May 2025 Newsletter

Gosh, it seems hard to believe that it is May already. I just got back from a week in upstate NY, visiting family and they are WAY behind us in seasons. While it didn’t snow everyday as my mom threatened in our regular phone calls, I missed seeing all the flowers, trees and birds that we enjoy out here in the spring. Their trees are just beginning to bud, and daffodils are blooming but not much else. It was exciting to come home and see my lilacs, rhodies and azaleas all blooming, and the tiny little sunflower seeds sticking through the ground in my garden. It’s going to be hard to concentrate on weaving with so much fun garden stuff happening!! I look around and my entire yard is full of colors, purples, reds, whites, yellows, pinks, greens and stripes. The birds race from feeder to birdbath to tree, to into the little wooded sanctuary we named Narnia, filling the yard with their songs. I’ve been thinking about my guild challenge piece since I picked up the instructions last fall. I think initially I was lost in the idea and didn’t know what to do. After searching magazines, books and the web it almost became overwhelming the number of possibilities ....... So, then it became a matter of narrowing it down. I must really congratulate our committee for choosing such as interesting challenge with extra optional twists. I definitely like the idea of “trying a new to me technique” and maybe complete half and then have someone else do the other half? I have finally picked my inspiration and wound a warp – now to have the time to get it on the loom and done....... Or can I just bring it half finished?? Are there any points for that? I’m also trying to finish ANWG towels, so maybe I need another
vacation or extended sick leave to stay home and weave?
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With all the beauty, and peaceful songs of the birds, it is hard to stay inside and work on
weaving. But then again, I don’t want cold wet weather again....... Sigh. I hope your weaving is
going well, and I look forward to seeing it soon.​

​Meg Spaulding
WWG President 2024-2025
May Weaving Colors

May 2025 WWG Program

The WWG May meeting will be held at the Bellingham Public Library on Saturday May 17. 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.
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  • 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
  • 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!
Black and White Challenge Update
We are just weeks away from our June 14th meeting, where all participants will present their 2025 Challenge interpretation. Weavers and other fiber artists have expressed tremendous interest in this year’s Black and White Guild Challenge and the options they can choose from to add to their Challenge interpretation. Our June 14th meeting is going to be fun! 
Reminder to Challenge participants – You decide if you add one other color to the required black and white, work with or exchange projects with a partner, create a vessel or ... (See March Newsletter for full Challenge details.)
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Please send Susan Torntore your Challenge photo and description on or before June 9th!
Request: During the June 14th Guild meeting Show & Tell, please share what you learned, what things you didn't anticipate, and any other comments on your Guild Challenge process!

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-term and newer members. 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? Have you attended 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!
Thailand’s Hill tribe weavers 

​Last year my husband and I were fortunate enough to travel to Thailand with our son to visit the places he lived for 5 years and meet some of his dear friends. Paul worked primarily in the far North of Thailand, the Golden Triangle, with some of the different “Hill Tribes” that historically live where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Each tribe (Kayan/Karen, Khmu, Akha, Hmong, and others) weave and wear their own traditional cloth. As we travelled around and met the wonderful people, I kept my eyes open for the weavers and bought their wares whenever I could. They all seem to prefer extremely thin fiber; more like sewing thread than yarn. They weave this at 40 epi, primarily in vibrant colors. The photos show a natural cotton scarf in cream and soft green that I purchased at a sanctuary for elephants rescued from logging operations. The purple fabric was from a young “Long Neck” woman whose toddler solemnly gifted me an Acai berry that had fallen from a nearby tree. The blue scarf is filled with snags and random pattern changes – but the smile and wai (bow with hand gesture) I received from the ancient woman was worth the purchase. One note about the photo of us with the elephant – we are wearing traditional Karen shirts both in the weaving pattern and construction. Now that I’ve taken Carol’s class, I see that it contains Ikat. The elephants recognize the fabric and will not get nervous as they would with other strangers.

Tricia Morell
Kayen warping board
Backstrap loom
A few of the items I brought back
Diagonal weaving
Cotton scarf
Silk weaving at Mae Fah Luang
 Elephant!

​​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
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The tapestry focus group is meeting in homes 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.
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Sheila Atwater
Tapestry Focus Group coordinator
[email protected] 
Text:  360-201-0818
The Rigid Heddle Weaving Study Group
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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.
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 April was 78. That brings our total to 554 out of the 1000 we hope to donate by June. Is it possible to make a huge push before the June meeting???

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.
 
Tricia Morell
​[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
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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:
 May​​
  • 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
  • Beginning Weaving with Darlene Mathias, Sept. 30 - Oct. 28
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)
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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.
Table Loom

Some years ago, I purchased a loom from your organization. I do not have space to use the loom and would love it if someone could use it.  It measures 30" wide x 25" deep and 19" high, has all working parts. The warping board is about 39" x 30, and there is a 24" raddle, a few bits of thread, and a "Learning to Weave" book by Deborah Chandler. There is no manufacturer’s mark on it. Would you have anyone interested? I don't know what to ask for these.  Thanks.  

Donna Mason
[email protected]
360 595-1083
Charka
Gypsy spinner- cotton lap charka. New, with some cotton and lazy kate. 
$100.  Contact [email protected].

Saori Loom
Marie Maretska, [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 is now open for all students.

​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.