Past Issues

THE NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA SPINNERS AND WEAVERS GUILD

Saturday, February 1, 2003 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, Diamond Park, Meadville, PA

Minutes of the December Meeting

The December meeting of the Northwest Pennsylvania Spinners & Weavers Guild was held on Saturday, December 7, 2002, at Christ Church Episcopal in Meadville, PA. The meeting was conducted by Sue Spencer.

We welcomed Sue Ashman who came to show us her needlewoven necklaces. The guild expressed condolences to Ann Sheffield on the death of her father and to Sharon Rheiland on the death of her mother. Ann has resumed her position as co-president.

Bonnie Crytzer asked if there would be any interest in making a guild calendar. She also resigned as events coordinator. Donna Wellman is taking her place.

Treasurer’s Report: checking: $489.29; savings: $4,037. 64. The total (including grant for Beth Brown-Reinsel workshop and Helen McCartney Scholarship Fund) is $4,526.93.

Co-librarians are Roz Macken and Chelsea Licht. The members voted to purchase a fiber book by Alden Amos for the library and to add one children’s book to the collection every year.

Applications for the scholarship for Beth Brown-Reinsel’s knitting workshop are due by February 1, 2003. Ann Sheffield has applications, and Sue Fenton will try to get a printable form on the web site. Scholarship recipients are expected to present a program to the guild within one year of attending the workshop.

Because of the workshop, our June meeting will be held on May 31st. We will have an evening program on Scandinavian sweaters.

Upcoming programs: February – Roz Macken with silk fusion; April – Lorraine Dallas with creating novelty yarns. We need suggestions for next year’s workshop.

MAFA is looking for a newsletter editor and communications manager. If you are interested, see Susan Fenton.

Sue Spencer passed out gift certificates provided by the owner of the Tattered Corner Book Store.

There is an informal knitting group meeting on Mondays at Christ Church from 4 – 5 p.m. There has been some interest in starting a Saturday group.

Dues are due for 2003. Make checks payable to NWPSWG and send to Susan Fenton. Dues are still $10.

Donna Wellman collected items from guild members to ship to service personnel in Afghanastan.

Karen Fry thanked guild members for their support during her father’s illness.

Amy Albrecht has a conflict next summer and can’t weave at Heritage Days in Waterford. If anyone is interested in weaving, let Donna Wellman know.

Those participating in the fiber exchange picked up their bags of fibers.

2003 Dues are Due

It's that time of year again--time to renew your NPSWG membership dues. Dues are still $10 per year, per family. To renew, please send a check payable to NPSWG to Susan Fenton (see membership directory for address). If any of your contact information has changed (address, phone, email) please make a note of that with your check so that our records can be updated.

Not sure if you've already renewed for 2003? You can check the status of your membership online at the Members Area of the guild website. If this is your first time using the Members Area you will need to register first to create a username and password. To register, you'll need your membership number, which you can find above your name on the address label of The Hub. Members who receive The Hub via email can contact Susan Fenton at info@npswg.com to get their membership number.

We’re Off to Maryland Again!

We are ready to start taking reservations for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, Saturday, May 3, 2003. The itinerary is as follows: Depart Meadville (Episcopal Church) at 5 AM Grove City Factory Outlets (Eat'N Park) at 5:45 AM Cranberry (King's Restaurant) at 6:30 AM The cost of the bus has gone up an additional $100 so I have moved the early bird special up to $47. If you wait until after March 13th, the price will be $50. The bus will hold 47 passengers. Invite your friends and neighbors and let's get this bus filled up. If you have questions, email Judy Hanninen at jhmohair@toolcity.net. Make your check out to Mercer Spinners and Weavers and send to Judy Hanninen (email Judy or see membership directory for address).

Fiber Arts Conference

“Creative Strands: A Fiber Arts Conference” will be held at Bucknell University on July 9-13, 2003. For more information visit www.creativestrands.com. The class list will be at the February meeting.

Thank You Notes from Afghanistan

I would like to thank everyone that participated in the Operation Enduring Freedom project. The homemade gifts were very much appreciated by the service men and women. We have received thank you letters from a few of them.

A couple of lines from a letter from Clyde Wylie: ( Clyde is a pilot)

Just a note to say thank you for the mittens that you sent. Know that supporters like yourself uplift morale and help maintain the fighting spirit. Your kindness and generosity remind us of the American goodwill and what we are fighting for.

Another letter from Devin Horsley (Devin is a SFC)

My Name is Devin Horsley and I am currently serving with the 101st her in Afghanistan. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the box of hats, scarves and mittens. Your kindness and generosity this holiday season is much appreciated. It is the simple acts of kindness that make it easier for all of us stationed over to be away from our families this Christmas. Please let everyone who contributed to the package know that we all appreciate them, that they brightened up our Christmas, and that their kindness made us proud to be here for our country. Thank you, Devin

In return for the thank you letters, I have mailed packages of homemade cookies and caramel corn to everyone that sent one. I hope this makes you feel as good as it does me.

-- Donna Wellman Co Program Chairman

Equipment Notes

The spinning wheel is available to rent, along with the Russian Paddle Combs. The carder will be available at the Feburary meeting. Contact Donna for info.

Dorothy Kloss is selling another of her looms. It's a 60" Leclerc 4 harness jack. To see photos visit her Webpage: http://frontpage.velocity.net/djkloss.