Friday, December 7, 2012

Featured Artist - Ann Nikmo


Good morning everyone!  I just had to share this picture with you that was recently sent to me by Anne Nikmo when I had asked her what she was working on.  Anne is modelling her latest creation - a stunning woven top that she recently completed to wear to one of her Christmas festivities.  Isn't it GORGEOUS????  I'm sure the compliments have been non-stop!! 


As soon as I saw this picture, I immediately asked Ann if I could feature it on the blog as I thought you should ALL see what she's been up to!! Hopefully she'll bring this to our next "Show & Tell" so we can all see it in REAL LIFE!!! Thanks for sharing, Ann!!! :)

If you have any completed projects that you'd like to share - please feel free to email me a picture and I'll happily post it to the blog so others can see it too!  I love showcasing projects from the members of our TALENTED guild!! Thanks everyone....Lisa :)

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Shuswap Spinners & Weavers - Annual Christmas Sale

The Shuswap Spinners & Weavers Guild held our annual Christmas sale this past Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the Salmon Arm Art Gallery where it was once again attended with great enthusiasm.  The ladies tell me that the gallery was "packed" all morning and well into the afternoon.  Many beautiful items found their way into the hands of new owners and I'm sure more than one hand-made treasure will find its way under the tree this year.  Here is a sampling of some of the beautiful work done by our talented guild. 





....and one last picture of our lovely ladies putting the final touches on things before the doors open. 

 
Thank you to all of those that made our event another HUGE SUCCESS this year. The Shuswap Spinners & Weavers appreciate your patronage and can't THANK YOU enough for attending our gala. We hope to see you again next year!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Shuswap Spinners & Weavers Annual Christmas Sale

The Shuswap Spinners & Weavers Annual Christmas Sale will be held this coming Saturday, November 24th at the Salmon Arm Art Gallery from 10:00 am until 4:00pm.  Members are reminded to bring baked goods for the tea.  For those members who have signed up for the cash desk, please contact Anne N. to confirm your shift times.

December Meeting.....

Just a reminder that our December meeting will be held December 3rd at the Mt. Ida Hall at 6:00pm.  Members are reminded to bring "finger foods" for our pot luck!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

November Spin-Ins & Knit-Ins

Come on out and join the fun - everyone welcome!

November 13 - Marcia Duthie, Enderby - 10:00am to 2:00pm
November 19 - Lis Borthwick, Salmon Arm - 10:00am to 2:00pm
November 28 - Melissa Nasby, Salmon Arm - 7 pm - ??? (whenever)

Thursday, November 1, 2012

REMINDER: November Meeting

The next business meeting for the guild is Monday, November 5, 2012 at 1 p.m. in the Community Centre next to the guild room. Fibres Unlimited will meet from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. The "After Dark" group will meet in the guild room starting at 7 p.m. This group is like Fibres Unlimited and is held in the evening for members unable to get together earlier in the day.

Please contact Rita Winning for further information.

For Sale: Lendrum Spinning Wheel

SOLD!!!
Older style Lendrum spinning wheel for sale. Single treadle converted into a double treadle wheel. Huge jumbo flyer, and lazy kate included. $275.00

Please contact Lis Borthwick at 250-832-6810 or rborthwi@telus.net

Thursday, October 25, 2012

For Sale: Drum Carder

For Sale:

$350 Drum Carder [with doffer], excellent condition, hand made but resembles the Pat Green carders. The carder works awesome, I just rarely use it and it is sitting by me fireplace looking all lonely :D

Kyla [fellow spinner] has just bought a brand new Mad Batt'r and I can use her's the odd time I want to card.
Contact me, Rita, praisingthelamb@gmail.com, if interested.



Thursday, October 18, 2012

New additions to the FOR SALE page....

Looms offered for sale - the first is an 8 shaft floor loom with 10 treadles and 1 reed and the second is a 12 shaft Woolhouse table loom and stand with 2 sidetrays, 2 lease sticks and 1 reed.  We also have a Moorit Shetland Ewe for sale.  For more details and contact information, please check out the "For Sale" page located on the right side bar.  ------------------------->

Monday, October 15, 2012

October - Spin-Ins & Knit-Ins

Just a quick note to let you know of this month's spin-ins and knit-ins.  They are as follows:

October 16th - Rita's - 7pm - Knit-in
October 17th - Anne N's - 10am - Spin-in
October 22nd - Gudie's - 10am - Knit-in

As always - you can knit at the spin-ins and spin at the knit-ins....it's up to you.  Just come out and have some FUN!! :)  Contact Rita if you need more information.  She can be reached at praisingthelamb@gmail.com if you have any questions, need addresses or other information. 

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Meeting Reminder - Monday, Oct. 1/12

        Summer is now behind us so it’s onward and upward for the new season of spinning and weaving.  Monday night is our regular meeting night, but this one is something special as it is time to elect our new executive.  Glenda has asked me to fan out a note inviting anyone who would enjoy participating more fully in our guild by being part of the exec. bunch to give her a call and offer your name.  *Please* don’t be shy – it’s always great to have new energy in our guild – no matter what your experience level.  If there is anything you’d like to do (or to share in as an apprentice) just let her know.  You are welcomed with open arms.

Just a reminder, too, that Gabriele has booked Room 3 for Fibres Alive in the afternoon from 2 - 4 pm so come and bring your spinning, knitting, etc.  The meeting will be in the bigger room (Room 2) at 7 pm.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Pioneer Days Spin In Photos finally posted

Click on the Pioneer Days page at right to see Rosalie's photos!  Sorry for the long delay, things have suddenly gotten even busier at the farm.  M.

Pioneer Days Spin In Photos finally posted

Click on the Pioneer Days page at right to see Rosalie's photos!  Sorry for the long delay, things have suddenly gotten even busier at the farm.  M.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

June 4th Show and Tell Photos now posted!

The long awaited pictures from our Show and Tell on June 4th are posted.  Click on the page titled " Show and Tell"  listed on the right side of the screen.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Show and Tell May 7th



A needle felted mask created by Melissa  and shared at the May 7th meeting's SHOW and TELL!  












Elvi's finished sampler from the OVERSHOT Workshop - yards of fun!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Minutes: May 7 Meeting

May 7, 2012

Monthly Meeting of Shuswap Spinners and Weavers Guild

The meeting was called to order by President, Gabriele at 7:02 pm.  With 26 members and 
1 guest present.  (Janet from Red Deer relocating to Eagle Bay)

Glenda H. moved the March minutes be adopted as posted, seconded by Louise.  Carried

The Vav subscription has been renewed for 2 years.
Committee Reports:
        Equipment: Some items are currently rented and everything is going well.
Library:  New books have arrived and several DVDs which Darlene will catalogue and get them into the library.
Fashion show:  no report or updates
IPE: Sharon will act as liason and keep us informed.
Sheep to Shawl:  Elvi is working as convenor and rules are posted on the Fall Fair website.
Skein Workshop:  June 16 with Louise Smith, 2 spaces still remain.
Double Weave Workshop:  attended by 10 people and went well
ANWG: Louise moved we donate $25 towards a prize for the open exhibits.  Seconded by Eileen, carried.
 
New Business:
Enderby Art  Show:  July 28th, 9 am – 4 pm  bring tables, chairs and your ideas of things to show the public as well as items you wish to sell.
Haney House and Museum:  We have been invited to spin on 
Father's Day June 17 – come by 9ish and stay as long as you are able
Pioneer Days July 8 – as above.  Wear pioneer dress if possible.
Vintage Car Show August 12 – come and spin beginning at 9ish.  Check their web page for more information about activities at the Heritage Park and Museum.
Mannequins – Shuswap Singers donated a pair of tickets for their upcoming concert in thanks for the use of the mannequins.  Elvi is the recipient.
June Potluck: Glenda moved we hold our June potluck at Clare's on June 4th with the Guild to pay the cost of $100.80.  Seconded by Gloria.  Carried.  Bring enough to serve 6 – 8 servings of appies, salads, main dishes, desserts or whatever.
Meeting Times: Gloria moved that we discuss alternating day and evening meetings.  Seconded by Elvi.  Rosalie offered to put out a survey to gather opinions on alternating meetings and present the findings at the October meeting.  Glenda moved we do this, seconded by Rosalie, carried.
Dates:  Spin-Ins   May 15th at Gudrun W.
    June 19th at Mona's
Knit-Ins May 22nd  at Glenda H.
June 26 at Marcia D.
 

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Double Weave Workshop - Saturday, May 5th

Ten participants gathered on Saturday morning and spent the day with Master Weaver Gudrun W. learning the rudiments of Double Weave.  The possibilities of this technique are endless and some of the samples that Gudrun shared were utterly amazing.  As a group we all did pretty well on the basic techniques, but the process of creating even simple designs by picking up threads was fairly complicated and will take some time to perfect.  ( That is my excuse anyway, and I am sticking to it!)  As Gudie put it, " Well, I comprehended 3 out of 4 techniques today and am quite happy with that !

We had a great day and there were lots of interesting conversations around the lunch table!

May Meeting Reminder

Monday, May 7 at 7 pm at the Recreation Center as usual.  See you there!

Monday, April 30, 2012

Fleeces for use as insulation - does anyone have some they want to give away?

Friends at Golden Ears Farm are looking for free fleeces that can be processed for use as insulation in one of the farm buildings.  If you have some that you would like to get rid of, email Paul or Kelsey with the information.Golden Ears Farm

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Thursday, April 5, 2012

April Updates from Monday's Show and Tell Spectacular!

 
Guild News
There are no minutes from the April meeting, as it was not a formal meeting.  A few notes, however, might help everyone keep in touch.  28 members attended the meeting to watch Anne Carmichael demonstrate her sock knitting machine.
 
Gabriele read a note from ANWAG requesting a donation for their "Crossing Border, Crossing Fibres" event.  This can be discussed at the next meeting.  Darlene has done a March inventory; there is only one book missing "Tea Towels" from the Design Collections.  A list has been prepared for the new books purchase.
The Doubleweave workshop is May 5.  The $40 should be paid to Noelle tonight.  A possible spinning workshop by Louise Smith is planned for June 16, from 9 - 4.  Cost is $30 if a free space is available, and $37 otherwise.
 
Anne's sock knitting machine, vintage 1904, was a big hit.  Members were able to watch Anne knit a sock, including turning a heel, (twice) and a quick demonstration of kitchener stitching.  The Show and Tell that followed the sock knitting demo was another amazing demonstration of talent.
 
April Dates
 
April 10 Spin in at Gloria's (directions to come from Gloria by email) from 10- 2.
April 21 - "Knee Deep in Spring" Event at Harmonious Homestead and Ewe.  Spinners are welcome to come from 10 - 4
April 23 - Knit in at Lis Borthwick's 10 - 2
April 28  Open House at Margaret's Ranfurly Farms.  10 - 2.  For directions, check the blog.

Knee Deep in Spring - April 21st at Harmonious Homestead

Harmonious Homestead and Ewe are holding the Knee Deep in Spring event on the 21st April Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm and invite the Spinners and Weavers Guild to attend. Weather permitting they could have a 'spin in' on our board walk at the Mount Ida Hall or if it is too cool or wet they could be in the Hall. We have Joyce Marchant here with her horses ploughing our Market Garden, several local Sustainable living groups will have displays, children's games and of course there will be guided tours of the farmyard to see the new born lambs. 'The Sheep's Trough" restaurant will be open in the Hall serving brunch and lunch. 
 
Submitted by Rob Fensom - Harmonious Homestead and ewe.

Plying and Skein Preparation Workshop

Subject: Plying and Skein Preparation Workshop
 
1 Day Workshop on Plying and Skein Preparation
on June 16th Saturday – mentored by Louise Smith - Sponsored by Shuswap Spinners & Weavers
 
Louise has been spinning and weaving since 1990 and has used many different types of wheels.  She has entered many competitions and filled cork boards with skeins and prize ribbons. The Canadian Alpaca and Llama shows in Red Deer- many classes, at Silver Star- many classes;  Fibres West in Abbotsford –Lace weight, Novelty yarn; ANWG Conference in Bozeman- best 2 ply wool; local fairs and uses her yarns in weaving and knitting. Louise also teaches a Novelty Yarn workshop which stresses stable, functional finished yarns. She has studied with Judith MacKenzie, Kim McKenna and many other proficient spinners and done a lot of self study.
 
Start 9:00 a.m finish 4:00p.m. with lunch break.  Bring lunch or buy lunch in the mall restaurants.
Held at Picadilly Mall , Salmon Arm, B.C.  Directions will be given to participants
 
Topics covered:   2 ply to achieve a balanced skein.                                       
                            Amount of twist in singles needed- what happens if too little twist, what happens if too much twist
                            Reasons to vary from a balanced twist
                            3 ply technique- Navajo and regular 3 strands
                            4 or more ply techniques
                            What is a cabled yarn?
                            What is Lace weight?
                            Examples of all above to look, feel and examine
 
Competition Hints and Tips- Length of competition skein and winding it correctly
                                              Tying a competition skein correctly
                                              Steaming a skein
                                              Washing a skein
                                              Labelling a skein
Questions answered throughout day.
 
Cost:  $30.00 each   Payment in full to be sent to Gudrun W. – Ph 250-835-4657  gudalf.w@sunnybrae.tv 

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Overshot Workshop Very Successful

Just picture it - 7 eager weavers working on seven different overshot patterns under the guidance of Master Weaver, Gudrun W.  The workshop was excellent although challenging.  Gudrun had selected different patterns for each of the participants.  Saturday was spent warping and threading the looms and on Sunday weaving began in earnest.  The patterns are quite lovely and participants look forward to sharing their experiences at the next Guild Meeting.  Many folks did not have time to complete samples of all of the patterns and are planning to gather on Monday afternoon April 2nd at Fibres Unlimited to swap looms and add samples to their collection.  Thanks to Gudrun for sharing her vast knowledge and experience and to Elvi for finding us a space to work in at the mall!  You can see a photo of the participants on the right hand side of your screen.

Next up - Double Weave! 

Alpaca Shearing Day at Oyama April 14th


Annual Shearing Day  Saturday, April 14th from 9:00 am to noon:
Visitors are welcome to our biggest “Work & Fun” day of the year so that you can view the shearing of our herd of 15 Alpacas (4 males & 11 females).    As we have fewer animals this year, we will be shearing only in the morning.    Visitors may drop by any time of the day….after shearing, the Alpacas will sport a new ‘naked’ look.…..please remember to bring your cameras.
We are happy to announce Dave and Connie, the husband and wife team of professional shearers, will be with us again this year.     Not only is Dave an excellent shearer, his sense of humor adds a fun flavor  to the event.
Members of the Shearing Team will be busy blowing the Alpacas clean of dust and debris, securing each animal to Dave’s unique shearing table, and collecting the shorn fibre to the sorting table.     We also give them their shots, trim top knots, bushy tails, and long toenails (almost like a salon treatment).      All animals are treated well and manage to tolerate the procedure which takes only about ten minutes per animal….please check out the attached photos from last year.
While at the farm you may browse in the ‘Alpaca Delights’ Gift Gallery which will be open on Shearing Day with a variety of functional and fashionable clothing and accessories as well as fun products for children and pets.      We accept cash, Visa, and Master Card.
Spring Special of ‘Paca Poo’ until April 22nd:
Our Alpaca manure has composted well and we also have the winter gatherings which will be ready to enrich your garden soils this Spring.     We’ll be using some ourselves but will also have some available for local gardeners.    ‘Paca Poo’ is an excellent fertilizer to till into your gardens in the spring for your bedding plants, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, etc.      Our own experience, plus testimonials from friends and neighbours who have enjoyed bountiful harvests, is convincing proof that this ‘end’ product is a great addition to any garden or lawn.       If you need a smaller quantity of ‘Paca Poo’, please bring your own containers.   We charge $10.00 for a tractor bucket load which works out to about $40.00 for a ‘short box’ pickup truck and $60.00 for a ‘long box’.    Please note the Alpaca fertilizer will be available only until April 22 as we will be upgrading the field where the ‘Paca Poo’ is stored in the four large bins.     Alpaca fertilizer will be available again by the end of June until the autumn.     Please phone ahead (250) 548-4004 to ensure we can accommodate your gardening needs……thanks!
Cheers!
Darlene & Jim
Oyama Lake Alpaca Farm
‘Alpaca Delights’ Gift Gallery
Guided Farm Tours

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Knitting Retreat Featuring Lucy Neatby

Erynn Carney from Twist of Fate Yarns is hosting a Spring Knitting Retreat ------ April 27-29, 2012, with LUCY NEATBY!!! The Retreat includes food, accommodation in Sunpeaks, BC at the Nancy GreeneCahilty Lodge, instruction and materials [yarn and pattern] all you need to bring are needles, scissors and your pyjamas!  For more information contact Erynn, twistoffateyarns@gmail.com. This is a perfect opportunity to get some classy teaching by the incomparable Lucy Neatby!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Two New Spinning Wheel Listings

Check the For Sale page for details on two Ashford Traveller Spinning Wheels that have just been listed for sale!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Heritage Week Spin and Knit In -

Guild members will be setting up their wheels in Picadilly Mall next week for Heritage Week.  If you would like to participate, please give Elvi a call.  This is a great way to get to know each other better and at the same promote our craft to the general public!  Starts February 20th. 

Vernon Spin In - March 31st

I’ve finally contacted the Vernon guild and they are keeping their Spin In date as the last Saturday in March once again this year.  So mark your calendar for this fun event  on March 31 – we’ll be just ahead of April Fools!! For those who don’t spin, you’re welcome to come anyway to visit and shop, and bring along your knitting, braiding, embroidery or whatever.  Enjoy the awesome lunch and great fellowship.  It’s usually $12.00 to register for the whole day ( includes lunch) (From Sharon)

Note: I will post additional details re:contact when I receive them.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Shuswap Spinners and Weavers Feb. 6, 2012 Meeting Minutes


The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by president, Gabriele.
 2 new members introduced themselves; Venke and Barbara

Minutes of Previous meeting::    Gudrun W. moved the minutes of the December meeting be adopted,  seconded by Clare F. Carried.

Treasurer's Report:  Noelle Cox presented the income and expenditures of the last few months. A question about the Christmas Party expenses was answered.  Noelle moved the treasurer's report be adopted, seconded by Julia A.  Carried.

Library Report:  Darlene mentioned members with overdue books. 
Gwen M. donated a book to the library and Sharon W. brought two other donated books.

Equipment: Outstanding rentals were mentioned.  Please pay promptly.

Christmas Sale:  Gudie H.,  Julia A. and Rita W. to spearhead the organization of this event. Thank you.

Sheep to Shawl Fall Fair Convenors: Elvi has volunteered and Gudie H. will also help.  Thank you.

Budget:  Noelle presented a budget showing projected expenditures and expected income as well as a summary of income and expenditures for the last five years.

Fashion Show: There were many points of discussion based on the preliminary committee suggestions:
           -Tickets rather than admission by donation was suggested as was the organization of a sales table for the event.
            -Members expressed the view that having it in a small venue and having it filled was more desirable than having a larger venue without a full house.  The Art Gallery seats 90.
            - Louise suggested the theme reflect an image of high class products.
            - Elvi suggested that as we are an "Art"  any donations be made to SAGA                - Darlene suggested that profits should be reinvested in the guild.

Motion:   Moved by Gwen that the Shuswap Spinners and Weavers host and sponsor a Wearable Art event for the community at large with a budget of $300 to cover the costs of such an event.       Seconded by Sharon, Carried.  Suggested Fashion Show date is Sunday October 28, 2 pm.

Next Committee meeting for Fashion Show  Feb 25th, 1 pm at Gudrun W.'s home.

Country Spinning Wheel: Noelle compared the cost from two sources and learned that a new country   spinner would cost about $600.  Melissa and Rita mentioned that on Craig's List and Etsey there may be ones for sale for a lesser price.  Discussion ensued as to whether the guild wants to purchase a spinning wheel of this type.  Decision postponed until the March meeting, members are urged to discuss and think about this item in February.

Mannequins:  Mona moved we supply four mannequins for 3 months to the Shuswap Singers.    Seconded by Catherine B. Carried. 

Workshops:  Gudrun W. presented overshot samples to inspire members.  The Overshot workshop is  March 24, 25 at Piccadilly Mall.  Cost is $70 plus paper copies for the two days.
           Kim McKenna is available April 14th to do a workshop.  Interested members should review the    options and let Gudrun W. know their wishes soon. Costs $400 per day plus travel expenses.
            May 2012 Double weave Workshop
            Elvi suggested that not all workshops need organized through the guild - plan a workshop, state   a date and cost and see if it goes so Gudrun doesn't have to spend so much time organizing and agonizing over workshops.  This item will be revisited at the March meeting.

Spin-Ins, Knit-Ins, etc - come to Piccadilly Mall Feb 20 to 24th from 10 am to 4pm daily to participate in Heritage Days. Come for the day, a couple of hours, a visit bringing your    enthusiasm and expertise.  Melissa volunteered to help do a display showing the Back to Back Challenges from last year.  Please email her any photos of the February and/or May 2011 events.  Ann will display both sweaters on mannequins.

Meeting for April:
Gabriele moved that the April meeting have no business meeting but a program and Show and Tell.  Seconded by Rita.  Carried.  This means Spin-In, Knit-In dates and other business items are done at the March and May meetings.

Adjournment:  Gudie H. moved the meeting be adjourned.  

Next Meeting:  7pm March 5th, 2012.  
Fibres Unlimited meets earlier (extra room is rented from 2 to 4 pm) - a great time to peruse the library, chat, learn new skills and maybe even get something produced.

Show and Tell:  Many wonderful and varied knitted, woven, felted, and spun items were shown as well wooden, paper and other fibre  items.

Minutes recorded by Ann Nikmo.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Homespun Haven Open House Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012

There will be an Open House at Homespun Haven in Armstrong on Saturday, February 18 from 10 am to 2 pm to celebrate the launching of my new website.  There will be door prizes, sales items etc, as well as a chance to see the new stock of inventory.  We will have John Willis there to answer any questions regarding the site he has designed for me. He is a very busy guy and this was the only day he is free to attend.  John (of Willis eTech) did the basic  website construction, then left me to input all the data, pictures etc.

Website Address:  http://homespunhaven.com

Spin-In Sponsored by Williams Lake Spinners and Weavers

Date:  Saturday, May 5, 2012.
Location:  McKinnon Hall (under the United Church)

This year's challenge is a skein of yarn spun on a drop spindle.  It can be single ply or otherwise, and of any fibre.  Be prepared to write a note that identifies the  fibre, the type of drop spindle etc.  If you can bring the spindle, we would like to be able to share and compare the many different varieties.  There will be a 'Peoples' Choice Award" for the most popular skein and of course we will plan on a show and tell also.  The Guild supports Victim's Services and will gratefully accept donations of machine washable snuggle blankets as well as hats for cancer patients.  The registration cost is $25 per person. ($30 for a commercial table).

Mail the following registration form with payement to: Williams Lake Spinners and Weavers Guild c/o Dorothy Unrau, 651 Hodgson Road, Williams Lake, BC, V2G 3P8.  Although space is not limited, they would appreciate registrations by April 20, 2012.