good mix of long-time and newer members. Your intrepid newsletter writer agreed to be the guinea pig for the first installment. I also hope that you (yes, I mean YOU) will help fill this space with short articles on whatever strikes your fancy. Have you seen something amazing in a museum? Taken an interesting class? Met a weaver on your travels? Taken a photo that screams “tapestry”? Shoot me a quick email at [email protected] so we can all enjoy your stories – I mean yarns!
Member Spotlight
​
  • First name. Tricia
  • How did you find out about WWG and how long have you been a member? I heard about WWG from Leslie Ann Bestor, during a Spindrifters guild meeting. I was newly retired and looking for hobbies that would keep me learning new things over time. I signed up for Leslie Ann's beginning weaving class at the Jansen and loved it so much I bought her 36" Schacht floor loom "Annie". I am in my second year of weaving and membership.
  • Share briefly about your weaving interests and activities. I am working my way through the Jane Stafford online classes to learn new techniques (currently in season 4) and try to get at least one local class a year – usually at the Jansen.
  • Tell us about one project you have on a loom, needles, or other fiber "device." I am tackling the Guild Challenge! I had a simple mental picture of what I wanted to do, and it has gotten more and more complicated as I have gone on. Who knows what it will end up being.? I knit in the evenings and am working on a stranded color sweater for myself. On the spinning wheel I'm making more yarn for the hats that I knit for the Blaine community warm clothing drive each year. 
  • What else do you enjoy doing? I have a large organic food garden each summer and find my chickens (pets with breakfast benefits) highly amusing.
  • Anything else? I've gotten even more introverted since 2020, so I'm not good at starting conversations. I'm not unfriendly - just tongue-tied!
Tricia at the Jansen

​​News from Committees and Interest Groups

For more descriptions and information about each of the WWG Study Groups, please see our web page for Education.
The Tapestry Focus Group
​​
The tapestry focus group continues to meet in the Large Conference Room at The Ferndale Library on the First Monday of each month from 1pm-3 pm.  Topics will vary from meeting to meeting, but will always be something new, exciting and different.
 
Sheila Atwater
Tapestry Focus Group coordinator
[email protected] 
Text:  360-201-0818
The Rigid Heddle Weaving Study Group
​
The Rigid heddle study group will be meeting on zoom. If you are curious or thinking about joining a study group, come join us. There is no obligation or cost, and you can discover what we have planned. We will be meeting approximately monthly online to provide support and encouragement and quarterly to show our projects.
If you would like to receive a zoom invite, please email Meg Spaulding at [email protected]
Ikat Study Group

​The Ikat Study Group is continuing this year, with self-directed learning and meeting semi-monthly for sharing and show and tell. We are working through the projects in the book Ikat The essential Handbook to Weaving with Resists, by Mary Zicafoose. The group meets at the Jansen Art Center.
For more information, please contact Carol Berry, [email protected].
​Band Weaving Group

The Weavers of the Band meet to discuss projects and techniques.
Contact Cindy Harris for more information.
Online Workshop Opportunities

Although we do not currently have a Workshop chairperson, please see our Study Groups page for a list of recommended online courses and other learning opportunities.
Norwegian pick up band
Driveway parties  (a.k.a The Loomatics)

We are taking a break for the winter.  See you next May!
Sharon Allen, 360-305-0111

Community Outreach

Whatcom Weavers Guild sponsors several Community Outreach programs. For more information about these projects, please access the Community Outreach page on our website:
  • Small Looms at the Bellingham Library Skill Share Space
  • Hospice Washcloth Project
  • The Sno-Cap Project
Small Looms at the Library
(12 noon–3PM)
We continue to hold our Small Looms sessions at the Bellingham Library Main Branch on the first Saturday of each month from noon to 3PM.  We are also seeing a steady increase in the numbers of people stopping in to see what we have to offer.  This means we could use more volunteer help each month as well. Just bring a small project that you are working on to demonstrate what we do. Then be prepared to answer questions and maybe even get someone started on a project of their own using the materials we provide.  Please consider joining in the fun and being a volunteer, there is a sign-up link in the outreach section of our website. Thank you.
 
Sheila Atwater, Education and Outreach Chair
[email protected] ​
Small Loom gathering
Hospice Washcloth Project
​
The total washcloths made in March was 64. That brings our total to 491 out of the 1000 we hope to donate by June. Is it possible to make a huge push in May and June???
Instructions for weaving washcloths for Hospice:
  • Use un-mercerized cotton yarns, 60-100% works the best.
  • The finished cloth should be 10”x10”
  • They do not need to be fancy. Plain weave is fine.
  • You can choose the weight and sett that you prefer to make a soft, medium weight cloth.
  • Please use lighter colors. No black, navy, brown or dark greens please.
  • A machine sewn edge is OK for the finish, as is a short fringe.
  • Bulky hems are discouraged. ‘These cloths are folded small to fit into the kits.
  • When finished, wash in hot water and mild detergent.
  • Dry in the dryer with no softening agents.
  • These cloths will be used once and offered to the families to keep as a memory keepsake.
  • When weaving, please keep the purpose in mind and weave with care and love.
 
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Sheila Atwater, Outreach Chair
[email protected]
Hospice Goal Chart
Washcloths by Addie Pobst

Whatcom Weavers Guild Libraries

WWG Equipment Library

​Contact Sharon Allen at [email protected] for information on the items available.
WWG Book and Literature Library
​
The Whatcom Weavers Guild Library is a collection of over 700 books, magazines and DVD’s.  Primary for weaving, but including all forms of fiber art.  The collection is listed online, utilizing Librarything.com, a free service for libraries of all types and sizes. No password required.
While this gives you a list of all the books and magazines in the library, it does not tell you if your item is currently available.
Email Carol Berry at [email protected] to check available and arrange for porch pick-up.

From the Jansen

Classes and Dye Days at the J

Here are the J’s upcoming classes! Mark you calendars and sign up!

Coming up, we have:
April​​​​
  • Block Printing with Dyes with Sheri Ward, Thursday, April 3
  • Ikat Workshop with Carol Berry, Thursday, April 17 & Saturday, April 26 (separate workshops; sign up for them individually)
  • Felted Picture with Donna Hunter, Saturday, April 19
May​
  • Overshot Weaving with Sheri Ward, Fridays & Saturdays, May 2 - 10
  • Wet Felting & Bead Work with Dana Murphy, Tuesday or Wednesday, May 6 or 7 (kids)
  • Beginning Tapestry with Val O’Conner, Fridays, May 23-June 13Beginning Weaving with Darlene Mathias, Saturdays & Wednesdays, May 31 - June 14
  • Woven Wrist Bands with Dana Murphy, Wednesday or Thursday, June 25 or 26, (kids & youth)
June
  • Indigo Dyeing with Sheri Ward, Thursday, June 5
  • Leaves & Fishes Basket with Judy Zugish, Saturday, June 14
  • ​Summer Camp (kids), June 24-27
  • Woven Wrist Bands with Dana Murphy, Wednesday or Thursday, June 25 or 26, (kids & youth)
​July
  • Hand painted Combed Top with Erica McCurdy, Friday, July 11
  • Botanical Printing on Paper with Wanda Johanson & Wendy Pare, Wednesday, July 16
August
  • Paint with Natural Dyes with Erica McCurdy, Saturday, Aug. 2
  • Indigo Dyeing with Sheri Ward, Thursday, Aug. 7
  • Eco Dyeing with Natural Dyes with Wanda Johanson & Wendy Pare, Tuesday, Aug. 12
  • Natural Dye Day with Erica McCurdy, Friday, Aug. 15
September
  • Ikat Workshop with Mary Zicafoose, Wednesday-Friday, Sept. 17-19
To register and  for more information please visit here. For some classes, the website listing will not yet show the class - save the date and check back!

Classified Ads

For Sale & ISO (In Search Of)
​
Please keep ads clear and concise, with title of item for sale, asking price, an accurate description, and your name, contact information, and general location. Photos must be in jpeg format, and emailed as attachments, rather than embedded in your email.
Looms for Sale
The Jansen Art Center Textile Studio has two floor looms for sale, both Nilus LeClerc 4-harness looms. One has a 47” weaving width and an asking price of $300, the other a 36” weaving width and an asking price of $250.  They are in reasonable, but not perfect shape.  If you’re interested, please contact Sheri Ward at [email protected]. 
Leclerc Loom  47" 1
Leclerc Loom 47" 2
Leclerc Loom 36" 1
Leclerc Loom 36" 2
Leclerc 8 Shaft  24” loom
LeClerc 8 shaft loom with 24" weaving width. Sectional beam (removable). Has a wheeled cart for taking to classes. Comes with 5 shuttles and 6 reeds sizes 6,8 10,12,15, and one that could be either 12 or 13. Very good condition.
$600

Kate Slaminko
[email protected]
Cell: 206-349-7633
Leclerc 24in 1
Leclerc 24in 2
Leclerc 24in 3
Leclerc 24in 4
36” LeClerc Loom

36” 4 Harness Loom for sale with bench and storage space on top of harnesses. $300
​
Joyce A Noordmans
[email protected]

Upcoming events of interest to Guild members!

Front Street Arts Festival

The Jansen Art Center will be hosting its second annual Front Street Arts Festival on Saturday, July 26.  It was a great event last year, for both the guild and the J textile studio.  Save the date and come join in the fun!


Small Expressions Exhibit from HGA

We are very pleased to announce that the prestigious Small Expressions Exhibit will be on display at the Jansen Art Center from Oct. 9 to Dec. 30, 2025. This is an annual juried exhibit sponsored by the Handweavers Guild of America and consists of high-quality textile art from all regions of North America. To complement this exhibit, we will be hosting special events with local textile artists, demonstrating and discussing various forms of textile arts - felting, tapestry, harness loom weaving, dyeing, and more. If you would like to participate in those kinds of events, or help plan them, please contact Sheri Ward at [email protected].  


Navajo Rug Exhibit

The Jansen Art Center will soon be hosting an exhibit of Navajo rugs, which will be on loan from Ron Polinder. Ron has an extensive collection of Navajo rugs, which he wishes to share with the community. You may have seen some of his rugs at the Wool Show at the Northwest Washington Fair a few years ago. The scheduled opening of this exhibit is on Thursday, April 10, and the rugs will be on display for a couple of months, time period yet to be determined. (And, apologies: the last newsletter stated that the opening was on April 3; April 10 is the correct date.) 

The J also continues to display original tapestries by Jim Davenport, which are also well worth a look. 


Textiles a la Carte

The Jansen Art Center will begin having a “no host” drop-in textile get-together on the third Thursday of each month, starting at noon.  Bring your lap work and spend some relaxing time with your fiber friends in the Piano Lounge of the J.  The first get-together will be on Thursday, April 17.


The Shifted Warp Ikat Scarf with Mary Zicafoose, Sept. 17-19

Ikat is a revered and exciting resist-dye fiber process resulting in graphically beautiful 
woven cloth.
This three-day workshop provides instruction in eight distinct ikat warp shifting techniques used to create classic patterns and high contrast design in a woven ikat scarf. Students will dye their ikats in an indigo blue synthetic dye bath using Procion MX dye. This workshop requires experience in winding a warp, warping a loom, and weaving. Previous dye experience is not necessary.
Participants in this three-day workshop will design, wrap, dye, and weave a classic blue and white shifted warp ikat scarf. The scarf is the format for teaching and learning the basic techniques of the warp ikat process. Each student will stretch a warp for their scarf using warp yarns and a warping board they have brought to class or borrowed from the studio. The warping boards will be secured to workshop tables using two 3” C-clamps, either brought from home or borrowed from the studio.  A variety of ikat wrapping techniques will be demonstrated. This is a unique opportunity to work in person with Mary, an experienced ikat weaver.
Registration for this workshop will be opening soon!  It will be password-protected for guild members only for a couple of weeks, then open to the general public.  Stay tuned for an email notice with the password!

​Our Monthly Show & Tell

Submitting content for the newsletter

The deadline for submitting content for the newsletter is 5:00 p.m. on the last Sunday of the preceding month, unless otherwise specified.  The newsletter will be on the WWG website around the first Sunday night of each month or in the first few days of the following week.  The goal is for members to be reading the newsletter about mid-way between Guild meetings and programs, which are on the third Saturday of each month.

Please send content for the next newsletter to [email protected] or [email protected] with “newsletter” included in the subject line. 

For photos and images, please send individual JPEG files (please no .tif, .png, .gif etcetera), as attachments only! Do not embed them in the body of your email. Text can be typed into the body of an e-mail or be sent as a Word document that is saved as a doc or docx but not as a PDF.  Contact Tricia at [email protected] if you have questions.