September 2021 Newsletter
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Feels just like starting over…
September, to me, more than January, feels like the ending and beginning of the year’s cycle. This week, ripe plums on a neighborhood tree and a bag of spring rhubarb from the freezer resulted in 16 half-pints of garnet-red jam! Then, a bit of time in the pantry, bringing the last jars of preserves from 2020 to the front so we can be sure to eat them on yogurt or toast before we get into the freshly made stuff. Another colorful “harvest” is the completion of a full range of yarn and fabric samples from plant dyes. After the weeks of intensive dye work of this summer, it is time to measure warps, scour, mordant, and decide on colors! Time to start the planning, set-up and weaving cycle again, using what’s in the “pantry” of undyed yarns in cotton, wool and silk. Our August meet-up was a small but lively sharing of recent work and discussion of study groups. It was fun to welcome Jan Nilssen, a former Guild member now living in Eastern Washington, who brought materials and books to contribute to the Library, and shared stories of her weaving career. Several members were there who knew Jan from that time, newer members enjoyed learning about those early years as well. Not to boast, but the 2021 Wool and Weaving Entries at the NW WA Fair looked very nice this year. Sheila Atwater’s woven tapestries took home several prizes! I know more of you entered and took ribbons. I am eager to see photos. The judge provided excellent feedback on the evaluation card for each entry. A few members demonstrated weaving on a floor loom during the Fair, and next year it is hoped we can all participate more. In the cooler weather, I still must remember to water the garden between the drizzly days we are getting at last. I’m hoping for a few more ripe tomatoes and cucumbers before the season is over. Bumble bees are still visiting the blooming plants, birds are going after the seeds on the nine-bark and fennel. I have a volunteer sunflower that is over six feet tall, and, as always, plenty of weld for yellow dye. It’s time to plant some spring bulbs, spread mulch, and enjoy those intermittent sunny days in September! There is still time to get out and see the Fashion show and other exhibits at the Whatcom Museum and enjoy a treat at a sidewalk café. With the September meeting, the Guild year opens. Many exciting programs are planned for this year, starting with Kris Bruland and Handweaving.net on September 18. The meeting and program will be online, via Zoom. Look for the link in an email message the week before the meeting. I look forward to seeing you soon! Carol Berry, President |
“Home from the Fair” 8/2 and 10/2 cotton, 4-shaft Twill, Lunatic Fringe 20-color spectrum, blended to create 40 colors. NWWA Fair Wool and Weaving show, Viewers Choice ribbon.
Yarn Pantry – undyed cotton and wool yarns, waiting for the next step: measuring warps!
Natural Dye Samples, Summer 2021, cotton, wool, linen, silk. Fabric and yarn. Dyed with Madder, Weld, Marigold, Sappanwood, Logwood, Himalayan Rhubarb, Cochineal, Cutch, Myrobalan, Lac, iron and Indigo.
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