September 2023 Newsletter

​​Greetings Guildmates and welcome to the 2023-2024 year of textile fun!

Whatcom Weavers Guild is entering its 53rd year as a guild of textile makers/creators/aficionados and we are going strong! Our membership continues to grow (over 100 this year!) and includes folks from our corner of WA as well as neighbors from Canada and those who live afar but stay connected through the internet. You will be receiving our yearly membership packet soon and I hope you take the time to peruse, appreciate and make use of the wealth of resources within our guild.

This richness will be on display right away, at the Quilt and Fiber Arts Show on September 15 & 16 in Ferndale. The guild will be displaying an array of our members' work and demonstrating weaving and spinning as well as selling items made by members. Stop for a chance to see what I think of as show-and-tell on steroids. We may still be looking for volunteers to help in the booth, send an email to [email protected] if you'd like to help out.

Helping out is a great way to get involved in the guild and to get to know people. I've only been in the area for 2 years and was pretty reluctant when I was approached to join the board; I felt I was too new to the guild to take on a leadership role. But Carol and Sharon are pretty persuasive and pointed out that it would be a great way to connect with people and settle into the community. I'm here to report that they are right, and my life is so much richer for friendships and knowledge I have gained. After the isolation of the last several years, participating in our group is a great way to stretch out again and re-connect, especially with others who share a passion for textiles.

So I encourage you, maybe even challenge you, to make this the year that you participate in the guild and spend time with other members to share and inspire each other. Come to meetings, chat each other up, work side by side on guild projects like the Little Looms day at the library. Our guild is rich with the experiences and inspiration of many, and we have many ways to share that with each other so take advantage of the opportunities to connect that come with guild membership. 

I look forward to seeing you at our first meeting of the year on October 21. 


​LeslieAnn Bestor
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​​News from Committees and Interest Groups

The Tapestry Focus Group

​After a short pause for the summer, we are rapidly coming up on September once again. For all new Guild members, here is what we do and when we meet.
The purpose of this group is to further an interest for members of WWG who want to learn more about the Art and Craft of Tapestry. We welcome all levels of weavers, beginner to expert, and offer education, encouragement, tutoring, inspiration, new ideas and useful but gentle critique.
We meet the second Tuesday of each month from 1-3 PM, in the Community Room at the Ferndale Library.
We do offer one on one mentoring sessions for the absolute beginner, or anyone having a particular problem, on a case-by-case basis.
We bring our looms, yarns, books, ideas, and talk, weave, solve problems, answer questions and laugh a lot. So if you have an interest in Tapestry Weaving join our group and grow your craft.
Sheila Atwater, Coordinator
For more information, text or email Sheila Atwater at 360-201-0818 or sheilag1948@comcast.net. 
The Rigid Heddle Loom Study Group

​The RHSG is going into hibernation this fall. Susan Torntore is stepping down as facilitator to pursue more complex multi-shaft weaving projects, and several members are moving into other weaving and creative fiber pursuits, both on and off the rigid heddle loom. The group was formed in 2019, meeting over Zoom throughout the pandemic and in person again for the last two years. We have shared many tips and tricks, and explored numerous weave structures, techniques, and projects related to members' personal interests over the years. These included log cabin, sakiori rag weaving, CrazyShot!, krokbragd, mixed warps, warp- and weft-float patterns with pick-up sticks, and, most recently, color-and-weave patterns and lace weaving. 
​We are planning a special RHSG show-and-tell at the October Guild Meeting to celebrate our work from the past five years and, hopefully, encourage new leadership and members to carry on with this incredibly versatile, functional, and popular loom.
For more information, please contact coordinator Susan Torntore at [email protected]
Rigid heddle projects shown here include:
​color-and-weave, Sakiori rag weaving, CrazyShot!, pick-up patterns (waffle weave), mixed warps, lace, and krokbragd
Ikat Group

An Ikat Study Group formed after an inspiring presentation at the ANWG conference. We are meeting monthly via Zoom and working in our own studios and at the Jansen Center. The group elected to follow the projects in the new “Weavers Studio: IKAT” book, by Mary Zicafoose.
Photos show progress of one group member’s first project: A tied warp, undyed, and after dying, partially untied in preparation for warping the loom. The colors are botanical dyes: Cutch, madder and lac, with an iron shift.
Ikat Project 1, Warp Tied for dyeing
Ikat Project 1, Warp Dyed waiting to go on the loom
Band Weaving Group

Band weavers in the group are primarily practicing Inkle and Tablet Weaving at this time. We have been meeting in person at member’s homes. We have some new books, purchased with study group funds, that will be available in the Guild Library after the study group members have had a chance to review them.
We have also scheduled a zoom workshop with Laverne Waddington, in October, to learn Andean Pebble Weave Bands! 
Bellingham Flag Inkle Band
Andean Pebble Weave Band, Book, and Inklette loom
Online Workshop Opportunities, From Sharon Allen, retiring Workshop Chair

To date, there is no Workshop Chair replacement for Sharon, so she has kindly researched ways in which we can all continue to take workshops online until a volunteer steps up. This list can grow with new suggestions, and will at some point be migrated to our website. (FYI, these are recommendations only; the Whatcom Weavers Guild does not have any official affiliations with any of these teaching sites). - Wendy Eakle, Newsletter Editor
Jane Stafford School of Weaving     janestaffordtextiles.com
Rebecca Mezoff     Online learning — Rebecca Mezoff
Schacht School of textile arts     Schacht School of Textile Arts
Lunatic Fringe Yarns     Lunatic Fringe Yarns
Cally Booker     Cally Booker
Jennifer Moore     Teaching — Doubleweaver
Longthread Media     Long Thread Media Workshops
Natalie Drummond     Natalie Woven
Sarah Ward     Lark & Bower (larkandbower.com)
Gather Textiles      GATHER TEXTILES

Community Outreach

Small Looms at the Bellingham Library Skill Share Space

In an effort to bring awareness of the Craft of Weaving on small looms, to the general public, we meet once a month at the Skill share space at the Bellingham Public Library Main Branch.
We meet the first Saturday of each month from noon to 3PM and demonstrate our own weaving projects on small looms and offer interested persons the opportunity to try their hand at it as well. We show that weaving does not have to have a fancy or expensive loom or lots of equipment. We use cardboard looms, picture frames, and small student tapestry frames. We provide bits of yarn and warp cord and some beginning instruction.

We normally need about 6-8 volunteers each month (Sept – May) to share in this learning experience. If this is something that you would be interested in doing, please contact Sheila Atwater, Outreach and Education Chairperson; at [email protected] or call/text to 360-201-0818.
After discussions at Sharon's driveway summit today, I realized that I omitted a plea for help with moving supplies and setting up the tables for Small Looms. It would involve being there about 1/2 hr before noon, moving the tables and chairs into position, putting up the banner and bringing 3 totes of equipment into the library. 
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For questions or more information contact Sheila Atwater - [email protected] - ASAP please , we start the first Sat of Oct. ​
Hospice Washcloth Project & the Sno-Cap Project

​Whatcom Weavers Guild supports two community groups by donating projects to them.

One Organization is Whatcom Hospice. They use handmade washcloths (knitted, crocheted, or woven) in an ancient ritual that is offered to all families under their care. That is the ritual of washing the deceased body in preparation for burial. The family then has the option to keep the washcloth as a memory object.

For year 2023 we have been donating handwoven washcloths to them and they have been wonderfully received, they LOVE them. So far for 2023 we have donated 128 washcloths. They all have been used.

WWG wishes to continue this community outreach project so are requesting that we all contribute when we can and as often as you can.

Cloths must be about 10”x10”, made of more than 60% cotton, and in light colors. No neon colors or dark somber colors. They do not need to be hemmed other than straight or zigzag stitch on a machine and leave very short fringe. Wash and dry with NO Fabric Softeners. Bring batches of cloths to meetings to be collected or can be dropped off at Carol Berry’s Studio.

For questions please contact: Sheila Atwater, Outreach Chairperson at [email protected] or call/text 360-201-0818

The Sno-Cap Project is the second Community Group we support through the Opportunity Council and other organizations. During the cold and wet months, we donate (knitted, crocheted or woven) Hats, Mittens, Gloves and Scarves that are then distributed to homeless or underserved individuals.
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For more information about this project please contact Lynn Berman [email protected] or JP MacConnell [email protected]. ​

​WWG Library Book Review
and Library Notes

New to the Guild Library

​A Review of “The Enigma of Shadow Weave Illuminated” by Rebecca Winter, by Sharon Allen

While at ANWG in Bend in June I acquired (With our librarians approval!) this beautiful new book for our library. Rebecca is a Master Weaver and member of the Handweavers Guild of Boise Valley along with our former guild member Jenni Jimmerson.

Enigma is defined in the Oxford dictionary as “a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.” Or in terms that I can relate to…Algebra was such an enigma to Sharon.
Shadow Weave has certainly been that for me. Since taking my first class at The Weaving School in Coupeville with Madelyn van der Hoogt several years ago, I have loved, but not understood it. It didn’t help that there are two prominent weavers that approached it, and published works on it with entirely different approaches, Mary Meigs Atwater and Marian Powell. But I was determined to gain understanding.

So I tried something new: I read the entire book instead of just looking at the pictures. I’m not going to lie here, my knowledge of Shadow Weave is still developing, but this book laid it out beautifully. There are chapters on the Atwater method, and the Powell Method but honestly the page in the book that was my absolute favorite was 102. On it was described Switch Drafting…stay with me here. It showed two motifs, identical threading and treadling with one tiny change that made a huge difference…One draft started with a light thread, and the other with a dark thread. I’m not going to show you here, I am hoping that you will check it out and see for yourself how interesting it is.
I am now looking for a project partner to do a switch draft with. We will do the set up together and then weave on entirely different samples to show you. Who would like to tackle this with me?

Submitted by Sharon Allen, who missed her Shadow Weave friend Dori Painter very much while reading this book.
Shadow Weave book cover
Jenni Jimmerson’s Vest
Library Notes

A busy summer kept me from perusing our beloved library.  And I’ve missed it!  Can’t think of a better way to spend a quiet hour or two than in Carol’s weaving studio surrounded by color and texture, heading upstairs to the library and discovering a “new to me” book or magazine about all things fiber.  

Next month there will be a review of at least one of the books we bought from Leslie Ann’s fiber sale; Double Twist, Weaving Designs, & The Exaltation of Blocks.  They're not ready to borrow yet but will be entered into the system in the next two weeks if you’ve a hankering to get your hands on one. Meanwhile, Sharon Allen graciously submitted her review of our other new acquisition, see above.

Meanwhile, the library is open to you by just calling Carol to set up a time when she’ll be home and can let you in.  Bring your tea or coffee and treat yourself to a quiet time around the many books the WWG Library has collected for you.  And if you know of a book that would be a valued addition to our collection, please write to me and let me know. 

Lynn Berman
WWG Librarian
[email protected] ​

​Upcoming meetings

Welcome to the new year for Whatcom Weavers Guild Programs!
We have great programs lined up for you this year. Times and places will be announced. We are working on a hybrid zoom/live platform for most of the programs, and attempting to set up hybrid format for all of them.
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​
2023 Fall Kick-off Meeting
The monthly WWG meetings will begin with an In-Person Offering on Saturday September 23rd.
Saturday September 23rd 10am – 12pm
Location: First Congregational Church of Bellingham, 2401 Cornwall Avenue
Guest Speaker: Sarah Jackson
Sarah will be giving a presentation on Color Confidence. This is a 1 hour presentation (plus time for Q&A) focused on understanding how weave structures impact color interaction and discovering fresh ideas for developing color studies. ***

Sarah graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, concentration in   textile design. A nationally known teacher and textile artist, she conducts workshops for guilds   and regional conferences that explore color and design in weaving. In January 2012, she joined   Handwoven's editorial team as a technical editor, and worked as weaving editor from 2015-2017.   Currently, she is designing patterns for and organizing virtual weaving workshops (Weave Along with Sarah Jackson) on Facebook.

***Since this meeting will be occurring during a break from Sarahs’ Color Confidence workshop, the meeting will consist of Social time. And her presentation. There will be No Show and Tell this month…sorry!
October – ANWG Show and Tell
Join us and those who went to ANWG for a Show and Tell of the week.


November – Terry Bibby 
Saori Weaving
Terri Bibby started weaving over 30 years ago in Edmonton when the quilting class that she wanted to take was full – but there was a spot in a weaving class. She jumped in and joined the Edmonton Weavers Guild and took the Master Weavers classes at Olds College.
She moved to Salt Spring Island in 2004, hoping to do more weaving. Since first seeing SAORI weaving in 2005, Terri has immersed herself in the philosophy and practice of SAORI weaving. There was no turning back. The freedom, the colour, the textures and the beautiful philosophy of SAORI was life-changing.

This will be a Zoom program.

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December – Deb Essens
Supplemental Warps
Deb Essen is the author of "Easy Weaving with Supplemental Warps: " (Schiffer Publishing, 2022), is a frequent contributor for Handwoven magazine and has recorded several DVDs on Supplemental Warps, Pile Weaves with Supplemental Warps, Unlocking Profile Drafts, Pin Loom Projects through Handwoven. She has been weaving for over 30 years and teaches at local, regional and national conferences, guilds and shops. 
This will be a Zoom program.
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​2024 January – Susan J. Torntore, PhD
Sample by Sample, Gamp by Gamp--An Approach to Woven Textile Design
Inspired by the tweed fabrics used by mid-century American fashion designer Bonnie Cashin, Susan will talk about the research and design approach to weave her own tweed Noh Coat for the 2023 ANWG Challenge.
A one-third scale Noh coat prototype on the final enlarged tweed prototype for the finished Noh coat; Shetland yarns, 2/2 twill color-and-weave with houndstooth and stepped twill patterns.Original designs inspired by a Glen Urquhart District Check tweed from Scotland.
February – Sally Orgren
Building a Tour of Swedish Textiles
A trip to Sweden for a family reunion in 2019 evolved into two weeks of non-stop textile adventures for Sally Orgren. Enjoy behind the scenes tours of Östergötlands Ullspinneri (a wool spinning operation), Klässbols Linneväveri (four generation linen factory), Almgrens Sidenväveria (Stockholm silk museum), and some of the student textile work exhibited at the University of Borås in this presentation. Tag along virtually as Sally visits weaver Kerstin Fröberg, the 14th Century Bocksten Man (with his clothing mostly intact!) and nearly 400-year-old textiles recovered from the Vasa, a famous Swedish ship that sank in 1628.
This will be a Zoom Program.

March – LeslieAnn Bestor
Rigid Heddle Weaving
Leslie Ann will share insights into rigid heddle weaving.
Leslie Ann Bestor has been passionate for textiles most of her life, thanks to a mother that knit and sewed everything, and passed those skills along. She began her professional fiber life as a knitter, selling designs and garments, teaching and writing books. She then fell down the weaving and spinning rabbit hole and has been encouraging others to do the same ever since. She currently teaches both adults and children Rigid Heddle Weaving for the Jansen Art Center, in addition to teaching other techniques for small looms, spinning, botanical dyeing, and playing. 
​

April – Mary Zicafoose
Program to still be chosen.

This will be a Zoom Program.


May – Pending.

Whatcom Weavers Guild Libraries

WWG Equipment Library

The Guild has equipment for a 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 information or loan arrangements.

​WWG Book and Literature Library
​
To access the Whatcom Weavers Guild Library’s catalog, the link is https://www.librarything.com/profile/whatcomweaversguild 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 checkout, contact Carol Berry.

From the Jansen

Classes and Dye Days at the J

​The J’s fall quarter classes are now open for registration! Check out the wonderful new offerings at the Jansen Art Center Textile Studio! 
The Textile Studio’s schedule of classes for fall quarter:

Rigid Heddle Weaving
  • Beginning Rigid Heddle with Leslie Ann Bestor, Wednesdays, Sept. 20-Oct. 4
  • Handspun Woven Lace Scarf with Leslie Ann Bestor, Wednesdays, Oct. 11-25
  • Rigid Heddle Lace with Leslie Ann Bestor, Thursdays, Nov. 2-16
  • Rigid Heddle: Using Two Heddles with Leslie Ann Bestor, Wednesday, Dec.
Weaving on Harness Looms
  • Towel Extravaganza with Sheri Ward, Darlene Mathias & Ann Hinz, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 13-15
  • Color & Weave Effects with Sheri Ward, Tuesdays, Oct. 17-Nov. 7
  • Beginning Weaving with Marcia Ford, Fridays, Nov. 17-Dec. 15
  • Lace Weaving with Sheri Ward, Tuesdays, Nov. 28-Dec. 19
Tapestry
  • Beginning Tapestry with Val O’Conner, Fridays, Oct. 6-27
Basketry
  • Interwoven: Barks & Fiber with Judy Zugish, Saturday, Oct. 28
Inkle
  • Inkle Woven Ornaments with Leslie Ann Bestor, Sunday, Dec. 3
Kids
  • Threadbenders Club, Wednesdays, Sept. 20-Oct. 25
  • Botanical Printing for Kids with Leslie Ann Bestor, Friday & Saturday, Nov. 10-11
  • Garlands, Swags & Pompoms with Leslie Ann Bestor, Saturday, Dec. 2
Spinning
  • Handspun Silk Peace Swags with Leslie Ann Bestor, Sept. 23-24
Felting
  • Felted Witch Hat with Donna Hunter, Saturday, Oct. 14
  • Felted Picture with Donna Hunter, Saturday, Nov. 4
Dyeing
  • Indigo Dyeing, Thursday, Sept. 7
  • Wool Immersion Dyeing, Thursday, Oct. 5
  • Dyeing in the Morgue, Thursday, Oct. 26
  • Warp Painting, Thursday, Nov. 2
  • Explorations in Botanical Printing with Leslie Ann Bestor, Friday & Saturday, Nov. 10-11
  • Block Printing with Dyes, Thursday, Dec. 7
For any of these classes or workshops, check the J's website for details. ​
Rigid Heddle Handspun Woven Lace Scarf
Rigid Heddle Lace
towel extravaganza 1536x2048
Zugish Interwoven Barks and Fibers 1536x2048
Inkle woven ornaments scaled
Felted Witch Hat
​botanical printing 1536x2048
Textile Exhibits at the J
​This fall, there will be two exhibits at the Jansen Art Center involving textiles, both opening on Thursday, Oct. 26:
A tapestry exhibit by the Tapestry Artists of Puget Sound, Oct. 26 - Dec. 22
Studio Showcase, Oct. 26 - Dec. 22, a collaboration of the studios at the J. The theme of this exhibit is Art a La Carte, featuring appetizers, entrees, and desserts made of everything but food.
For the Studio Showcase, feel free to submit art to this exhibit, even if you’re only an occasional visitor to the Textile Studio.  All guild members are invited to participate.  Contact Sheri Ward, [email protected] if you’re interested.
​
Come join us for the opening night, or any time these exhibits are on display!
For any of these classes or workshops, please check the J's website for details, www.jansenartcenter.org.  ​
Art ala Carte

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.
Leclerc yarn cone holder - $75
Holds up to 8 cones
Please contact Katie Têtu, [email protected], 425-274-6219
Hi there! I'm writing because I am currently helping my grandmother clean out her basement and decades worth of high-end weaving supplies and would love for these things to go to the right home. She has 2 looms for sale: A Glimakra Standard 63" Countermarch Floor Loom and Glimakra Upright Gobelin Tapestry Loom. All the parts are there and have been stored wrapped in plastic the last few years. Recently we partially assembled them just for photos. She's hoping maybe something in the $3,500 range for the big one? 

She also has massive quantities of mostly imported weaving yarn (stored in watertight bins), which I have slowly been listing online (but there is a LOT more she has yet to go through). Anyway, these ads should give you an idea of the absurdly low prices she's considering:  https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/profile/504907891
I'm up visiting from CA for another week or so and hoping to take care of as much as I can while she is currently undergoing radiation treatment and trying to downsize. Thanks for any suggestions you might have!

Marc Dewey, [email protected]
Harrisville Designs 45” 8 harness folding floor loom for sale
Excellent condition, older model HD floor loom. Brand new harness cables, extra wire heddles, extra dent reed & bobbins included. Back end folds towards frames for smaller foot print.
Please contact me for pictures and pricing - Brooke, [email protected]
4-Harness Willis Floor Loom for sale, $100
The loom is a Willis loom made in Bellingham in the seventies. Four harness, six treadles, 38 in.weaving width, needs some finish repair and a new reed.
Asking $100 as a donation to the Jansen Art Center.
Contact Marcia Ford, 360 734-8399 or [email protected].
Willis Loom
In Search Of (ISO)
​
​Announcement
The Ragfinery has looms! Needed: Advising to get them in shape for their forever homes.
A number of table looms were spotted on a recent trip to the Ragfinery. These donated oldies could be useful for classes, youth fiber clubs, etc., but at present no one on the staff at the Ragfinery is a weaver, so they don’t know whether the looms are useable or fixable. Each might need a part, a screw, a reed, a little TLC…

The staff haven’t put the looms out for sale – because they just don’t know what might be fair to ask for them. A volunteer with enough weaving experience to know what’s there, and what’s missing on these table looms would be greatly appreciated. This could be a satisfying activity for one or more weavers, once a month or so. And a great excuse to visit the Ragfinery!
The Ragfinery is located at 1421 N. Forest St., Bellingham. (360)738-6977 Shop Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Donation Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10-4.
Email [email protected].

The Ragfinery is a non-profit retail store dedicated to educating our community about textile waste, creative reuse, and mending. Our donations and purchases of fabrics, supplies and products divert waste from landfill, support local jobs, and promote a sustainable local economy with a conscience.
For more information go to their website: www.Ragfinery.com

​Calendar of events of interest to Guild members!

Please contribute details of upcoming events of interest to WWG members to [email protected].
​28th Annual Weaving History Conference, October 23-25, 2023

The Weaving History Conference is a virtual conference filled with fascinating presentations, engaging conversation, and a shared love of all things weaving and fiber. It was founded by the Thousand Island Arts Center and Handweaving Museum in Clayton, New York, to celebrate, promote and share scholarly work and reflections on the subject of handweaving and all fiber arts. This year's line-up of presentations is now online and conference registration is open, click here.
Susan Torntore is presenting at the Weaving History Conference again this year. Her talk, "Exploring the Woven Fabrics of Bonnie Cashin—By Hand," will discuss the second, hands-on phase of her research project about the handwoven tweed fabrics of American designer Bonnie Cashin. She will focus on learning to weave favorite Cashin tweeds, and designing and weaving her own tweed Noh Coat for the 2023 ANWG Challenge.

​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, 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.
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​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.