February 2025 Newsletter

Yeah, it’s February so time to get all mushy......but you might notice I didn’t go the traditional pinks and red. Nope, I figured I’d stick with black and white to inspire you for that rapidly approaching guild challenge. Yes, we did move it up one week, but that’s because so many of us are planning on spending the third Saturday in June over in Yakima at ANWG.  If you don’t know what that is, ask someone so you can get your tickets now and have a great weaving and spinning adventure. Ok, on to the definition of LOVE. When I looked it up, I got 
1. an intense feeling of deep affection, 
2. a great interest and pleasure in something, 
3. a person or thing that one loves. 
There were more, but this IS a weaving guild, not an English class so I won’t bore you. Then I thought, I sometimes like to take popular words and give each letter a meaning, so lets do that for Love.

For L I think of all the learning opportunities the guild has given me. From coming to the monthly meetings and all the different topics, to just the informal learning from other members who have encouraged me in my growth. I feel so lucky to try out different types of looms or equipment and see if I like it. I saved myself money NOT buying a pin loom after discovering it really wasn’t my thing. 

The letter O is for opportunities. Whatcom Weaver’s Guild offers so many opportunities. Yes, you can stay home in your jammies and attend meetings or just come and listen. But you can also join a study group, learn new things, make new friends, and even serve in leadership roles. You might not get rich, but you will make lots of friends and have a great time too. 

That darn letter V  is almost the same, but I want to say thank you to everyone who volunteers. Whether it is at Little Looms each month, or you help set up/take down tables and chairs every little thing you do does so much to help lighten the load. The WWG Board is not paid either, so feel free to say thank you to a board member for their service.  We will be recruiting this spring for Education/Outreach chair [something we could divide or job share?] as well as vice president – haven’t had one of those for a while, but I’m not doing this forever.........

And finally, E is for everyone. When I look out at meetings, or the membership roll I love what a great group of diverse people we have who all share a love of weaving and fiber arts. It makes we feel proud that I have never seen people form little groups and ignore others or gossip about a beginning weavers project that has flaws and mistakes in it. We are an international, inclusive group.
​ 
And so, that’s the end for this month..... LOVE is black and white, with a tiny bit of red.
February Weaving Colors
On a different note, the Whatcom Weavers Guild will not be participating in the Evergreen members Quilt show for 2025. After 2 different surveys, a lot of discussions among board and guild members, reading thru notes from the past committee that were scattered far and wide, we really didn’t feel this was the best venue for us to demo/sell in. Because there was a low response to the survey, about 28 people out of our approximately 100 members answered, this may not be the most accurate view of our group. Only 6 people responded that they wanted to sell items, with a handful more saying they would either set up, staff the booth, demonstrate or tear down. For a three-day event [1 to set up, 2 for the event], this is a lot of work for 10+ people. Many commented they were out of town, not available or had health issues that kept them from participating. It was based on this, plus the write in comments, that the board made its decision. Overall, there was strong interest amongst guild members in having WWG provide an outlet for selling woven and handcrafted items [ 89%] but there were much higher percentages voting to do the street fair at Lynden or add on room to the stash sale or a WWG member sale similar to ones in the past.
Before doing any of these options, it would be important to have a committee that can work on logistics, whether items are juried, commissions, advertising and all the other details. Some of this work was started by last year’s committee, and also by Sharon Allen doing the stash sale. If you would like more information about having a WWG sale or you are interested in helping on a committee to explore this for our guild, please reach out to me.

​​​​​
Meg Spaulding
WWG President 2024-2025

February 2025 WWG Program

The WWG February meeting will be held at the Bellingham Public Library on Saturday Feb. 15. 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: 10:00-10:30
Business Meeting: 10:30-11:00
Show and Tell: 11:00-11:15
Break: 11:25-11:45
Program: 11:45-1:15   -    YARN WINDINGS with Susan Torntore and Nancy Ridenour
We'll be winding yarn around a small tile to have fun creating together and make an art piece! We are familiar with yarn wraps on index cards to determine sett and colors, but these yarn windings can take your color choice and design process into a new dimension.
WE WILL PROVIDE:
  • Tiles
  • Extra tape (just in case)
  • Handout with instructions and resources
BRING TO THE WORKSHOP:
  • A roll of blue or masking tape
  • Small scissors
  • Bits and bobs of yarn to play with – All kinds and colors, Ribbons, eyelash, boucle, mohair, handspun...Thrums, Butterflies, Small balls, Dead bobbins
IF YOU WILL BE ON ZOOM:
  • Let us know in advance, and we will get tiles to you, if possible, or send directions for making your own with cardboard.

Social Time and Break Down: 1:15-2:00 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!
Sample Tiles

Membership Update

Thanks to the 50 members who have renewed their membership for 2025 as of Tuesday, January 28th! There are about 54 members who still need to renew. It’s both easier and a different process this year. Here is a refresher on how to do it:
Membership Form for renewing and new members! Go to www.whatcomweaversguild.org, click on Membership, scroll down, and then click on Annual Membership Form. Complete the online form. Please look over the opportunities for volunteering and consider how you might be able to contribute to the Guild.  Thank you!

If you are not interested in completing the Online Membership Form, there will be print copies 
at the check-in table at the Guild’s meeting on Saturday, February 15th. Want to receive a print copy of the form in the mail? Email me, Marion, your Membership Chair, at [email protected] and I will mail you a copy. I will include an envelope addressed to the Guild’s P.O. box.
The online form also provides an opportunity for donating to the Guild. Thank you for considering this opportunity. Please note that WWG is not a 501(c)(3) organization. How to pay your dues!
Here’s a reminder about the dues:
$25 - Individual
$35 – Family (residing at same address)
$10 - Student
At the check-in table at the February 15th Guild meeting, provide a check or cash to Marion.   
The other option is to mail a check, please do not mail cash, to: Whatcom Weavers Guild, PO Box 403, Bellingham, WA 98227
The renewal deadline is February 28, 2025
Non-renewing members will receive one reminder on March 1. Non-renewing members will be removed on March 15 from the Guild email list for newsletters and other notifications.
2025 Membership Directory
The 2025 Membership Directory will be sent as an email attachment to members on March 31st. Please reply individually to that email if you would like to receive a print copy mailed to you or available for pick-up at the April 19th Guild meeting.

Why isn’t a printed copy of 2025 Membership Directory being mailed to all renewing members? There is a global effort to conserve resources and minimize impact of the carbon footprint on our communities. Also, printing and mailing costs have increased dramatically in recent years and most guilds and other similar organizations have moved to this approach. 

The Whatcom Weaver’s Guild is an amazing organization. Well-known weaving and other fiber related artists are presenting at our monthly meetings, there’s community outreach like the Hospice Washcloth Project, and we’ve got the Book and Literature Library and the Equipment Library and several active study groups – these are just a few of the guild activities.  At monthly meetings throughout this last year and at a recent board meeting, the reality that we are a community together has been recognized. At last September’s business meeting, members reviewed and approved an Inclusivity Statement.  We get to know each other, help each other out with weaving techniques, or maybe it’s a listening ear during break time at meetings. Thank you for being a member of the Whatcom Weaver’s Guild!

Weaving My Way: A Journey of Discovery ​

I have always been drawn to the idea of creating something beautiful with my own hands. As fate would have it, I crossed paths with Meg Spalding, and through our shared interests in plants and weaving, a meaningful friendship blossomed. As I admired Meg’s woven towels and other projects, my curiosity grew, and I found myself increasingly intrigued by the craft.
Meg’s guidance proved invaluable when she helped me find a rigid heddle loom. At the time, I had little understanding of the complexities involved, and when I first got my loom, I was both excited and intimidated. It sat in my kitchen for a few weeks, its wooden frame standing quietly with the threads awaiting attention. Despite my uncertainty, every time I passed by, a sense of excitement stirred within me. The loom held so much potential, and I couldn’t wait to begin the journey, even though I had no idea just how much there was to learn.

My journey began with the basics: learning how to warp the loom, threading the heddles, and getting a feel for the rhythm of the shuttle. Every step seemed simple in theory, but in practice, I quickly realized how much there was to understand. Tension, weave structures, selvedges, heddle sizes, and color combinations—I was overwhelmed at first, but I kept going, one row at a time.

What kept me moving forward, though, was the support I found from the Whatcom Weavers Guild. This group of passionate weavers has been a source of inspiration and encouragement for me. I experienced my first show and tell in November of 2023. I knew then that weaving would be the perfect way for me to create something with my own hands. 
From the moment I joined, I felt a sense of camaraderie that made me realize I wasn’t alone in this learning process. The experienced weavers were always so willing to share their wisdom and offer advice. Whether it was suggesting new techniques, helping me troubleshoot my tension issues, or just offering kind words of encouragement, their support made me feel confident enough to keep trying new things. It was moments like this that made me realize that the journey wasn’t just about creating a finished piece—it was about learning, growing, and being part of something bigger than myself.

As I started experimenting with different techniques, I found myself taking more risks. The guild often encourages us to push past our comfort zones and try something new. It felt like a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them, and it reminded me that the process of weaving is as important as the finished project. My first few attempts were far from perfect, but the sense of accomplishment I felt after completing a scarf or a set of dish towels was indescribable.

With each new project, I’m discovering more about the endless possibilities weaving offers. I’ve begun to experiment with more complex patterns, like lace and overshot, and I’ve started blending fibers, exploring different textures, and adding color in ways I never thought possible. There’s so much I still don’t know, but I’ve realized that’s what makes weaving exciting. The more I learn, the more I realize just how much there is still to learn.

I can’t wait to see where my weaving will take me. The possibilities are endless, and I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and creating. And with the support of the guild and the joy of each new project, I know I’m on the right path!
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support, your generous sharing of knowledge, and the encouragement you have provided. Your kindness and willingness to guide me have made all the difference in my journey as a new weaver. It truly means the world to me, and I am deeply thankful for the community we have built together.

ANWG here I come!!!

​
Lisa Spragins

​​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 Tuesday February 5 at 7pm. 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

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.
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 be 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
We had a tsunami of washcloths for Hospice - The total for January was 70!!! That brings our January total to 367!  Let’s keep them coming towards our goal of 1000 by June.

Once again here are the 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.
 
Sheila Atwater, Outreach Chair
[email protected]
Hospice Goal Chart

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:​
  • Warp Painting with Natural Dyes with Erica McCurdy, Thursday, Feb. 6 
  • Twill Weaving with Sheri Ward, Fridays & Saturdays, Feb. 7-15​
  • Quilled Paper Snowflakes with Dana Murphy, Wednesday, Feb. 19
  • Intro to Needlefelting with Dana Murphy, Wednesday, Feb. 19
  • Beginning Tapestry with Val O’Connor, Fridays, Feb. 21 - March 14
  • Traditional Haida Berry Basket Necklace with Lisa Telford, Saturday, Feb. 22
  • Natural Dye Day with Erica McCurday, Thursday, March 6
  • Beginning Weaving with Darlene Mathias, Saturdays, March 8 - April 5
  • Round Reed Basketry with Dana Murphy, Wednesday, March 12
  • Round Reed Basketry for Kids with Dana Murphy, Wednesday, March 12
  • Beginning Spinning with Erica McCurdy, Fridays, March 21 & 28
  • Little Brown Jug Basket with Judy Zugish, Saturday, March 22
  • Triple Play with Nadine Sanders, Tuesday - Thursday, March 18-20
  • Block Printing with Dyes with Sheri Ward, Thursday, April 3
  • Overshot Weaving with Sheri Ward, Fridays & Saturdays, May 2 - 10
  • Beginning Weaving with Darlene Mathias, Saturdays & Wednesdays, May 31 - June 14
  • Indigo Dyeing with Sheri Ward, Thursday, June 5
  • Woven Wrist Bands with Dana Murphy, Wednesday or Thursday, June 25 or 26, (kids & youth)
July
  • Botanical Printing on Paper with Wanda Johanson & Wendy Pare, Wednesday, July 16
August
  • Eco Dyeing with Natural Dyes with Wanda Johanson & Wendy Pare, Tuesday, Aug. 12
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!
Nadine Sanders Workshop on Theo Moorman Technique

Nadine Sanders will be offering a workshop on the Theo Moorman technique, Triple Play, March 18 - 20.  The Moorman technique is an inlay method, using picked-up tie-down warps to secure the pattern wefts.  Any design at all is possible.  Of Nadine’s workshops, Triple Play is one in which you can elect to use the technique for rugs or for less bulky pictorial fabrics.  In Nadine’s words:

"Have you always wanted your woven designs to flow? Want the freedom to inlay a variety of materials (both common and unusual) without distorting the ground fabric? Looking for a way to express your ideas pictorially or abstractly with weaving? Learn to apply this versatile weaving technique for use in clothing, pictorial weavings and rugs.
Using two sizes of warps, the Theo Moorman technique allows designs to be "painted" on the surface with inlay yarns. Three different threadings achieve cloth to put on, walk on, lay down or hang up.
We focus on designing for this weave structure. Samples are woven to learn the technique and the possibilities."

Known as The Singing Weaver, Nadine travels around the country teaching and performing. She has written books, produced recordings and videos. She weaves pictorial hangings, rugs and clothing. Visit www.singingweaver.com to learn more about her and the Theo Moorman technique.
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!
Tapestry Exhibit in Vancouver

There’s a tapestry exhibit in Vancouver you will not want to miss. 
By the Light and Dark of the Moon:  The Tapestries of Ruth Jones will be on exhibit at the Italian Cultural Center in Vancouver, BC, now through April 30. Ruth weaves tapestries using the Gobelin technique which she studied at Gobelins in France. She was also one of the weavers invited to work on the Unicorn tapestry project at Sterling Castle.
More details about the exhibit can be found at www.italianculturalcentre.ca
By the Light and Dark of the Moon
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]. 

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.
Practically New Leclerc Weavebird Computer-Dobby loom (24 Shaft 36”)
$7500.00  OBO (Reg Price, $11,380)

The Weavebird looms employ a unique enhanced Countermarch mechanism where the weight of each shaft is balanced off with a compensating counter-weight. This design enables the production of complex patterns while dramatically reducing the treadling effort and physical strain on the weaver. The actual effort required to operate the Weavebird's 24 shafts approximates that of a 4 shaft counterbalance loom. The Weavebird loom's Countermarch mechanism controls both the rising and sinking sheds to produce a large uniform shed while minimizing the amount the yarn threads are stretched. Operation is simple with the weaver controlling the loom using two back mounted treadles to open and close the shed.
  • 12 1/2" (26.8 cm) Inserted Eye or Texsolv Heddles (14" for 32 shaft Weavebird)
  • 1 10” Reed and Heddle Hook
  • 2 Lease Sticks
  • 2 Warp Rods
  • 2 Cords
  • 2 Canvas Aprons
  • A Serial to USB converter (loom can be connected to the computer via its serial or USB port)
  • Assembly Instructions and Assembly Video (DVD NTSC)
  • Weavebird Loom Driver

The standalone program can read both .wif and .dtx file types and runs on any PC running anything from Win 95 to XP.

This PC-based program allows the weaver to open standard weave draft files created by all the most popular design programs (ie. Fiberworks PCW, WeaveMaker, SwiftWeave, ProWeave, etc.) and use them to control the Leclerc Weavebird 16 or 24 shaft Computer-Dobby Loom.

Other photos upon request.  Email: [email protected]  (Please use Identifier #425, so that I know you are not computer generated)   
Pick up in Burlington, WA Cash Credit Card Accepted   
Contact: Gail Coleman, 206-841-7694,   [email protected]
Leclerc Loom 1
Leclerc Loom 2
Leclerc Loom 3
Leclerc Loom 4
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 12
Leclerc 24in 3
Leclerc 24in 4

Upcoming events of interest to Guild members!

ANWG Conference – Hotel Option for WWG

​It’s not too early to think about hotel accommodations in Yakima for the 2025 Association of NW Weavers Guilds (ANWG) Conference. The Whatcom Weavers Guild has arranged a special deal for our members. The Ledgestone Hotel, .5 mile from the Conference Center, offers suites with full kitchenettes, for a Group rate of $139 for a Single Queen Bed, $149 for a Double Queen. These rates are available to Whatcom Guild members who reserve by telephone, before May 23, 2025.  Conference rates are available for the week of June 15-21, 2025. This includes pre-conference workshops in addition to the Friday and Saturday Conference and Seminars. A reservation for the entire week is not required. 
For full details and the reservation codes,  Contact Carol Berry, [email protected]
ANWG Name Badges, in Progress
Tapestry Artists of Puget Sound​

Tapestry Artists of Puget Sound: Telling Their Stories
January 23 – April 11, 2025
Postmark Center for the Arts 
20 Auburn Avenue, Auburn, WA, 98002

Opening reception January 23, 2025 
Q & A with the artists 4:00 p.m.  Reception 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
February 8, 2025 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Lecture by Margo Macdonald on her Washington Rivers Series followed by a weaving demonstration with Cecilia Blomberg.

This diverse group of artists share their artwork and ideas that inspire them. Each artist has a unique approach, uniting technique, material, and concept in the medium of handwoven tapestry.
Tapestry Vashon Steps by Cecelia Blomberg

​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.