December 2022 Newsletter

Mysteries Revealed

Thanks to experienced and sharing instructors, I was able to weave a willow bark basket and unlock some of the mysteries of Jamtlandsdrall/Crackle Weave, all in the last three weeks. It may be a while before I try to make another basket. My appreciation for the basket makers art has only increased with this experience. Judy Zugish grew the willow, harvested and peeled the bark, then dried it for the requisite number of years, before leading us step by step through the day-long process of weaving a little gem of a basket, perfect for holding a tea light. A fun day, and a charming holiday centerpiece.

Crackle Weave (AKA Jamtlandsdrall, in Sweden) has been a mystery to me for years. Thanks to Liz Moncrief’s workshop, turned study group led by Sheri Ward, the darkness has been lifted. I get it about the incidentals. I finished my samples. And labeled them! The really cool thing (well, one of the cool things) about Crackle Weave, is it can be changed in so many ways, even on the same warp, depending on weft, color changes, tabbies or not… I’m looking at the ANWG Conference Colors and considering a set of towels. Or a scarf. Four blocks on four shafts opens up a new world of possibilities. Thanks so much to a fellow guild member for the loan of a portable floor loom. It was especially fun with several other Guild members taking the workshop.

At the same time, there is a simple and exciting “Weaving Adventure” happening in my studio, designed by a new-ish weaver and friend. Starting with yarns in colors she likes, my friend developed a design for a scarf, for a rigid heddle loom. She wound a wrap, from which the loom was warped and the weaving begun. You don’t always have to use a complex weave structure. Plain weave can certainly appear complex in color, texture and design. By the way, most of the yarns came from Evie’s Mom’s Stash Sale. (If you know, you know…) Sweet to be using them in such a pretty project.

A shout out to Lynn and Wendy who have been organizing the Guild Library Books. For those who haven’t had a chance to visit the Library, it’s easy, and we have a number of newly acquired books, including some knitting and crochet resources that weavers will find useful. There is also equipment available for loan, that can help new weavers get started. Read through the member PDF that was emailed last week for all the information, including who to contact with questions.
Here's hoping your December is safe, happy, and full of all the warm fuzzies.

Warmly,

Carol Berry
2022-2023 President, Whatcom Weavers Guild

“Petrichor Basket” made in a workshop with Judy Zugish, at the Jansen Art Center

Crackle Weave Sample – Tromp-as-writ

Crackle Weave Sample – Treadled two ways

News from Committees and Interest Groups

The Tapestry Focus Group

The Tapestry Focus Group next meeting will be Nov 14th 1-3PM at the Ferndale Library. We still have room for one or two more members. If you are interested text or email Sheila Atwater at 360-201-0818 or [email protected].

The Rigid Heddle Loom Study Group

Rigid Heddle Study Group Notes:
• The group met in November to begin our mixed warps exploration. We discussed design and weaving mechanics, and pored over several scarf examples (thank you to Molly Gerhard and Mary Oates for some of these). Then the fun began when everyone pulled out their yarn ideas. We made yarn and design wraps and figured out setts. All left with at least one if not two or three exciting ideas to start weaving.
• We currently have 7 members, and room for 4-5 more, if you would like to join. RHSG is a hands-on, skill-building and project-oriented exploration of RH weaving, open to any weaver, beginner to more advanced; mentoring and one-on-one assistance available.
• We meet on the third Thursday every month, 1-3 pm, at the Ferndale Library. For more information, please contact coordinator Susan Torntore at [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE--We will not be meeting in December. 

Susan Torntore - Mixed Warp Sampler On Loom

Molly Gerhard - Mixed Warp Scarf

Mary Oates - Mixed Warp Scarf

Wednesday Weavers...

...now meet once a month. Meeting dates will be the 1st Wednesday of the month at LeslieAnn’s from 10 am to 1pm.
The December gathering will be on Wednesday, December 7th, 10am-1pm
The January gathering will be on Wednesday, January 4 , 10am-1pm
Please contact Sharon for location and directions.
Sharon Allen, 360-305-0111

Membership Renewal Time!

Membership renewals are due in January. To update our files, we are asking everyone to fully complete a 2023 Membership Form. Click Here for the Membership Form. Please mail your check and form to the address at the bottom of the form. Note: your check will not be deposited until Monday, January 2, 2023; it is fine for mailing your check and form in January too. Also, please fill out the entire form. Writing “same” or “no changes” is not enough. We may need to refer back to a form to make sure our information is accurate. Also, for updating our directory we want to know if your interests have changed from last year's form. Thanks for supporting your Guild!

Handwoven Towels for Ukraine
by Barbara Young

Pacific Sourdough is a popular bakery in the small Oregon Coast town of Waldport (pop. 2,300), owned by my niece Katie McNeil and her husband Mike Smith. Shortly after the invasion of Ukraine last February, Katie and the bakers at Pacific Sourdough added a new item to their inventory – Ukrainian Honey Cakes. The cakes sell for $8 apiece with all proceeds going to World Central Kitchen, helping to feed the people of Ukraine. Not only have customers purchased the cakes in great numbers, they have donated generously beyond the cost of the cakes.

This summer I was looking for a way to help keep the momentum going, and decided to make a batch of Ukraine-themed towels. I warped the loom with white Cottolin and pulled cones of yellow and blue cotton from my stash, creating eight unique towels woven in a huckaback pattern. I sent them to Katie, leaving it up to her as to how she wanted to use them. In mid-October, the towels went on display in the bakery and a sealed-bid auction was announced with final bids due November 4.

In a little over two weeks, sixty bids were submitted. The eight winning bids ranged from $75 to $250, for a total of $1,005. Katie reports, “Since February we have had $3,450 in cash donations and have contributed $4,855 from the sale of Ukrainian Honey Cakes, and now the $1,005 from the towels, for a total of $9,310 for World Central Kitchen!”

Who knew … that eight towels could feed so many?!

Ukraine-themed towels on display at Pacific Sourdough

Packaging the towels for winning bidders

Happy winners with their towels

Judy, another happy winner, with Katie McNeil (right)

Spincycle Yarns is now carrying weaving cones!

Did you know, that our local Spinsters Rachel Price and Kate Burge, the creators of Spincycle Yarns, have been expanding? First they were our fiber presence at the Farmers Market. Then they bought a mill and dye house. And now they have a storefront. It is located at 112 Grand Avenue, in Bellingham, and it’s expanding to carry Weaving Cones and equipment!

They have just placed an order with Maurice Brassard and will be carrying 8/2, 8/4, and 16/2 to begin with. They also currently carry some selections from Gist Yarn and Harrisville.
Their weaving room is nearly complete and soon, January 2023 we will even be able to hold study group meetings in their space. What could be next, classes? Trunk shows?

Rachel and Kate would love your feedback on what they are carrying along with suggestions on other things that you would like to purchase from them.
I am your point of contact, so drop me an email or a text of your wish list.

They are also pleased to offer 20% off special orders as well, as long as you can be a bit patient until they are placing their next order.

That’s it for now…stay tuned for more exciting announcements!

Sharon Allen
[email protected]
360-305-0111

Community Outreach

Skill Share Space/Small Looms Group at the Bellingham Public Library

Small Looms at the Bellingham Library:
We meet on the first Saturday of each month, from 12-3:00pm; next meeting will be Saturday, January 7th. Come, share, demonstrate your weaving, and be prepared to answer lots of questions.
If anyone is planning to attend, please email or text: Mary Oates at 360-961-0686, [email protected], or Sheila Atwater at 360-201 0818, [email protected].

Hospice Washcloth Project

Hospice is very pleased and grateful for our support. For information about how to participate in the project, please contact me at 360-201-0818 (call or text), or email me at [email protected].

Thank you in advance from the Hospice Care Teams and me,
Sheila Atwater, Education and Outreach Chair

From Diane Banks, Member at Large ANWG Representative

ANWG Rep Report

Hello Fiber Friends,
ANWG now has available the 2023 conference schedule for seminars and workshops. If you are a planner like me, you might enjoy taking a look at what is available during the conference starting on Monday June 11th through Saturday the 18th.

Here is your link to the Autumn edition of the ANWG newsletter.

Diane, ANWG Rep

Upcoming meetings

December 17: Jane Stafford on a Weaving Trip to Ethiopia
This month’s presentation will be a Zoom meeting, with link and information sent via email before the meeting date.

January 21, 2023: --Our own Donna Hunter and Lisa Nakama presenting Felting

February 18: Amanda Gilvin.
Everyone who loves textiles knows about kente cloth from Ghana, but there are many other beautiful weaving styles from West Africa. Dr. Amanda Gilvin, an art historian who has done research in West Africa since 1999, is available to give a Zoom presentation on three types of weaving done in the West African country of Niger--the téra-tera, the sakala, and the kounta. In her talk “A Bird’s Eye View of Textiles from Niger,” Dr. Gilvin will talk about the people who make the textiles and the techniques that they use. The talk also includes an introduction to the DIMA School in Niamey, Niger, where instructor Abdoulwahid Goumer is teaching a new generation of artists the weaving skills that he has perfected during his decades working at the Musée National Boubou Hama du Niger.

March 18: -Kelly Marshall with Weaving by Design.
A broad spectrum talk on design, rep weave, and the development of a weaving business.

April 18: Linda Hartshorn presenting a Textile Tour of Guatemala.
Guatemala is a beautiful country of highland lakes, towering volcanoes, and amazing handwoven textiles. The modern-day Maya, whose ancestors built pyramids and studied the stars, continue their traditional weaving of complex fabrics on simple backstrap looms. Take a virtual tour of this fascinating country from a weaver's perspective. View vivid images on PowerPoint, examine many wonderful textiles, and hear fascinating stories from the auspicious time of December 2012, the end of the calendar, and the beginning of a new era in Mayan Cosmology.

Whatcom Weavers Guild Library

WWG Equipment Library

The Guild has equipment for short-term loan to members. Just a few of the items are a yardage counter, bobbin winder, shuttles, reeds in commonly used sizes, shaft table looms and Rigid Heddle Looms. The complete list and the equipment reside with Sharon Allen. Contact [email protected] for info or loan arrangements.

WWG Library

To access the Whatcom Weavers Guild Library’s catalog click on this link. A password is not needed. This gives you a list of all the books and magazines in the Library. It doesn't sort by topic and doesn't say if the book is checked out or not. To find out if a book is available for check out, contact Carol Berry.

From the Jansen

For any of these classes or workshops, check the J's website for details.

Classes and Dye Days at the J

The Textile Studio's schedule of classes for fall quarter:

Weaving on Rigid Heddle Looms:

Textured Weaves on the Rigid Heddle with Leslie Ann Bestor, Dec. 6 & 13

Kids’ classes:

Seussian Swags, Garlands & Wreaths, ages 6+ (4-5 year olds with an adult), with Leslie Ann Bestor, Dec. 3

Spinning classes:

Beyond the Basics with Chris Paul, Dec. 2 & 9

Dye Days: generally the first Thursday of the month.

For any of these classes or workshops, check the J's website for details.

Crackle Study Group

We’ve changed the Crackle Weave workshop planned with Liz Moncrief to a study group led by Sheri Ward. Liz is not able to lead this workshop due to some family medical issues. Our thoughts are with her and her family.

Tapestry drop-in sessions

There is a regular tapestry drop-in group at the J, on Wednesdays, 11 am - 1 pm. Val O’Connor, the person teaching tapestry at the J, will be hosting these, and she would welcome anyone who wants to join in!

Classified Ads

For Sale

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.

Floor loom 48 inches wide
We are asking $750 or best offer

This loom was given to my daughter when she was learning to weave. Unfortunately, she no longer has the space to keep it and use it, and has asked us to sell it on her behalf.

This floor loom is 48 inches wide, 42 inches deep, and 39 inches tall. It was manufactured in California, but I am unsure of the maker.

I was told it was "custom made", but I was also told it was a "home build" loom. I don't have any way to verify which is true. It includes extra heddles.

If interested, please email Lorraine at [email protected].
You must be able to pick-up.

42" Nilus Leclerc 4-shaft floor loom for sale in Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA.
Asking Price: $900 OBO
Contact Info : Hannah E, [email protected] / 610-368-0949

Nilus LeClerc 42" floor loom, with 4 shafts and 6 treadles. Loom body is 42" and weaving width is 36". The loom is in great vintage condition, works great and has been continuously used and tuned up for the past years. I bought this loom in 2015 from a weaver in Seattle, who in turn, bought it years ago in Berkeley, CA. The loom was made in Canada and is in great condition.
Comes with lots of flat steel heddles as well as fabric heddles. This loom can weave everything from linens to rugs. Approximate overall dimensions are 42 inches wide and 43 tall. Has a sectional warp beam. Comes with 3 reeds, shuttles, and an amazing large warping board.

Purrington 4 shaft 6 treadle, maple folding floor loom, $600

• 26 inch weaving width, this loom folds with the warp intact to a mere 13 inches. Light enough to fold and take to workshops.
• Overall width for traveling is 37 inches.
Comes with two carbon reeds - some rust. Flat shuttles, some packing sticks and a set of lease sticks

Warping board 24x37 inches, can be disassembled for transport. Will wind a 12+ yard warp: $60Standing Spool Rack for 28 spools: $40Cone holder for winding off 2 cones: $35Navajo wooden Rug Fork $20
Rug fork with SS tines: $203 rag shuttles: $10 ea
photos on request
Contact Melissa Purcell, please write “loom for sale” in subject line at [email protected] or text or call, 206-251-8002

In Search Of (ISO)

Looking for Old Cashmere Sweaters
I am in need of old cashmere sweaters in any condition. I have a local resource that will turn them into Chemo Caps. Sharon Allen [email protected], 360-305-0111

Calendar of events of interest to Guild members!

Please contribute details of upcoming events of interest to WWG members to [email protected].

Open House & Centennial Celebration, Sunday December 11th

FYI, the deadline for submissions to the upcoming Winter Juried Exhibit at the Jansen Art Center is December 12th at midnight! For more information, follow this link: Submit Your Art – Jansen Art Center

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 preceeding 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 content for the next newsletter to [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 Wendy at [email protected] if you have questions.