August 2021 Newsletter

The Colors of Summer

Pale yellow-green lemon cucumbers, a blush of red on a green cherry tomato, brilliant pink zinnias with tiny yellow crowns, red Canna lilies. It was a joy to come back to the colors in my home garden, after a road trip through Yakima to Boise, Idaho. This was a work trip for my husband, on a tight schedule. We were rolling with the Big Rigs! As navigator, I got a great view out the passenger window, but sadly, no yarn-related stops. Still, there was plenty of inspiration.

Near Richland, we saw truckloads of onions – think of all those onion skins for dyeing. Once in Boise, we had a rest day, strolled through the Simplot Plaza – a city block of indoor and outdoor event and play space, liberally decorated with complex, brightly painted antique tractors – and visited the Boise Art Museum. Textile works by Artists Marie Watt, Lisa Kokin, Rudy Kovacs, Kathryn Spence, and prints by Gee’s Bend Quilt Artists Louisiana and Mary Lee Bendolph thrilled and inspired me. The textile-based work of Suchitra Mattai, installed in the large hall, is stunning! Visit the Museum website to see for yourself!

Back home now, catching up with my Natural Dye workshop homework. The colors of summer, indeed! I had not done iron shift before, and the changes are amazing. Next is indigo overdye, then labeling every sample for reference. By the time our August meeting rolls around there will be a complete set of color options to share for show and tell.

Study Groups are the program for August, and you will not want to miss it! We will meet in person at Fairhaven Park again with the opportunity to stay after the meeting to spin, knit, weave with small looms, talk, share and plan what we might like to learn and do during the indoor days of Fall and Winter. Starting up or joining a study group is simple, and a great way to expand your options for fiber connections, learning and fun all year long.

Warmly,

Carol Berry, President

View from the Road, “rolling with the Big Rigs”

Load of Onions “Look at all those onion skins!”

Plant Dye samples, with iron color shifts

Lichen and roses, color inspiration from the Gardens of the Boise Art Museum

Guild Meetings and Programs - 2021

August 21, 2021, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Speed Dating for Your (first or next) Study Group

Study group members will share about their experiences and will have samples of their studies on view. Current study groups are: Andean Pebble Weave, Rigid Heddle, Tapestry, Jane Stafford OnLine Guild, Eco dye (this one on hiatus).

Location: Fairhaven Park, Upper Picnic Shelter, 107 Chuckanut Drive N, Bellingham

The upper Picnic Shelter has close parking available for about ten cars, level access for loading and unloading, and has disability access. There is a larger parking area down below.
WWG has the shelter reserved from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A brief business meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. There will be time after the meeting for show and tell.
The shelter has 8 large picnic tables with benches, a counter and sink at one end, an open area and restrooms at the other end. There is an ample grassy area around the shelter, with spotty shade.

Please Bring:

Your lunch, water, or beverage (Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the park)
Your own chair
Show and Tell items
A portable table if you have one, for displaying your show and tell, and/or working on your small project.
Please wear your name tag if you have one. We have many new members and want to make it easy for all of us to connect names with faces.
Hat, sunscreen.
Pen & paper for taking notes.
Small looms, spinning wheels, and other portable fiber activities encouraged!

September 18, 2021 - Kris Bruland of Handweaving.net

Handweaving.net is a weaving archive containing thousands of historic and modern weaving drafts as well as digitized versions of old textiles documents produced by Ralph Griswold. As of this writing in early 2019, Handweaving.net is nearly 15 years old and remains ever popular among weavers!
I am Kris Bruland, a software architect living on Whidbey Island, near Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. and the author of this site. My wife helps with Handweaving.net and our kids tolerate it. Weaving is just one of my many interests and it represents a particularly rich subject area when combined with math and computer science, two other things I also enjoy.
Fabric drawdowns naturally incorporate beautiful geometric patterns, and there are quite a few books and papers on textile mathematics related to the expression of threads interleaving to form cloth. Patterns and symmetry are particularly appealing to me and I notice them in nearly everything.

October 16, 2021 - Rowen Schussheim - Tapestry

Rowen Schussheim-Anderson has been pushing the boundaries of traditional tapestry weaving for over two decades. Her studies in New York and Arizona put her in touch with both time-honored fine arts and indigenous craft traditions. Cloth in our culture does not bear historical or religious significance, as with many indigenous peoples; nor do we often recognize the power of textiles as clothing for the body and soul. Schussheim-Anderson’s tapestries explore the power of textiles as bearers of meaning—thick, embellished warps tangled and rich enough to hold the meaning and power of messages.

November 20, 2021 - Liz Moncrief - Handweaving Design using a Computer Program

Liz Moncrief and her husband & dog moved to WA from CO in the spring of 2014 after retiring from the US Forest as a Forester and Land Manager. Liz is a frequent Handwoven author for Yarn Labs, project articles and blogs - many of which cover loom mechanics and repairs. She also rehabs 3-4 looms a year and then adopts them out to students. She instructs beginning weaving for Skagit College and tutors individuals, but also offers several more advanced weaving workshops and guild programs. She maintains a studio for teaching and can be found online at Www.aweaversway.com.

Intro to the Marvelous World of Computerized Drafting. This program uses the two major drafting programs available for download onto your own system - Fiberworks and Tempoweave. Both programs offer essentially the same tools, just in a different format. This is designed to be an INTRO to computerized drafting to dazzle the newbies and bring them onboard. Current users will pick up a few tricks, too.

*Zoom meeting link will be sent to members within a few days of the Sept 18, Oct 16 and Nov 20 programs.

Announcements

Study Group Start Form

The form for members wanting to start-up a new study group is now on the Guild website here. Please contact Mary Oates with any questions.

Volunteer opportunities at the Northwest Washington Fair, August 12-21, 2021

Here is information also emailed to members in July by Carol Berry from Kirsti Ramirez, Wool & Natural Fibers Superintendent:

Hello. It’s fair time! Considering the effects of COVID over the last 18 months, it’s exciting to have the opportunity to teach rising generations about the wonderful world of wool and natural fibers and give the community an outlet to express their creative talents.

There are a few changes to the fair this year. Our exhibit will be held in the barn. Because it’s a new building, we will be unable to hang displays on the walls. Also, in order to negate crowding, there will be a directional flow through the building and all displays and demonstration areas will be cordoned off to mitigate exposure to others. Demonstrations will not be hands on this year but for observation purposes only.

If you are interested in being a demonstrator, please let me know so I am able to submit the requisite paperwork. The fair is August 12-21st from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Demonstrators will not be required to stay the entire day. We are hoping to have a weaving or spinning demonstration once each day. The time will be pre-determined by the demonstrators’ availability.

There will always be at least two volunteers/clerks working the exhibit area during fair hours. The building will be locked during the times when the fair is closed. The demonstration area will be cordoned off so equipment will remain undisturbed. I think it would be wonderful to incorporate spinning wheels and looms into the exhibit for display. Any equipment can be brought on August 11th and set up prior to the event.

Thank you for your time and consideration. It is greatly appreciated. Feel free to contact me anytime with questions or concerns. I look forward to working with you.

Regards,
Kirsti Ramirez
Wool & Natural Fibers Superintendent
(360)366-6760
[email protected]

Support Our Local Yarn Stores (LYS)

Here’s a reminder that Northwest Yarns in downtown Bellingham is offering a 10% discount to Whatcom Weavers Guild members, a good incentive to shop locally. They have the Jaggerspun Heather line on hand, Lunatic Fringe cotton, along with other weaving yarns, and a great array of roving, tools, and knitting yarns.

News from the Jansen

The J is now open to the general public noon to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
In September, the hours will expand to 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday; and, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Check the J's website if you have any questions.

The tradition of "open studio" on Thursdays has returned, Noon to 5:00 p.m. You are welcome to come in and work on projects, and there will be someone on hand who might be able to help if you encounter a problem of some kind.

If you wish to work in the studio outside the hours the J is open to the public, you may do so Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please email Sheri Ward at [email protected] to make arrangements.

Double-Wide Blanket Group at the J

The double-wide blanket groups are making good progress. On the loom for the smaller blankets, the first blanket is about half done. The loom for the larger blankets is being threaded and will soon be ready for weaving.

We were happy to learn that Northwest Yarns carries the Heather line in the store, which has been helpful in selecting colors and buying some sample weft yarns.

Jane Stafford Canvas Weave Study Group

A study group for Jane Stafford's lesson on Canvas Weave is making good progress, and is about half done with its weaving. We'll have some samples available for you at the guild's August meeting.

Eleanor Jansen Navajo Saddle Blanket Study Group

Many of you have admired Eleanor Jansen's Navajo Saddle Blanket rug that hangs in the hallway of the Textile Studio. In honor of Eleanor's 100th birthday this Aug. 17, the Textile Studio is hosting several events centered on Navajo saddle blankets.

First: Eleanor's loom, in the front textile studio, will be warped for a Navajo Saddle blanket, with "Eleanor Jansen" name-drafted into the threading pattern. It will be available for you to weave your own saddle blanket. This project is designed for you to weave a small rug, approximately 18" x 27", using your own weft yarns. You'll need three distinct colors of weft yarn to make the pattern, with an approximate weight of 500 yd/lb. Some weft yarns will be available in the studio.

Second: At least one of the table looms will be warped with a pattern similar to the rug in the hallway. If you like, you could make a smaller version of a Navajo saddle blanket, learn the techniques involved, and make something appropriate for the wall or table as a decorative piece. You'll need three distinct colors of weft yarn to make the pattern, with an approximate weight of 800 yd/lb. Some weft yarns will be available in the studio.

Third: Chris Paul is offering a class on how to name-draft, and how to spin a Navajo 3-ply yarn. Check for this class on the J's website as part of the fall programming.

The first two events are by reservation. Contact Sheri Ward if you would like to participate, [email protected]

Classes and Dye Days at the J

The Textile Studio is planning a full schedule of classes for fall quarter:

Weaving Classes

Beginning Weaving with Marcia Ford, Sep. 22 - Oct. 13
Twill Weaving with Sheri Ward, Oct. 19 - Nov. 9
Color & Weave with Sheri Ward, Nov. 30 - Dec. 21

Dye Workshop

Warp Painting with Liz Moncrief, Saturday, Oct. 2

Felting classes

Felted Ballerina Slippers with Donna Hunter, Oct. 16
Felted Boot Slippers with Donna Hunter, Nov. 13

Spinning and drafting class

Name drafting and Navajo 3-ply spinning with Chris Paul, date TBA

Dye Days: the first Thursday of the month, plus a special Halloween event

Tray dyeing, Thursday, Sept. 2
Wool immersion dyeing, Thursday, Oct. 7
Dyeing in the Morgue, Thursday, Oct. 28
Variegated wool dyeing, Thursday, Nov. 4
Parfait dyeing of silk scarves, Thursday, Dec. 2

Check the J's website for details. Class listings will appear on its website in early August.

Fiber Fusion Northwest, live in October

Fiber Fusion Northwest will happen in-person this year on October 16-17 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. This weekend event focuses on natural fibers and fiber arts, and its goal is to support fiber artists, local breeders, and fiber related businesses by increasing public awareness of natural fibers and their many creative uses. Vendor applications are underway. Half-day, day and two-day classes will be announced soon. Volunteer opportunities for planning and on that weekend are available. Click here for more information.

Upcoming events

Slow Yarn Crawl, May 28 to September 6, 2021
http://www.slowcrawl.com/
“Vintage Reimagined” is the theme. Participating area stores includes: Apple Yarns, Bazaar Girls, Cabled Fiber & Yarn, Great Yarns, Northwest Yarns, Stilly River, Wild Fibers

Northwest Washington Fair, August 12-21, 2021
https://www.nwwafair.com/p/fair-and-rodeo/northwest-washington-fair
Northwest Washington Fairgrounds & Event Center
1775 Front Street, Lynden, WA

Puget Sound Local Yarn Store Tour, August 13-22, 2021
https://www.lystour.com/
Celebrating its fifteenth anniversary, one year late.

Spinning and Weaving Week, October 4-11, 2021
https://weavespindye.org/spinning-and-weaving-week/
This celebration “reflects the truly international membership of the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., and the international traditions of our crafts. We invite fiber artists around the world to join together in celebration of our common heritage.”

Fiber Fusion Northwest, October 16-17, 2021, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe WA
https://www.fiberfusion.net/

Convergence Conference organized by the Handweavers Guild of America, July 15-21, 2022, Knoxville TN
https://weavespindye.org/convergence/

ANWG Conference, July 11-18, 2023, Bend, Oregon
https://northwestweavers.org/conferences/fiber-connections-2023-salem-or/

Videos You Might Enjoy

Lisa Kokin makes art with recycled materials that she finds at flea markets, thrift stores, and recycling centers. She has worked with buttons, photographs, books, and thread. Sewing and fiber-related sensibilities play a key role in much of Kokin’s work, which she attributes to growing up in a family of upholsterers. Check out her website here.
shared by Carol

Classified Ads

Glimakra Standard Loom and many small pieces of weaving equipment

Jan Nillsson will be at the August 21st Guild meeting and is helping to sell some weaving equipment and accessories for a former Guild member who has moved out of the area. Below are eight photos. Jan will be at the meeting, possibly with some of these items. Please email Marion the newsletter editor if you would like to get an e-mail attachment of a handwritten list which includes pricing.

For Sale: 59” Glimakra Standard Loom
8-shaft Countermarche $2400
Plus many small pieces of weaving equipment (see photos below)

15" Leclerc rag shuttle $20.00
niddy noddy (3 pieces) $5.00 each
Royal wool winder $25.00
OHAUS cent-o-gram balance scale model 311 $50.00
Pioneer sample loom, 9" weaving width, open heddles $180.00
adjustable skein winder, can hang, oak $60.00

Located in Tri-cities area
For details contact Jan Nilsson [email protected]
Call or Text 509-999-2118

Loom For Sale: Anders Levad & Son (Denmark) Rigid Heddle Loom
31" weaving width, overall dimensions: 37.5" wide, 31.5" deep
Wooden heddle 10 dents per inch, Metal heddle 20 dents per inch
Includes 4 stick shuttles (19.5" and 23.5") and some narrow warp sticks

I brought this loom home from a study year in Denmark in 1965. It has been in pieces and wrapped up most of the time since then.
$125

Contact: [email protected]

Submitting content for the newsletter

The deadline for submitting content for the newsletter is 5:00 p.m. on the last Sunday of the month. 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 newsletter content to Marion via her e-mail address in the Membership list. For photos and images, please send individual JPEG files. 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 her if you have questions at [email protected].