This is our first online newsletter. I hope you all like it. I have been keeping a blog of my own for just over a year and have learned a lot in my time online. I hope I am able to make this newsletter, and all the newsletters to follow, while I am editor, a source of interest and pleasure that is accessible to everyone. Since I work on a Macintosh computer, my documents are not necessarily compatible with PCs. I wanted this to be available to everyone and so I embarked on a method of making Threads Along The Peace a newsletter that you can access from the comfort of your own home while keeping the cost of mailing to a minimum. I am hoping this serves the purpose. If you want to provide feedback, I am only too happy to accept and take into consideration all suggestions. We can even print them here in our next newsletter.
Because this is a type of newsletter and not a true blog, this is only accessible to paying members of the PCSW. I have changed the settings to reflect that and any new members should be brought to my attention right away. So if you know of any new members who are not able to access this newsletter then please do let me know. You will receive an email from our new email address which is PeaceCountrySW@gmail.com each time a new newsletter is posted. If you would like to submit an article or some pictures for our newsletter then please send them to our email or directly to me through snail mail. Some members of our guild will still receive a paper copy of our newsletter through Canada Post. However, pictures cannot be printed due to the expense of ink.
The executive and I have gotten together to discuss some changes to the newsletter and while you see the guild reports as per usual, and the message from the president, and some old faithful articles such as Potpouri, we have decided to add to our newsletter with some new columns such as FYI (For Your Information) and other articles of helpful and sage advice. We thought that broadening our newsletter might be fun and interesting. Of course you can always count on finding conference information here as well.
So sit back and enjoy what I hope proves to be a good read.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
President's Message
Hello fellow spinners and weavers!
First of all, I would like to say another big thank you to Fairview for hosting the last conference. Wasn't that something? Everyone I spoke to learned a bunch at the workshops and the waulking (wasn't that fun?!) and I think, perhaps, that the Fairview group could write the book on how to host a conference. Well done!
Fort St. John is planning the fall 2010 conference with Jane Stafford who comes highly recommended as a weaver and instructor. You will find some information enclosed so please take time to read it over and note the registration deadline. Remember, first come first served. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions feel free to contact me.
Next though, we look forward to 'weaving green'. The Saskatoon Lake ladies will be hosting our spring conference featuring ideas on being 'green' in our art and craft I am excited to see how weavers incorporate 'green' ideas in their work. I'd like to encourage you to bring your ideas for a great share and show time. It is a very timely subject. Along with Kermit the frog we can sing "It ain't easy being green..."
Thank you to our outgoing executive - Faye, Marjo, Verna May, Marion, and Fairview Guild. We appreciate your work for this group. And thank you to the new executive for allowing your names to stand. It's all the volunteer work that makes this group work so well.
Your new executive is:
President - Rene Giesbrecht
Vice - Marjo Wheat
Treasurer - Loretta Skaley
Secretary - Mary Tylosky
Newsletter - Barbara nichols (a.k.a. Frankie)
As you come up to this frantic time of year, Christmas, remember to take some time daily, for the great tress reliever (usually) - weaving. The bonus is that you will have wonderful gifts for your family and friends. It doesn't get better than that.
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas.... Rene G.
First of all, I would like to say another big thank you to Fairview for hosting the last conference. Wasn't that something? Everyone I spoke to learned a bunch at the workshops and the waulking (wasn't that fun?!) and I think, perhaps, that the Fairview group could write the book on how to host a conference. Well done!
Fort St. John is planning the fall 2010 conference with Jane Stafford who comes highly recommended as a weaver and instructor. You will find some information enclosed so please take time to read it over and note the registration deadline. Remember, first come first served. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions feel free to contact me.
Next though, we look forward to 'weaving green'. The Saskatoon Lake ladies will be hosting our spring conference featuring ideas on being 'green' in our art and craft I am excited to see how weavers incorporate 'green' ideas in their work. I'd like to encourage you to bring your ideas for a great share and show time. It is a very timely subject. Along with Kermit the frog we can sing "It ain't easy being green..."
Thank you to our outgoing executive - Faye, Marjo, Verna May, Marion, and Fairview Guild. We appreciate your work for this group. And thank you to the new executive for allowing your names to stand. It's all the volunteer work that makes this group work so well.
Your new executive is:
President - Rene Giesbrecht
Vice - Marjo Wheat
Treasurer - Loretta Skaley
Secretary - Mary Tylosky
Newsletter - Barbara nichols (a.k.a. Frankie)
As you come up to this frantic time of year, Christmas, remember to take some time daily, for the great tress reliever (usually) - weaving. The bonus is that you will have wonderful gifts for your family and friends. It doesn't get better than that.
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas.... Rene G.
Fall Conference
Fall Conference 2010
Sept. 17, 18, 19
Fort St. John, B.C.
As most of you know, we have booked Jane Stafford for a 3 day workshop called "Pushing the Boundaries of Plain Weave." When I handed out the sheet of various workshopsat the last conference, this one won by a landslide. It is round robin format with a maximum class size of 16.
Here is what Jane says about the workshop -
"I have always looked at plain weave as the most important archetectural structure in hand weaving. Its enormous potential for crafting "canvases" on which to design, is often overlooked. While we explore the many permutations of plain weave, such as warp faced, weft faced, cramming and denting, denting, supplementary warp and threading plain weave in blocks, we also look at the fundamental importance of sett. This workshop is also about adapting techniques."
As well, on Friday evening, Jane will present a seminar called "Warping with Sticky Yarns" Again, here are Jane's words _ "This seminar has had great reviews from weavers who have had difficulty dressing their looms with sticky yarns such as mohair or highly textured yarns, An overview of different warping techniques will be the first item to look at. I then demonstrate dressing a loom with 100% brushed warp and provide all weaving tips. I have learned after 20 years of production weaving mohair blankets. Weaving these yarns is very easy and enjoyable when you know the tricks. Each participant will receive a step-by-step instruction sheet. and illustrations."
Both the seminar and the workshop come highly recommended.
All the details about the venue, etc. will be included in the next newsletter or two. we are working on securing college dorms but cannot confirm that yet. Some billeting will be available. The workshop fee will include instruction, breakfasts, 2 lunches, one supper and all snacks.
Because warps need to be pre-ordered and handed out at the spring conference in Saskatoon Lake, early registration is required and will secure your spot. Send in registrations and deposits by Feb. 15, 2010. Cost of workshop - $125.00 plus materials fee - $70.00. A deposit of $100.00 is required by Feb. 15th, 2010.
Registrations are sent to Loretta Skaley, Box 413, Rycroft, AB T0H 3A0
Rene
Name:
Address:
Email:
Billeting: yes no
Dietary Requirements:
Sept. 17, 18, 19
Fort St. John, B.C.
As most of you know, we have booked Jane Stafford for a 3 day workshop called "Pushing the Boundaries of Plain Weave." When I handed out the sheet of various workshopsat the last conference, this one won by a landslide. It is round robin format with a maximum class size of 16.
Here is what Jane says about the workshop -
"I have always looked at plain weave as the most important archetectural structure in hand weaving. Its enormous potential for crafting "canvases" on which to design, is often overlooked. While we explore the many permutations of plain weave, such as warp faced, weft faced, cramming and denting, denting, supplementary warp and threading plain weave in blocks, we also look at the fundamental importance of sett. This workshop is also about adapting techniques."
As well, on Friday evening, Jane will present a seminar called "Warping with Sticky Yarns" Again, here are Jane's words _ "This seminar has had great reviews from weavers who have had difficulty dressing their looms with sticky yarns such as mohair or highly textured yarns, An overview of different warping techniques will be the first item to look at. I then demonstrate dressing a loom with 100% brushed warp and provide all weaving tips. I have learned after 20 years of production weaving mohair blankets. Weaving these yarns is very easy and enjoyable when you know the tricks. Each participant will receive a step-by-step instruction sheet. and illustrations."
Both the seminar and the workshop come highly recommended.
All the details about the venue, etc. will be included in the next newsletter or two. we are working on securing college dorms but cannot confirm that yet. Some billeting will be available. The workshop fee will include instruction, breakfasts, 2 lunches, one supper and all snacks.
Because warps need to be pre-ordered and handed out at the spring conference in Saskatoon Lake, early registration is required and will secure your spot. Send in registrations and deposits by Feb. 15, 2010. Cost of workshop - $125.00 plus materials fee - $70.00. A deposit of $100.00 is required by Feb. 15th, 2010.
Registrations are sent to Loretta Skaley, Box 413, Rycroft, AB T0H 3A0
Rene
Name:
Address:
Email:
Billeting: yes no
Dietary Requirements:
Pot Pourri
Greetings to one and all. It seems like September was a long time ago, when we all gathered at Fairview. It was a great time we had wasn't it?
I came across an interesting idea in a little book that Mae shared with us, called New Mexico Fibre Arts Trails, and I felt it was something to share with all of you. "Many weavers say they start out with one idea, but the design takes off on its own. It's a collaboration between the weaver and the design. The design is a gift. It is visualized not drawn. As you go along, it develops in a cycle of moving forward with life." (written by Yin-May Lee ofthe Ramah Navajo Weaver's Association).
Since I have some difficulty with ever following a pattern, plan, or recipe, I was glad to hear someone from another group of fibre artists also often goes the "creation" route. I know some of you can also relate to this concept.
How is Theo Moorman going? I have been working on a warp at our club studio, but it seems to take forever to get done. (Too long a warp, perhaps.) It is a practice piece, full of all kinds of weird shapes just to see how they turn out. I have particular trouble making smooth round balls, and as for letters - forget them! However, I did manage to make a tolerably acceptable scene of spruce trees and clouds. If I do another T. M. piece, it will be small, like Christmas cards.
At the Fairview conference, I think I heard someone mutter something about a recipe in this column, but am not sure whether it was for or against. Since I came across a heavenly cake recipe recently, I'm going to assume the mutter was 'for'. This recipe was given to me by one of our local church ladies. It is simple (even I can follow it) and delicious. The ingredients are:
1 white Angel food cake mix
1 14 oz. can of crushed pineapple
Set oven at 350 and select a 9 x 13 pan, ungreased. Mix the cake mix and the crushed pineapple (juice included) until they are well mixed. Pour the batter into the cake pan, and put it in the oven immediately. Bake for about 30 mins.
As to the conference at Lake Saskatoon.... I hope you have in mind the recycling ideas we have suggested, and bring your favorite ones to share, as well as a grocery bag to exchange. The latter can be made of any used fibre, must be strong, and approximately 12 x 14 x 7.
Christmas greeting to you all.
Sincerely Joan Yates
I came across an interesting idea in a little book that Mae shared with us, called New Mexico Fibre Arts Trails, and I felt it was something to share with all of you. "Many weavers say they start out with one idea, but the design takes off on its own. It's a collaboration between the weaver and the design. The design is a gift. It is visualized not drawn. As you go along, it develops in a cycle of moving forward with life." (written by Yin-May Lee ofthe Ramah Navajo Weaver's Association).
Since I have some difficulty with ever following a pattern, plan, or recipe, I was glad to hear someone from another group of fibre artists also often goes the "creation" route. I know some of you can also relate to this concept.
How is Theo Moorman going? I have been working on a warp at our club studio, but it seems to take forever to get done. (Too long a warp, perhaps.) It is a practice piece, full of all kinds of weird shapes just to see how they turn out. I have particular trouble making smooth round balls, and as for letters - forget them! However, I did manage to make a tolerably acceptable scene of spruce trees and clouds. If I do another T. M. piece, it will be small, like Christmas cards.
At the Fairview conference, I think I heard someone mutter something about a recipe in this column, but am not sure whether it was for or against. Since I came across a heavenly cake recipe recently, I'm going to assume the mutter was 'for'. This recipe was given to me by one of our local church ladies. It is simple (even I can follow it) and delicious. The ingredients are:
1 white Angel food cake mix
1 14 oz. can of crushed pineapple
Set oven at 350 and select a 9 x 13 pan, ungreased. Mix the cake mix and the crushed pineapple (juice included) until they are well mixed. Pour the batter into the cake pan, and put it in the oven immediately. Bake for about 30 mins.
As to the conference at Lake Saskatoon.... I hope you have in mind the recycling ideas we have suggested, and bring your favorite ones to share, as well as a grocery bag to exchange. The latter can be made of any used fibre, must be strong, and approximately 12 x 14 x 7.
Christmas greeting to you all.
Sincerely Joan Yates
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Spring Conference Report
A great time was had by all at the Spring conference where competition was "fierce" among the teams for our Sheep to Scarf event. Here are the pictures...
Reports
Fairview
Hi everyone! The weavers at Fairview are coming down off their high of hosting the fall conference. We simply had a great time and we learned so much. We hope the same applies to all of you who attended. I received a lovely card from Nadine Sanders thanking us for a great time. I am sending some pictures of all of you waulking! (You'll get yours too Jill and Joan!) At the Fairview Fine Arts Centre, we're weaving away. Verla has just finished her double-sided rug. Ellen is taking a turn at it next. Verla is moving on to do the last baby afghan. We're trying a different set-up and treadling a little differently with each afghan. We'll see what has happened once we take it off--hopefully before Christmas. And of course Maisie, Ellen, Loretta and I are finishing our samples from the weekend with the Singing Weaver! Brittany is starting to weave on the four-harness loom with a small project of completing the mug-rugs that have been warped for a fairly long time. Loretta has warped a beautiful shawl, a pretty fushia. She's got it on the loom and is ready to thread the heddles. She's trying a double weave. Maisie is supervising. She has finished her place mats and is looking for some other things to do. Maisie always makes sure to make a pot of tea, so that we spend some time socializing as well as weaving! May you all have a Merry Christmas. Hoping the new year sees all of you busy at your looms. (I know that you say "tight lines" when you're fishing. What do you say to wish someone well at their weaving?)
Doreen Verschoor
Hudson's Hope
Hudson's Hope has seen a decline in our numbers this year and with members going their own way more often than not, it has been difficult to find a time that is convenient for all. Still we have managed to get together a couple of times. Several of us got together for a day of paper making at Lizzie's house in late August and had a great time squishing paper pulp into usable paper for Christmas cards in greens, blues, and reds. What fun! It was like we were in Kindergarten again. That was a step away from our usual activities. Both Lizzie and Frankie have been having fun on rigid heddle looms. Lizzie, who puts us all to shame, pumped out a cotton table runner in no time at all while Frankie managed a few mug rugs. Anita finished spinning yarn and dyeing it with natural dyes, for a shawl which she donated to St. Peter's Church for their Christmas raffle. Lizzie finished a number of hats and mittens in time for the annual craft sale. Meanwhile Frankie finished spinning the yarn for a pair of knitted lace gloves and has finished one glove and is working on the other. She is also spinning a black alpaca/wool yarn for a jacket commission. In between, she is also working on learning to spin cotton on her new charkha. Arla has been practicing her spinning... and continues to learn. Valerie and Carol, we hope, can get back to coming regularly to our guild. Our Christmas gift exchange will be held on Dec 14th and we are inviting the Knock-Out Knitters to join us this year. Happy spinning and Happy Christmas.
Fort St. John
Hi everybody, I hope everyone has had a nice autumn. It sure has been a busy autumn in our neck of the woods. Cheryl Peebles has stepped down as president of our guild and Rene Giesbrecht is our standing president until next month when we will have an unscheduled election for a new president. Fay is continuing on as our project manager and she is doing a great job as projects continue to roll off the looms at the Artpost 2. Rene and Jill warped a loom for a double weave blanket and Rene has finished hers and now Jill is working on her double weave blanket. As well, there were some lovely shawls that woven on the 36" floor loom the last of which is being woven now. Several of the guild participated in producing shawls, some of which will be donated to the Maopi Transition House For Women. Krista and Norma are preparing a warp for acrylic double weave shopping bags as a group project and the colours reflect a forest theme. Faye has been dyeing cotton and preparing the warp for a double weave blanket project that she and Norma will weave on the 60" loom. An open house was held at the Artspost on October 17th and a good time was had by all who attended. We worked on decorations for the Arts Council Christmas Wreath while there were also demonstrations in double weave as well as spinning. Once the NPSW completed a Christmas wreath, with the theme being the year of Astronomy and the Year of Natural Fibres, it was donated to the Arts
Council in Fort St. John for their annual Christmas fundraiser. We are all looking forward to our annual Christmas gift exchange which will be held at Rene's home on Dec. 19th. The theme of the gift exchange this year is "funky totes" so it should be fun to see all the creative outcomes of that event. We are also planning a workshop for March with Michelle Boyd who will be teaching us spinning techniques for Superior Socks with a seminar on Recycling For Handspinners. Also, work is progressing on Fall Conference plans with the Jane Stafford workshop. You will be able to find information on that further along in this newsletter. With all the activities of this diverse group it is hard to keep up with what everyone is doing. Recently Anita McWilliams, who at 86 years of age and has been a member of this guild for many long years, was voted into to our guild as a lifetime member. We are sorry to say that she has met with a vehicle accident. She is recuperating in Fort St. John Hospital and is hoping to be home soon. Because she couldn't write this piece as she normally does, I (Frankie) am filling in for her. We all hope she gets well soon. Meanwhile there has been a parting of the ways between the North Peace Spinners and Weavers and the Hudson's Hope Spinners and Weavers but we will keep an informal connection as most of the spinners in Hudson's Hope look forward to the annual get-togethers that the two groups enjoy. I hope you will join the NPSW in wishing Hudson's Hope luck as they step out on their own.
With all the white stuff on the ground we wish you all a joyful Christmas season with lots of white fluffy stuff in your spinning and weaving.... that would be wool not snow!
Hines Creek
Our Arts & Crafts club is gearing up for the Winter season of activities. Hilda finished her weaving on the table loom and has lovely placemats and hotpads. I’m getting ready to start weaving again after cataract surgery. I have been braiding DMC mercerized cotton thread – Kumihimo on-a-card – with thoughts of using them in necklaces.
May your activities for the Advent season be fruitful and enjoyable, and may Christmas celebrations with family and friends bring you joy and love.
Lorena Vass
Saskatoon Lake Weavers
Looking out on the diamonds in the snow makes us realize that Christmas is almost upon us. Our group has been busy with hand towels, afghans, tea towels, pillow covers, place mats, and yardage.
Verna May is winding warp for yardage with wool and silk, The colours are beautiful, blues, gold,and green. A challenge.
Joan is working on place mats, with a different pattern in each one, Swedish style.
Mae is threading a Shetland and Mohair afghan in three colours, lavender, beige, and sea green.
Shannon is working on a pillow case using various exotic yarns to highlight the pattern. beautiful!
Marion just completed a beautiful baby afghan for her soon to arrive grandchild.
Bev completed two baby afghans using mixed yarns. Boucle and smooth. Very attractive. Bev is off to Arizona. We will miss her.
Gudrun is working on tea towels.
We are planning our Christmas projects and the Spring Conference here. Think about bringing your pieces for the friendship quilt to the Spring Conference.
Happy Weaving!
submitted by Mae Trelle
Dawson Creek Spinners and Weavers
There is not much activity with the Dawson Creek Spinners and Weavers. All of the equipment has been removed from the Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre and is being stored by the members. There is hope that at some point there will be a new location for us to meet but for now we all work out of our home. Casey's leadership is very much missed.
submitted by Barb Bohn via phone.
Beaverlodge
Hello all You Weavers,
The Beaverlodge Weaving club is just getting started and some of the projects are familiar from previous letters.
There was a major problem in the basement of the Cultural Centre. A hot water heater had malfunctioned and the floor was under some inches of water. The chip rock had to be replaced up to 2 feet and there was mold, a very unhealthy situation. It has now been repaired and the club is just getting started.
One of the 60" looms is being dressed for heavy rayon-chenille weft on a cotton warp. The christening blankets are being tied on and seem to be a perennial favourite.
Some weavers are exited about bamboo yarn, very soft and it seems well liked. Is it GREEN, ?, are we going in the right direction.
Personally I am weaving a scarf in merino, plaid, trying to keep my hand in some of the weaving. I am using up existing stocks, but I will have to get very old if I want to weave it all up, maybe 102 !!
Marjorie and I are doing reasonably well, looking forward to Christmas with family in Victoria and Vancouver.
We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy and Productive New Year, with lots of creative weaving, spinning and dying.
Marjorie and George Henn
Hi everyone! The weavers at Fairview are coming down off their high of hosting the fall conference. We simply had a great time and we learned so much. We hope the same applies to all of you who attended. I received a lovely card from Nadine Sanders thanking us for a great time. I am sending some pictures of all of you waulking! (You'll get yours too Jill and Joan!) At the Fairview Fine Arts Centre, we're weaving away. Verla has just finished her double-sided rug. Ellen is taking a turn at it next. Verla is moving on to do the last baby afghan. We're trying a different set-up and treadling a little differently with each afghan. We'll see what has happened once we take it off--hopefully before Christmas. And of course Maisie, Ellen, Loretta and I are finishing our samples from the weekend with the Singing Weaver! Brittany is starting to weave on the four-harness loom with a small project of completing the mug-rugs that have been warped for a fairly long time. Loretta has warped a beautiful shawl, a pretty fushia. She's got it on the loom and is ready to thread the heddles. She's trying a double weave. Maisie is supervising. She has finished her place mats and is looking for some other things to do. Maisie always makes sure to make a pot of tea, so that we spend some time socializing as well as weaving! May you all have a Merry Christmas. Hoping the new year sees all of you busy at your looms. (I know that you say "tight lines" when you're fishing. What do you say to wish someone well at their weaving?)
Doreen Verschoor
Hudson's Hope
Hudson's Hope has seen a decline in our numbers this year and with members going their own way more often than not, it has been difficult to find a time that is convenient for all. Still we have managed to get together a couple of times. Several of us got together for a day of paper making at Lizzie's house in late August and had a great time squishing paper pulp into usable paper for Christmas cards in greens, blues, and reds. What fun! It was like we were in Kindergarten again. That was a step away from our usual activities. Both Lizzie and Frankie have been having fun on rigid heddle looms. Lizzie, who puts us all to shame, pumped out a cotton table runner in no time at all while Frankie managed a few mug rugs. Anita finished spinning yarn and dyeing it with natural dyes, for a shawl which she donated to St. Peter's Church for their Christmas raffle. Lizzie finished a number of hats and mittens in time for the annual craft sale. Meanwhile Frankie finished spinning the yarn for a pair of knitted lace gloves and has finished one glove and is working on the other. She is also spinning a black alpaca/wool yarn for a jacket commission. In between, she is also working on learning to spin cotton on her new charkha. Arla has been practicing her spinning... and continues to learn. Valerie and Carol, we hope, can get back to coming regularly to our guild. Our Christmas gift exchange will be held on Dec 14th and we are inviting the Knock-Out Knitters to join us this year. Happy spinning and Happy Christmas.
Fort St. John
Hi everybody, I hope everyone has had a nice autumn. It sure has been a busy autumn in our neck of the woods. Cheryl Peebles has stepped down as president of our guild and Rene Giesbrecht is our standing president until next month when we will have an unscheduled election for a new president. Fay is continuing on as our project manager and she is doing a great job as projects continue to roll off the looms at the Artpost 2. Rene and Jill warped a loom for a double weave blanket and Rene has finished hers and now Jill is working on her double weave blanket. As well, there were some lovely shawls that woven on the 36" floor loom the last of which is being woven now. Several of the guild participated in producing shawls, some of which will be donated to the Maopi Transition House For Women. Krista and Norma are preparing a warp for acrylic double weave shopping bags as a group project and the colours reflect a forest theme. Faye has been dyeing cotton and preparing the warp for a double weave blanket project that she and Norma will weave on the 60" loom. An open house was held at the Artspost on October 17th and a good time was had by all who attended. We worked on decorations for the Arts Council Christmas Wreath while there were also demonstrations in double weave as well as spinning. Once the NPSW completed a Christmas wreath, with the theme being the year of Astronomy and the Year of Natural Fibres, it was donated to the Arts
Council in Fort St. John for their annual Christmas fundraiser. We are all looking forward to our annual Christmas gift exchange which will be held at Rene's home on Dec. 19th. The theme of the gift exchange this year is "funky totes" so it should be fun to see all the creative outcomes of that event. We are also planning a workshop for March with Michelle Boyd who will be teaching us spinning techniques for Superior Socks with a seminar on Recycling For Handspinners. Also, work is progressing on Fall Conference plans with the Jane Stafford workshop. You will be able to find information on that further along in this newsletter. With all the activities of this diverse group it is hard to keep up with what everyone is doing. Recently Anita McWilliams, who at 86 years of age and has been a member of this guild for many long years, was voted into to our guild as a lifetime member. We are sorry to say that she has met with a vehicle accident. She is recuperating in Fort St. John Hospital and is hoping to be home soon. Because she couldn't write this piece as she normally does, I (Frankie) am filling in for her. We all hope she gets well soon. Meanwhile there has been a parting of the ways between the North Peace Spinners and Weavers and the Hudson's Hope Spinners and Weavers but we will keep an informal connection as most of the spinners in Hudson's Hope look forward to the annual get-togethers that the two groups enjoy. I hope you will join the NPSW in wishing Hudson's Hope luck as they step out on their own.With all the white stuff on the ground we wish you all a joyful Christmas season with lots of white fluffy stuff in your spinning and weaving.... that would be wool not snow!
Hines Creek
Our Arts & Crafts club is gearing up for the Winter season of activities. Hilda finished her weaving on the table loom and has lovely placemats and hotpads. I’m getting ready to start weaving again after cataract surgery. I have been braiding DMC mercerized cotton thread – Kumihimo on-a-card – with thoughts of using them in necklaces.
May your activities for the Advent season be fruitful and enjoyable, and may Christmas celebrations with family and friends bring you joy and love.
Lorena Vass
Saskatoon Lake Weavers
Looking out on the diamonds in the snow makes us realize that Christmas is almost upon us. Our group has been busy with hand towels, afghans, tea towels, pillow covers, place mats, and yardage.
Verna May is winding warp for yardage with wool and silk, The colours are beautiful, blues, gold,and green. A challenge.
Joan is working on place mats, with a different pattern in each one, Swedish style.
Mae is threading a Shetland and Mohair afghan in three colours, lavender, beige, and sea green.
Shannon is working on a pillow case using various exotic yarns to highlight the pattern. beautiful!
Marion just completed a beautiful baby afghan for her soon to arrive grandchild.
Bev completed two baby afghans using mixed yarns. Boucle and smooth. Very attractive. Bev is off to Arizona. We will miss her.
Gudrun is working on tea towels.
We are planning our Christmas projects and the Spring Conference here. Think about bringing your pieces for the friendship quilt to the Spring Conference.
Happy Weaving!
submitted by Mae Trelle
Dawson Creek Spinners and Weavers
There is not much activity with the Dawson Creek Spinners and Weavers. All of the equipment has been removed from the Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre and is being stored by the members. There is hope that at some point there will be a new location for us to meet but for now we all work out of our home. Casey's leadership is very much missed.
submitted by Barb Bohn via phone.
Beaverlodge
Hello all You Weavers,
The Beaverlodge Weaving club is just getting started and some of the projects are familiar from previous letters.
There was a major problem in the basement of the Cultural Centre. A hot water heater had malfunctioned and the floor was under some inches of water. The chip rock had to be replaced up to 2 feet and there was mold, a very unhealthy situation. It has now been repaired and the club is just getting started.
One of the 60" looms is being dressed for heavy rayon-chenille weft on a cotton warp. The christening blankets are being tied on and seem to be a perennial favourite.
Some weavers are exited about bamboo yarn, very soft and it seems well liked. Is it GREEN, ?, are we going in the right direction.
Personally I am weaving a scarf in merino, plaid, trying to keep my hand in some of the weaving. I am using up existing stocks, but I will have to get very old if I want to weave it all up, maybe 102 !!
Marjorie and I are doing reasonably well, looking forward to Christmas with family in Victoria and Vancouver.
We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy and Productive New Year, with lots of creative weaving, spinning and dying.
Marjorie and George Henn
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
FYI
Pick A Carder, Any Carder...
Hand carders are considered an essential tool by most handspinners, we don’t always have the cards that work best for our own individual spinning. So how do we choose the right cards for our purposes?
First, let’s look at what a hand carder actually is. Every hand carder consists of a rectangular paddle with a handle. On one side of the paddle, there are rows of closely spaced little metal teeth. These teeth are spaced in rows across a leather or canvas pad, referred to as the cloth. The teeth are bent at a uniform point in their length, called the knee. Variations in the size and shape of the carder paddle, the spacing of teeth on the cloth, and the position of the knee are what sets carders apart from each other.
There is a range of sizes in the paddles themselves, though most hand cards on the market fall in the 25 cm (10 inch) range in width. Many spinners find anything wider than this paddle size unwieldy and difficult to control. Very often, spinners who use larger paddles find that they tire out more easily. As well, there is a tendency amongst spinners to spread the fibre out across the full width of their carders. With wider paddles, this can lead to less stable fibre preparation as there will be spots where the fibre is more thinly distributed.
The backs of carder paddles come in both flat and curved shapes. There are advantages to both styles, and the choice of which works best for you will depend upon the body mechanics of your carding. Curved-back carders are becoming increasingly popular, though. They are generally considered to be easier on the wrists, offering an easy rocking motion for the spinner. This motion also reduces the tendency to pull the cards back and forth across each other, reducing shoulder strain from the tugging motion.
The number of teeth on the cloth is the next big consideration. Cloth quality is measured in points per square inch, or ppsi. A carder with a 54 ppsi cloth is considered a coarse cloth and is best suited for carding coarser fibres, such as longwools, mohair, and flax. These carders are very durable and there tend to be a lot of older coarse carders available on the second-hand market, but they are not well-suited to many of the fibres preferred by modern spinners.
The most common cloth count on the market is 72 ppsi, which is a good all-purpose carder. This density of the teeth will still handle most coarser fibres, but is also well-suited to finer fibres such as merino and alpaca. These carders are also very well suited to blending fibres of different degrees of fineness and for novelty blends like heathers and noils. There is enough space between the teeth to allow the fibres to be well distributed, but not homogenously blended, unless the fibre is well worked.
Fine carders have cloth counts between 120 and 190 ppsi. These carders are best suited for fine fibres like merino or silk. The choice of cloth count in these carders becomes a personal preference, depending upon the fineness of the fibres being carded. Blending on these carders will result in a more homogenous blend with only a few passes, making them ideal for color blending or for blending fine fibres like alpaca and silk together. The downside to fine carders is that the fine, closely-spaced teeth are more prone to breaking and bending. If too much pressure is used in carding with fine cards, fibre tends to get pushed down into the teeth, resulting in tangling and breaking.
Cotton carders are carders with a fine cloth count of up to 224 ppsi, but the position of the knee is lower to the paddle. These carders may have shorter teeth to accommodate the lower knee, as well. The reason for the lower knee in these carders is so that the short, fine cotton linters do not get pushed down into the teeth and trapped. The fibres are, instead, worked across the upper part of the teeth and subjected to less pressure and breakage. These carders are well-suited for not only cotton, but any short, fine fibre, such as cashmere and bison.
In the end, the choice is yours. But it is well worth taking a moment to consider your carders, and make sure that you have the best ones for you and your fibres. Your wrists, and your yarn, will thank you.
by Michelle Boyd
Hand carders are considered an essential tool by most handspinners, we don’t always have the cards that work best for our own individual spinning. So how do we choose the right cards for our purposes?
First, let’s look at what a hand carder actually is. Every hand carder consists of a rectangular paddle with a handle. On one side of the paddle, there are rows of closely spaced little metal teeth. These teeth are spaced in rows across a leather or canvas pad, referred to as the cloth. The teeth are bent at a uniform point in their length, called the knee. Variations in the size and shape of the carder paddle, the spacing of teeth on the cloth, and the position of the knee are what sets carders apart from each other.
There is a range of sizes in the paddles themselves, though most hand cards on the market fall in the 25 cm (10 inch) range in width. Many spinners find anything wider than this paddle size unwieldy and difficult to control. Very often, spinners who use larger paddles find that they tire out more easily. As well, there is a tendency amongst spinners to spread the fibre out across the full width of their carders. With wider paddles, this can lead to less stable fibre preparation as there will be spots where the fibre is more thinly distributed.
The backs of carder paddles come in both flat and curved shapes. There are advantages to both styles, and the choice of which works best for you will depend upon the body mechanics of your carding. Curved-back carders are becoming increasingly popular, though. They are generally considered to be easier on the wrists, offering an easy rocking motion for the spinner. This motion also reduces the tendency to pull the cards back and forth across each other, reducing shoulder strain from the tugging motion.
The number of teeth on the cloth is the next big consideration. Cloth quality is measured in points per square inch, or ppsi. A carder with a 54 ppsi cloth is considered a coarse cloth and is best suited for carding coarser fibres, such as longwools, mohair, and flax. These carders are very durable and there tend to be a lot of older coarse carders available on the second-hand market, but they are not well-suited to many of the fibres preferred by modern spinners.
The most common cloth count on the market is 72 ppsi, which is a good all-purpose carder. This density of the teeth will still handle most coarser fibres, but is also well-suited to finer fibres such as merino and alpaca. These carders are also very well suited to blending fibres of different degrees of fineness and for novelty blends like heathers and noils. There is enough space between the teeth to allow the fibres to be well distributed, but not homogenously blended, unless the fibre is well worked.
Fine carders have cloth counts between 120 and 190 ppsi. These carders are best suited for fine fibres like merino or silk. The choice of cloth count in these carders becomes a personal preference, depending upon the fineness of the fibres being carded. Blending on these carders will result in a more homogenous blend with only a few passes, making them ideal for color blending or for blending fine fibres like alpaca and silk together. The downside to fine carders is that the fine, closely-spaced teeth are more prone to breaking and bending. If too much pressure is used in carding with fine cards, fibre tends to get pushed down into the teeth, resulting in tangling and breaking.
Cotton carders are carders with a fine cloth count of up to 224 ppsi, but the position of the knee is lower to the paddle. These carders may have shorter teeth to accommodate the lower knee, as well. The reason for the lower knee in these carders is so that the short, fine cotton linters do not get pushed down into the teeth and trapped. The fibres are, instead, worked across the upper part of the teeth and subjected to less pressure and breakage. These carders are well-suited for not only cotton, but any short, fine fibre, such as cashmere and bison.
In the end, the choice is yours. But it is well worth taking a moment to consider your carders, and make sure that you have the best ones for you and your fibres. Your wrists, and your yarn, will thank you.
by Michelle Boyd
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