Past Issues

March 7 Program

Minutes of the December 2014 Meeting

Roz Macken called the meeting to order.

Old Business: The November 2014 Minutes were approved. Barb Lodge gave the treasurer’s report: recent expenses have included renewing our membership in the Handweaver's Guild of America, renewing a 2 year subscription to Spin Off, and donating a sheep through Heifer International. Recent incoming money has been from annual dues, sales of aprons, and rental of guild equipment. In addition to the Crytzer and McCarthy memorial funds, we still have $257 of guild money in the checking account. Questions arose regarding when our membership in the MidAtlantic Fiber Association (MAFA) is paid up through; Roz and Barb will look into this. We were updated that the grant we are receiving for our anniversary event is slightly less than requested, so Karen Fry is filling out a form to make the necessary adjustments. Concern was raised that publicity for this event should be gotten to major publications now.

New Business: We welcomed Elizabeth Tomcho of Union City, a guild member from long ago, who is hoping to learn to spin. Hal Richardson reported that the Friday evening portion of the Chautauqua Guild's event with Linda Cortright had to be canceled due to inclement weather, but the Saturday portion was inspiring. There was a good turnout in spite of the ice storm, and Linda is an excellent speaker. Roz updated us that, after many discussions at our past meetings, the Guild has ordered a new Schacht 4- harness loom, which should arrive in mid January. It comes with a 12-dent reed, heddles, lee sticks, apron rods, and a number of other items. The question of the fate of the old loom was raised. After much discussion, it was moved that we ask Jim Crytzer to examine it and that he be authorized to spend up to $300 toward making repairs to make it more saleable. Roz updated us that two new videos, Spinning Cotton and Andean Spinning, have been added to the library.

Show & Tell: Mabel Cable brought shuttle tatted hearts she made in eight different patterns. Her hope is to learn to tat well enough to mend the lace passed down to her from her mother. Elizabeth Tomcho showed her recently purchased Lendrum wheel, still fresh from the box, and some wonderfully soft fur from her sheltie that she would like to be able to spin, probably blended with wool. Barb Lodge hand wove the red table runners decorating our holiday table. She also passed an article on knitting with cut up T-shirt fabric. Karen Fry updated us that her grandson Ryan, Audrey's baby, has been born, and her next grandson is expected in March. Sindi Collard showed a red and brown seed-stitch and ribbing head band she made that has been keeping her ears warm. If desired, it doubles as a mini-scarf. Hal Richardson brought eight samples, each looking like a miniature rug, of various weft faced weaves, all done on the same warp. He also brought a woven and lined bag with a card-woven shoulder band. Marje Koehlert brought a pair of Fair Isle mittens knitted from several natural colors of her hand spun yarn, and she showed an entrelac hat in process from some dyed "junk alpaca." Sue Olive passed a nuno felted scarf with natural tan and brown fibers gracefully placed on a silk background. Cate Johns updated us that her middle son, Robbie, became the father of twins on Monday. The babies are two months early, but they have reached a "fairly good size" and seem to be doing well. Sue Spencer is also expecting a grandbaby. Roz Macken showed two fancy woven square doilies and some experiments in using Procion dye and coffee on different fibers.

Respectfully submitted,
Marje Koehlert, Secretary

Harrisville Design floor loom for sale: 10 pedals and 8 shuttles [I think she means it has 8 shafts.] 22 inch weaving space and folds up. It is in excellent condition. I have to sell it due to my MS progressing. A new one costs $1775 plus shipping. I am asking $1200. I do not have any supplies to go with it. If interested, please email me at pmfway@aol.com. I live in Scranton, PA.

Two looms for sale: One is a maple Baby Wolf with 8 shafts. The other is a large Leclerc with 12 shafts. For pricing and details, please contact Sigrid Piroch at 724-991-6834. To see the looms in the ARTS Studio, please contact Judy Hanninen, at 814-425-2784 to make arrangements to go to the studio.

Loom for sale. Must sell - my husband wants the garage! Leclerc Iris loom. 4S, 32" weaving width, frame size 36x35. 12 dent reed, copy of Warp & Weave by Robert Leclerc (1992). Asking $300. Contact Roz Macken at rmacken@allegheny.edu.

Thought Products 8 harnesses loom for sale. Cherry wood loom was made in Somerset, PA. Approximately 50 inch weaving width (3 reeds included). A loom bench with storage and a sliding seat is also included. Asking $1500, reasonable offers will be considered. Contact Jennifer (voice or text) (814) 860-1698.

Alpaca Animals & Fiber for sale. Raw Alpaca Fiber –Prime blankets that have been skirted, ready for washing and spinning. $45. Alpaca Roving –Hand washed and dyed in various colors. Great for hand spinning and felting. $16.00 for 4 oz.
Pet and fiber quality alpacas for the hobby spinner and fiber enthusiast. Alpacas come in a wide range of colors; all are halter
trained and are just plain interesting. They are easy to care for and come with free guidance and fiber consultations. Alpaca is super warm, ultra soft, and a pleasure to work with. April Cox, Tupelo Acres Alpacas & More, LLC, 814-827-2125, info@tupeloacres.com