Sunday, May 22, 2011

Check out Fibre Fusion at the Forks

http://www.fibrefusionattheforks.com/index.html

OUR GUILD'S TRIBUTE TO THE ADAMS RIVER SOCKEYE RUN IS DONE!

Many of you know that some of our guild  members have been participating in a project that involved fish.  It was decided the members would duplicate a very successful project that was done several years ago for a guild booth at an ANWG conference.  Unfortunately, patterns and instructions had been lost over the years, but our intrepid weavers didn't let that stop them.   Their creative talents surfaced and they reinvented the wheel (or the fish, in this case!).   Designing, warping, weaving, sewing and stuffing continued until a marvellous run of 28 sockeye salmon appeared.   The salmon are beautiful, incredibly realistic and skilfully crafted.   They are a wonderful tribute, not only to the salmon, but to the talented artisans who created them.  

Piccadilly Mall has kindly agreed to showcase the salmon and display them in the mall for an extended period of time (perhaps a year or so).   They have constructed a glass showcase of several square feet.   Elvi, Darlene and John have erected the display.  Elvi reports the salmon look beautiful and there were lots of wonderful comments from mall customers. 

You will find the display at the main entrance/foyer (by the drugstore) of Piccadilly Mall in Salmon Arm.  It's a wonderful excuse to carpool with other members and friends, pay a visit to see the salmon, and maybe do lunch at the mall! 

Monday, May 16, 2011

New Workshop Opportunities

Overshot workshop with Gudrun Weisinger
 
Gudrun Weisinger would like to teach a workshop that would accommodate the beginner as well as those who are happily weaving already but still want to learn more.This workshop would teach the Overshot technique using the round robin format. This enables the student ,either  beginner or intermediate, the opportunity to take home a selection of samples. Although the cost of the workshop has not yet been confirmed it will be affordable as we have at least two venues that would allow us to keep the cost down.This could be a summer or fall workshop.
Gudrun , for those of you who do not know her, is a master weaver and produces exquisite pieces every time she works on the loom.Gudrun is also a lovely person and is very helpful and giving of her time when teaching a class or teaching privately.
 
Gudruns outline: (Can be modified or expanded if need be).
 
First Day: Explain all parts of the loom and there purposes.
Select a pattern, design it on paper, choose yarns,colors and the purpose of the woven fabric (placemats, runners, tablecloths, warble's and more) calculate amount of warp threads, set, length of warp, make the warp on a warping board, wind on warping beam, thread and slay in reed, tie on front rod.
 
Second Day: learn how to make a bobbin for the weft, start weaving own sample ,weave on all different looms, learn to make a nice finish.
 
The following is an expanded description of the Shibori Workshop
 
Woven Shibori Workshop with Lynette Lynch
 
Shibori is a Japanese term used to describe several methods of dyeing cloth with a pattern.Most people are familiar with tie- dye or batik which are shibori methods..The patterns are achieved by binding, folding , twisting , wrapping  etc..as well as using a shibori technique to incorporate patterning  into our weaving.
Lynnette Lynch has prepared a workshop on woven Shibori. This is a two day workshop and since Sharon Wickstrom has offered her studio, which is a perfect venue for this type of program, the cost of the workshop is very reasonable.It has been estimated  to be around $50.00 for the two days.Lynnette can take up to 12 people with the assistance of her daughter Ngaire.We are looking at these possible months to hold this workshop .....June11 and 12 or July sometime. Since that is just around the corner you should be thinking now if you can fit it into you schedule.We will have a sign up sheet at our June meeting .. Also Lynnette will be there to answer any further questions. Lynette  is a fairly new member to our guild but not new to weaving.Lynette  joined her local weaving guild in 1980 after moving here from New Zealand . Now , 30 years later. weaving continues to fascinate her. She is very active in the Guild of Canadian Weavers where she currently holds the Scholarship Chair and the Exchange Coordinator positions.
This should be a fun thing to do in the warm lazy days of summer.So far ,signed upon the list are Wendy, Mona, Gudrun, Judith , Gloria and I can not decipher the other name on the current list. (I will come if I do not have a horse show. . In this workshop the samples are produced using 4 or 8 shaft looms.

This workshop is ideal for weavers of all skill levels but understanding how to weave on your loom is essential. Detailed instructions are provided but various options for weave structure and treadling options are open to the participant. This is a two consecutive day workshop; the participant weaves samples on day one and prepares and dyes the samples on day two.
This workshop is set up so that each participant works on their pre warped loom. The warping instructions are sent prior to the workshop. The participant is able to work at their own pace on familiar equipment. Maximum number of participants is 12.
The workshop binder provided includes a colour photo of the woven pieces and the corresponding page number where the sample can be located in the binder.
The information sheet for each sample contains the following:
A short description of the weave method
Warping requirements
Description of suggested warp and weft
The sett, number of ends in the sample, length of warp, ends per inch
Computer draft including threading, tie up and treadling
Instructions for the dyeing methods used for the samples
 
Making the baby doll with Kyla
 
 
I was in love with the doll that Kyla made and brought to show and tell at the last meeting.I asked her if she would mind teaching me and if others are interested we could have a  small workshop. She said that she would show me and I am sure she said she would teach others as well.  That could be June or July. On that list is Marcia, possibly Judith so far. Details will be forth coming at the meeting.
 




 

Back to Back International Wool Challenge - Saturday, May 28th

Everyone is invited to Harmonious Homestead and Ewe in the Salmon River Valley for a day of spinning, knitting, and visiting, as some of the Shuswap Spinners and Weavers Guild members attempt the Back to Back International Wool Challenge. Shearing starts at 9:30 a.m. promptly. The Homestead Market and Restaurant will be open. There is no admission charge, but donations for Cancer Research are much appreciated.  Bring your wheel, your friends, your family, or a challenge team of 7.   Come for a short visit or all day.

Harmonious Homestead and Ewe, 5421 - 70th Street SW, Salmon Arm
250 832 0503

Friday, May 6, 2011

Shuswap Spinners and Weavers Meeting Minutes, May 2, 2011

Twenty-seven members were present.
 
The meeting was called to order at 7: 30 PM by Gabriele.  Moved by Gudrun,
seconded by Rosalie that the Minutes of the previous meeting be adopted.
The Treasurer's Report was read by Noelle.
 
Old Business:
Fall Fair - The Sheep to Shawl has been moved to the building that houses
the school and photo displays.  Elvi, Judy, Wendy, Gudie, Ann are the
team, and Gudrun to judge.  Invitations have been sent to other guilds. 
There will be no team from Kalamalka, but invitations will be sent to the
guilds in Kamloops.
Fibres Unlimited - plan to cut down a set of sticks for use on the looms
currently being operated, as the 45" loom has other sets of sticks.
Christmas sale - should be advertised at the Back to Back contest - Gudrun
to set up a display.
Back to Back Contest - We will be doing the real event, so come prepared
for a long day.  May 28 at Mount Ida Hall at Harmonious Homestead. 
Shearing starts at 9: 30 AM sharp.  The team needs one more person: 
Sarah, Noelle, Wendy, Kyla, Ann, Rita.  Scrapbooks will be displayed.
 
Workshops.  Workshops will be costed before people are asked to sign up. 
A workshop sheet was passed around for possible felting workshops.  A
Beginner's Weaving workshop will be held at Sharons' on May 14.
 
New Business:
June Meeting will be a potluck (finger food).  June 6th, @ 6PM, at
Harmonious Homestead - Mt Ida Hall.
Spin in - @ Judith's on May 17, 10 AM- 2PM.
Knit in - @ Marcia's May 30 10 AM - 2 PM
Back to Back  - May 28
Knitting in Public Day June 11 @ Ross Street Park.
The park should have been yarn bombed the night before.  If you can knit
brightly coloured scarf-style segments from left- over yarns (acrylic is
best) please drop them off to Melissa at Pharmasave or Clixel.
 
Meeting was adjourned by Gudie @ 8: 25 PM for Show and Tell.
 
 

Yarn Bombing Ross Street Park - June 11,2011

"There is something that catches people’s attention when placing
knitting in an urban environment," she says by phone. "It’s like the
perfect counterpoint to what exists already. As we increasingly
become more industrial, we lack that human quality. It makes people
kind of think for a moment. It’s like stopping and smelling the flowers."

Sayeg says yarn bombing doesn’t always have to send a message.
"It just inspires the household knitter to do something different, not so
traditional," she says. "To see grandmas do it is so cool and
renegade. For most it has nothing to do with their opinions on
anything political. It just brings back nostalgic memories in this
nontraditional way."

Knitters also love that yarn bombing is giving the craft some
exposure. "I think it shows the craft in Dallas is gaining momentum,"
says Ceylan Gul, a local knitter who hand-dyes yarn with friend Maria
Renna under the name Two if by Hand. "It brings awareness to the
craft and kind of takes it out of the grandma knitting box, modernizes
it a little bit and makes it fun for young people."

1. Start small: Start with something small like a small pole piece or a
granny square and work with quick, basic patterns. Then move on to
bigger projects.

2. Make your yarn bomb tight: Make your tags smaller than your
object and stretch the piece so it hugs the object tightly and doesn’t
slide off.

3. Colour and contrast: Go for lots of bright colour or contrast with the
structure you are bombing so that it gets noticed. Maybe a white lace
bomb on a tree, or lots of colour on a bland metal light pole.

4. Types of yarn: Don’t buy expensive yarn for these projects. Use
leftover yarns or cheaper yarns. Acrylic yarn typically lasts the longest
against the outdoor elements.

5. To tag or not? Some yarn bombers leave a calling card. Cards and
labels can be found at any stationery store. You might want to
laminate them to protect them from the elements.

6. Take a photo! Be prepared to know that your bomb may not last a
long time. Take several shots with varying angles.

Measurements for Various Park Objects:

Below is a list of objects that can be covered in Ross Street
Park in the heart of Salmon Arm. Measurements are all
circumference measurements with the exception of square
objects, which are noted.

Circumference=width. Height can be whatever your heart
desires.
• Black Light Posts- 21”
• Short Black Pole- 26”
• Small Round Planter -97.25”
• Large Planter- 125.5”
• Square Planter- 26”/side (x4)
• Street Sign- 9”
• Trees- 16”-18”
• Garbage can – 75.25 “
• Bike Rack- 8” and 2.5”
• Clock Base-16” per side (x4)
• Clock post – 25”-22”
• Hand Rail – 5.5”
• Bench Top Rail- 18”

Contact Melissa N. for more details!

Photos from May 2 Reposted!


Rosalie is Ms Marley in Gudie's handspun dreadlocks.....



Kyla wearing Catherine B's shawlet knitted from one of Rita's patterns....



Melissa taking her needle felted boss for a ride .....

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Spinning Opportunities at Haney Heritage Museum - June and July

Haney Heritage Museum would like spinners on Father's Day June 19th, 2011 and 
also for Pioneer Days on July 10, 2011.  We are welcome on both 
occasions with a larger presence desired for the July date. It is always a 
relaxing and enjoyable time on the porch of the museum.  Details at the June 
Pot Luck! 

Woven Shibori Workshop

Shibori is a Japanese term used to describe several methods of dyeing cloth with a pattern.Most people are familiar with tie dye or batik which are shibori methods..The patterns are achieved by binding, folding , twisting , wrapping  etc..as well as using a shibori technique to incorporate patterning  into our weaving. 
Guild member, Lynnette Lynch has prepared a workshop on woven Shibori. This is a two day workshop and since Sharon Wickstrom has offered her studio, which is a perfect venue for this type of program, the cost of the workshop is very reasonable. It has been estimated  to be around $42.00 for the two days.Lynnette can take up to 12 people with the assistance of her daughter Ngaire. We are looking at the summer months to hold this workshop and since that is just around the corner you should be thinking now if you can fit it into you schedule.We will have a sign up sheet at our May meeting to get the ball rolling. Also Lynnette will be there to answer any further questions.This should be a fun thing to do in the warm lazy days of summer.