September 2022 Newsletter

I just pulled half a warp out of the heddles. Again. It shouldn’t be this way. It’s a simple block weave. M’s & O’s on 4 shafts, a favorite basic structure. The yarn is unbleached 22/2 cottolin, my go-to for towels: It’s versatile, works with a wild variety of weft fibers, colors, textures and weights, behaves itself when measuring and beaming… New weft colors have arrived, and old favorites are waiting on the shelf. I want to weave. I keep getting the blocks mixed up, and having to un-thread. (!) What could this recalcitrant warp be telling me? I love dressing looms. Really. A naked loom usually doesn’t sit around here long. This warp was planned and measured mid-June. Beamed in July. The threading has been going on for weeks. And therein lies the problem. Summer lack of focus. It’s warm and sunny, and the garden calls. And then the weaving calls. The dry days make firing up the dye pots very attractive. Another reason to neglect the weaving and the gardening. As a result the new raised bed isn’t filled with soil yet, the other one is weedy. Watering happens, but bigger projects just aren’t getting finished. The urgency of Fall brought on by the first rain of the season just hasn’t hit yet.

And you know what? It can all wait, at least until after Labor Day, right? September, even more than January, feels like the start of the new year. Time to get a new notebook, sharpen my pencils, and maybe get a new pair of shoes. That warp is evidently saying it’s too early to focus. Soon enough we’ll be back on schedule with monthly meetings, programs, outreach projects and regular study groups! You will want to read below, review the schedule carefully and make notes in your calendar. There is much variety in our programming in the coming year. Some meetings will have both in-person and remote options. Some will be held at the Jansen Center, some in Bellingham. Some will be all Zoom, with presenters from far away. Some Guild programs will be hands-on, and workshops are being announced. You can expect some more outdoor gatherings as the weather allows, and the Jansen Center has classes and workshops coming up too.
​
​At the moment, that warp is getting a rest. The garden tools are in the shed. The dye pots are off the burners. A walk downtown, and new shoes for Fall are on the agenda.

See you in September!


Carol Berry
2022-2023 President, Whatcom Weavers Guild ​

Samples & New Shoes

Natural Dye Samples

​The Warp in Progress ​

​​News from Committees and Interest Groups

The Whatcom Weavers Guild Stash Swap, Sell & Lunch event Saturday 8/20/22 was a success! Lots of fiber stuff changed hands, and the Guild gained $376.00 thanks to donations and sales. An easy, fun and successful event. Thanks to all who were able to contribute and participate!
Special thanks to all those who pitched in to help set up and take down tables etcetera, and to the Study Group and Hospice Washcloth Project members who set up our wonderful and informative displays! They were also on hand to discuss projects and answer questions to all who enquired.  See photos below, courtesy of Sharon Allen (who also did a fantastic job of promoting our event).

Weavers of the Band

Jane Stafford

Rigid Heddle

Dream Weavers & Deflected Double Weave

Hospice washcloth Project

The Tapestry Study Group now meets on the second Monday of each month 1-3PM at the Ferndale Library large meeting room. I have also opened up the number of persons we can have in the group to 15. That means we do have a couple of open spaces. Next meeting is Sept 12th, 1-3.
The purpose of this group is to further an interest, for those members of WWG who want to learn more about the Art and Craft of Tapestry. We welcome all levels of weavers, beginner to expert. Offering education, encouragement, tutoring, new ideas and useful gentle critique.
For this group meeting on line was not very satisfactory, so we have moved to in person meetings at the Ferndale Library Meeting room. We follow all the Federal, State and local protocols for health and safety set forth by the Whatcom County Library System.
We do offer one on one mentoring sessions for the absolute beginner, or anyone having a particular problem, on a case-by-case basis.
This year we have discussed and practiced, shapes, curves, straight lines, slits, types of looms, resources for finding materials, designing and gathering ideas. We are now in the process of setting goals for the new year.
We bring our looms, yarns, books, ideas, and talk, and weave, solve problems, answer questions and laugh a lot. If you have a particular subject you would like to know more about, let us know and we will try to devote a whole session on it.
Sheila Atwater, Coordinator. Contact via email [email protected] : phone or text 360-201-0818.

​Pussy Willows

Gloria L . Tapestry 2022

Diane Tapestry 2022

Joyce Tapestry 2022

Kathryn Tapestry 2022

The Rigid Heddle Loom Study Group

​This 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. Contact RHSG coordinator Susan Torntore, [email protected] ​

Skill Share Space at the Bellingham Public Library

As part of the Education and Outreach Committee, we present a Small Looms Group in the Skill Share Space at the Bellingham Public Library, located at 210 Central Avenue. It is designed to introduce, and hopefully spark interest in, the craft of weaving to the public. Focus is on small looms (frame, pin, tapestry, & rigid heddle looms, tiny beginner looms, and cardboard looms you can make yourself). We answer a LOT of questions, recommend resources for information and supplies, and even let people try it out themselves.

We are asking for a few volunteers (hopefully 3-4 minimum, 6-8 maximum each session) to come to chat with people and demonstrate. You don’t have to commit to every session.We meet on the first Saturday of each month from Noon to 3:00 p.m.

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].

WWG Banner

From Diane Banks, Member at Large / ANWG Representative

ANWG Rep Report

Just a brief update, but one that I know I’ve been waiting for. The Tea Towel Exchange requirements are out, and the submission form’s link is below. Here is what you need to know so you can start planning your exchange towel:

Woven with fiber of cotton, hemp, linen, cotton/linen or any other appropriate fiber for a tea towel.
Finished (hemmed, washed, dried and pressed); finished size approx. 18”x25”; (may be a little wider and longer).
Pattern and colors of your choice, but you are encouraged to use any or all of the Conference colors.
Label your towel with your name, email address, and phone number, along with your guild name and location. Also include info on weaving draft name, source for the draft, yarn size, fiber, and sett used. This should be pinned to the tea towel when submitted. Click here for more information.

ANWG’s link to hotel commendations for the June 11-18 2023 Fiber Conference is here.
There are three options along with finding your own accommodations with VRBO or AirBNB.

Please be sure to scroll down to the Frequently Asked Questions. I found it helpful. There are links to the workshops and seminars being offered, however dates and times TBA.

It is good to know that online registration will open mid-January, 2023.  Announcement of the exact date will be late fall 2022 on the home page of the website.

Here is the current list of workshop instructors and their classes.
Dates and times TBA

Guidelines and entry forms for the Open Show and Juried Show can be found at the Conference website. There is no fee to enter.
The Juried Show entry fee per item is $15 US and must accompany the online entry available January 15, 2023 at Juried Show – ANWG 2023 Conference (anwgconference2023.com). ​

Continuing: Outreach Opportunity,  Hospice: For Weavers, (and knitters & crocheters)
From Sheila Atwater, Education and Outreach Chair

Whatcom Hospice is a remarkable institution here in Whatcom County that cares for the dying, and their families as well. Everything is done with care, concern, love and compassion.

One of the rituals they offer to families of patients who pass away under Hospice care is the option of bathing their loved one’s body as a final goodbye. The families are given kits that contain a handmade washcloth and a small vial of Lavender Oil to scent the water. These washcloths are lovingly made by volunteers who knit or crochet them. The families may then keep them as a memory keepsake. They are used only once.

Here are the instructions:

• Use unmercerized cotton yarns. 95-100% works the best (I recommend “Sugar & Cream”)
• They should be approximately 10” x 10”
• 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
• When finished, wash in hot water and mild detergent
• Dry in the dryer with no softening agents or fragrances
• These cloths will be used once and offered to the families to keep as a memory keepsake

When you have finished your project, you may drop them off at Carol Berry’s Studio, in a marked container on the porch, or put them through the mail slot.They will be gathered and delivered to Hospice House. If you cannot get to Carol’s Studio, contact me at 360-201-0818 (call or text), or email me at sheil[email protected]. I will arrange to pick them up.

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

Stay tuned to the Gallery on the WWG website - the Guild Challenge 2022 images of the Ephesus photo are being uploaded for your viewing pleasure!

Upcoming Guild Programs

September 17 Meeting:
​Highlights from the History of the Whatcom Weavers Guild - A Slide Show

Carol Berry, a member of WWG since 2010, has been exploring the archives of the WWG She has found slides of many beautiful textile works, and newsletters dating from 1982. New members and longtime members alike will ejoy this trip down memory lane, kicking off our 2022-2023 program year.

Upcoming meetings

October 15: Flóra Carlile-Kovács
November 19: Judy Zugish on Basketry
December 17: Jane Stafford on a Weaving Trip to Ethiopia
January 21, 2023: Our own Donna Hunter and Lisa Nakama presenting Felting
February 18: Amanda Gilvin. Zoom presentation on three types of weaving done in the West African country of Niger--the téra-tera, the sakala, and the kounta. ​
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

​​​​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.

Library Spotlight #9: New Books for our Library!

​​Hi everyone! We are almost finished with organizing the Library shelves, and it’s clear that although the Guild has a wonderful collection, there are also a few omissions. So now comes the fun part: Deciding what new books to purchase!

We badly need to update our books on Spinning, so 2 of the books under consideration are:

1. The Spinner's Book of Yarn Designs, by Sarah Anderson
One of the best books out there for taking your yarns to the next level, beautifully photographed with concise instructions.

2. The Practical Spinners Guide to Rare and Luxury Fibers, by Judith MacKenzie
Judith MacKenzie is the most skilled and knowledgeable spinner around, and this book is a staple for anyone who wishes to spin luxury fiber.

The Spinner’s Book of Yarn Designs

Adidtionally, there are no Knitting books on our shelves, despite the fact that many of us are avid knitters. Wonderful basic how-to’s are readily available on YouTube these days, and magazines with ample supplies of the latest patterns abound. So perhaps our Library should focus instead on comprehensive stich and pattern books, and on special focus areas (e.g., socks, Aran knitting, knitted lace). Here are some under consideration.

Vogue Knitting

1. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book
This is the iconic knitter’s bible, one of the best reference books around
2. The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques, by Margaret Radcliffe
Covers everything from Plain & Textured Stripes to Entrelac, Mosaic & Intarsia
3. Custom Socks: Knit to Fit your Feet, by Kate Atherley
4. Aran Knitting, by Alice Starmore
5. 50 Fabulous Knitted Lace Stitches, by Rita Weiss
6. Victorian Lace Today, by Jane Sowerby
7. Knitting Rules!, by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Pearl-McPhee’s wit & humor takes you through that blaring mistake you suddenly see 2” down the beautiful sweater you’ve spent the last two weeks knitting.
8. Knitting Without Tears, by Elizabeth Zimmerman
Is there a knitter who’s NOT read this yet? The queen mother of knitting!

And back to weaving; Susan Torntore has requested two books, both by Janet Phillips.
1. Exploring Woven Fabrics
2. Designing Woven Fabrics

What other books/subjects would you like to see added to our shelves? Please email Lynn Berman with your suggestions at [email protected].

Announcements

The Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum is once again presenting its annual International Quilt & Fiber Arts Festival, October 7-9, 2022, at the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center in Everett, WA.  Click here for more information, including details of the Call for Entries.  Please help us ensure the success of this Festival by passing this information along to your Guild members and encouraging them to enter.  We know the Pacific Northwest is home to many talented quilt and fiber art artists and we would love to be able to include them all in our exhibit!
 
This is a juried and judged exhibit, with three cash prizes being offered.  $500 for Best in Show (must be a judged piece), $500 for People’s Choice – Quilts, and $500 for People’s Choice – Fiber Art & Wearables. Visit this page for more information or contact the Museum at (360) 466-4288.  
 
Thank you for your assistance in supporting the Museum.
 
Sandy Hatfield
Member, Board of Directors 

Amy Green
Executive Director
(360) 466-4288 ext 103
www.qfamuseum.org

From the Jansen

Judy Zugish   -   Basketry Exhibit & Classes Coming in the Fall

Coming this fall, the J will host two one-day basketry workshops by Judy Zugish, a wonderful basketry artist based in Marysville. Along with the workshops, there will be an exhibit of basketry, including Judy’s work, but also open to entries from our guild members.

The workshops will be:
Nov. 5 & 18: Bark Weaving a Pouch, and Petrichor (willow bark weaving)

These workshops are both appropriate for beginning basketry makers.
Judy will also be presenting the guild program on Nov. 19. We will be making her presentation and that of Flora Carlisle Kovács (in October) accessible remotely as well as in person.

If you would like to have your baskets included in the exhibit, some dates to keep in mind:
Submissions by Sept. 19
Delivery of artwork: by Oct. 15
Exhibit on display: Oct. 20 - Jan. 6

Petrichor-Zugish Basket

Mixed Barks Pouch

Flóra Carlisle Kovács Felting Workshops and Exhibit

We are delighted that Flóra Carlile-Kovács will be returning to the J this fall to teach a couple of workshops and to present the guild program on Oct. 15. There is also an exhibit of Flóra s felting work, and that of felters from our own guild, which will be on display now through Oct. 15th.
Her workshops will be:

• Oct. 13: Felted Floral Jewelry
• Oct. 14: Mosaic Scarf​

Nunofelt Mosaic Scarf

Felted Tulip Bouquet

Classes and Dye Days at the J

The Textile Studio has a new schedule of classes for summer and fall quarters:

​Weaving on Harness Looms:

• Lace Weaving with Sheri Ward, Sept. 27-Oct. 18
• Crackle Weave Mysteries and Magic with Liz Moncrief, Nov. 10-11
• Beginning Weaving with Marcia Ford, Nov. 30-Dec. 21

Weaving on Rigid Heddle Looms:

• Rigid Heddle Warping Refresher with Leslie Ann Bestor, Sept. 7
• Lace Weaves on the Rigid Heddle with Leslie Ann Bestor, Sept. 8 & 15
• Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving with Leslie Ann Bestor, Sept. 20-29
• Rigid Heddle Warping Refresher with Leslie Ann Bestor, Nov. 29
• Textured Weaves on the Rigid Heddle with Leslie Ann Bestor, Dec. 6 & 13

Tapestry Weaving

• Beginning Tapestry Weaving with Val O’Conner, Sept. 24-Oct. 15

Kids’ classes:​​

• Explorations in Fiber Arts, ages 6-9, with Leslie Ann Bestor, Sept. 13- Oct. 18
• Weaving Adventures, ages 10-14, with Leslie Ann Bestor, Sept. 15- Oct. 20
• Weaving Adventures, ages 6-9, with Leslie Ann Bestor, Nov. 1-Dec. 13
• Rigid Heddle Weaving for Kids, ages 10-14, with Leslie Ann Bestor, Nov. 3-Dec. 15
• Seussian Swags, Garlands & Wreaths, ages 6+ (4-5 year olds with an adult), with Leslie Ann Bestor, Dec. 3

Felting classes:

• Felted Floral Jewelry with Flóra Carlile-Kovács, Oct. 13
• Mosaic Scarf with Flóra Carlile-Kovács, Oct. 14

Basketry classes:

• Petrichor Basket with Judy Zugish, Nov. 5
• Mixed Barks Woven Pouch with Judy Zugish, Nov. 18

Crochet Class:

• Beginning Crochet with Jan Burton, Oct. 22-Nov. 12

Spinning classes:

• Beginning Spinning with Chris Paul, Sept. 16-30
• Beyond the Basics with Chris Paul, Dec. 2 & 9

​Dye Days: generally the first Thursday of the month:

• Block Printing with Dyes, Thursday, Sept. 1
• Indigo Dyeing, Thursday, Oct. 6
• Dyeing in the Morgue, Thursday, Oct. 27
• Warp Painting, Thursday, Nov. 3
• Wool Immersion Dyeing, Thursday, Dec. 1
• Eco-Dyeing, fourth Saturday of the month: Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Oct. 22 & Nov. 26

For any of these classes or workshops, check the J's website for details. ​Events for the summer quarter will appear on the website in early June.

Rigid Heddle Weaving

Crochet Class

Summer & Winter Color Study warp available

​There’s some warp that was originally provided as a round-robin project for the Summer & Winter weaving class at the Jansen Art Center. There’s plenty of warp left over, and it’s open for you to weave a table runner or decorative piece.

There are seven colors across the width of the warp. A common way to weave it is to repeat those seven colors in the weft. That, of course, is up to you.

​The fee is $5 for each 7-color repeat, or its equivalent, payable to the Jansen Art Center. That includes use of the loom and all materials. If you’re interested, please contact Sheri Ward at [email protected].

Summer & Winter Color Study

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. (FYI, I cannot download embedded photos, so would have to omit them from your ad. -Wendy E., Newsletter Editor)

For Sale: Schacht Matchless single treadle spinning wheel: Bellingham WA; $750 OBO Double drive, bobbin lead, scotch tension, medium and fast flyer. 4 bobbins and lazy kate, carrying strap. (New: $1300)
Gloria, [email protected]. Landline Phone: 360-676-1917

​Schacht Matchless spinning wheel

Norwood Cherry Four shaft loom - Everett WA; $700 OBO
I am an expat owner of this model of Norwood floor loom, in good/excellent condition, which has been in storage for many years. I will be in the Seattle area August 5 and will have access to the loom then. I plan to inventory the assorted accompanying parts that came with the loom and provide a list and photos of the actual equipment once I arrive. The attached photos are representative images only.

I am looking for a good home ASAP as I will be leaving the PNW after 18 August.  

Includes:
4 Harness, 45”weaving width, Norwood floor loom and bench
approximate floor footprint of loom is 50”x50”
2 reeds (dent-size to be provided after 5 Aug)
shuttles (stick and boat)
warp board
spare heddles
misc. other weaving tools, inventory & pictures to be supplied
$700 / OBO
pick up from Everett; shipping can be arranged at buyers expense

Deirdre
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 203-997-5502
Email or text me if you are interested or have any questions; I will not check voicemail. I will send photos to you once I have them.

In Search Of (ISO)

​I’m looking for an inexpensive child’s rigid heddle loom to share with a 9 year old who is developing a love for weaving. If you have something collecting dust you want to pass along let me know. Hoping not to spend to much $$.
Thanks, Meg Spaulding  
[email protected]


​Is there someone with a small truck or van who could help me move a LeClerc Nilus loom from Sharon Allen's garage to my house in the Cornwall Park area? Although only about 18 inches deep, it is 38 inches wide and about 30 high .... it wont fit in my Fit.   
Gloria, [email protected]. Landline Phone: 360-676-1917

​Calendar of events of interest to Guild members!

Please contribute details of upcoming events of interest to WWG members to [email protected] !
​​
Wakiahkum Farm2Fiber Festival will take place at the Wakiahkim County Fair Grounds in Skamokawa, Washington September 9-11, 2022. This is a new fiber event to provide an opportunity for local spinners and weavers to support an emerging fiber show and find some great fiber for their next project. Click on this link for more information and the schedule.

Slow Yarn Crawl PNW
May 27 – September 5, 2022
http://www.slowcrawl.com/

ECO DYEING WORKSHOP -- 2 openings left
Date: Monday, September 19, 2022
Time: 10 AM to 3 PM
Location: 14114 Doser Street, Edison, WA 98232
Instructor: Wendy Pare (206-200-8148)
Cost: $20
Class Size: 6 persons
 
All materials and equipment will be provided.
Everyone will create an eco dyed silk scarf and ironblanket to take home with them.
All participants will need to bring a lunch. Coffee, tea, water and treats will be provided.
This event is outdoors.
To register please send an email to [email protected]

​Pacific Northwest Fiber Exposition
October 1-2, 2022
Port Townsend WA
(https://www.pnwfiberx.com/)

This will be a Fun Filled Fiber weekend in Port Angeles Washington October 1-2, 2022. The event will include a craft marketplace, workshops, demonstrations and hands on activities for all ages. Entrance is free for the marketplace and demonstrations. Information on workshops and associated costs is available on the website.

Our goal is to bring together all the talent and skills of the region to create a unique venue to celebrate the wide range of fiber related arts and crafts. From Spinning to Felting, Knitting to Basketry, Quilting to Rug-hooking and much more, we plan to showcase, demonstrate, instruct and inspire. This event will provide an opportunity for all ages to learn heritage craft skills and to connect with those who are passionate about fiber arts.

Beth Witters
Marketing Coordinator
Pacific Northwest Fiber Exposition

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 Wendy via her mail address in the Membership list or to [email protected]. 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 if you have questions.