Past Issues

THE NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA SPINNERS AND WEAVERS GUILD

June 2, 2001 from 10:00 - 2:00 at Christ Church, Meadville, PA

A NOTE FROM BOBBIE IRWIN

"It took me forever to find the class list from last April! But for those of you who haven't heard, my book, Twined Rag Rugs, is now in print. It has 128 pp., hundreds of color illustrations, and everything you might ever need to know about twined rugs.

The cost is $19.95 + P&H ($4 Priority, $3 Book Rate), and you can order a signed copy directly from me. (I can't take credit cards; personal check is fine.)

Also: I just got in a shipment of Woad Warrior t-shirts for those of you who might be interested. They are non-shrink cotton and tend to run about a size larger than normal; cost is $12 + $2.50 P&H."

Bobbie Irwin, irwin@rmi.net

LOST BOOK

Elaine Fertig is unable to find "Everybody's Weaving" by AA Lewis. She checked it out of the guild library and thinks that someone else may have it. If you know of its whereabouts, please inform her.

MINUTES OF THE MARCH/APRIL MEETING

Treasurer's Report: $869.45 checking + 1310.06 savings = 2179.51.

Karen Fry reported that MAFA Conference scholarship forms were sent to her. If anyone is interested in applying, contact her. They must be postmarked by April 30. The only requirement is a commitment to fiber work. Bonnie Crytzer reported on the Forest Fiber Fest. Brochures are printed and available from her. Ruth Schnell is organizing a sale of yarns from the estates of two knitters. It will be held at the YW in Butler, April 5, 10:00 am. Donna Wellman reported that the bus to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Show needs more seats filled. Please see her if you are interested. Cost is $45 and the bus will stop in Erie, Meadville, Grove City. Leaving Meadville at 5 am and returning around midnight.

WEAVING THAT SINGS WORKSHOP REPORT

The workshop on the Theo Moorman technique, "Singing that Weaves" by Nadine Sanders was excellent. Theo Moorman is a way to inlay almost any type of picture into your weaving, from simple geometric designs to the most complicated of landscapes, even to realistic human faces. The weaver may make the weaving look like a tapestry, or she could use exotic substances such as feathers, pipe cleaners, horsehair, or any thing else that she could think of. A nice thing about this technique is that its relatively fast and easy, where as traditional tapestry is a long process, Theo Moorman can achieve the same effects sooner. Everyone finished at least four samples, while having an amazing time.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Highland Games:

The annual Highland Games are coming up again at the Edinboro University. As always, we will be doing a fleece to shawl demonstration and probably raffle it off. Please come and join us, bring a wheel and the more the merrier.

Bonnie Crytzer send this additional information about the Highland Games: "The Date is May 19, 2001. The time is 9 to 4. The place is behind the gym building on the campus of Edinboro University. We need to have our cars out of the way by 9 for those who come to set up and start. I do have 6 passes for those who come later in the day. I will leave them at the church with Sue. We will auction off a shawl, make a shawl and sell our items. Those selling need to tag their goods so we know who has what. The guild gets 10% of the sale you get the rest. This is a demo so all who can come help out with the sales or to spin. Karen Fry is weaving a huck lace shawl. Bring your wheel and a chair. We will be under a tent but it's usually chilly and wet. A typical day on the moors. If you've never been there it's great with bagpipes, games, dances, etc. This is very well attended. Tim says the 3rd year is upon us and says the weather will be better than last year. Hope to see you all. Bonnie. PS Let me know if you plan to come to spin and the time. "

The MAFA 2001 Conference Brochure is now on the MAFA web page. Registration begins May 7th. Scholarship application deadline has been extended to May 15th. The conference brochure will be mailed next week but it can be downloaded now from the web site in separate sections. Registration forms can be mailed now.

Two New Workshops: Hope Hill Farm and Fiber shop is having Anne Field present two workshops. She has written several books such as "The Ashford Book of Spinning" and "The Four-Shaft Table Loom". She has agreed to teach these workshop while she is visiting the U.S. from her home in New Zealand.

July 14-15 SPINNING WOOL BEYOND THE BASICS 10 AM to 4:30 PM
The workshop will cover how to spin wool from different breeds of sheep. Different types of wool from fine to coarse need to be spun differently. By the end of this workshop you will have a much better understanding of you wheel and you will be able to spin many types of fibers into yarn. The cost is $80 for the workshop, the fiber fee is $32.

July 16-18 COLOUR AND WEAVE 10 AM to 4:30 PM
This class will focus on color…primary, secondary, dominant (value, intensity and temperature and shape), and many other ways of coloring. Students need to be able to warp their own loom, and have basic weaving skills, such as tabby. Students should bring a four-shaft table loom warped as follows: 6-7 feet in length, 12 inches wide. Warp yarn should be strong cotton or linen (8/6 6 ply linen is suitable). Sett: 4 or 5 epi. Threading: Rosepath 1 2 3 4 3 2 1 4. The cost is $100.

Both workshops are in Finleyville, PA. Contact Annette at Hope Hill Farm for details.