March 2017

Isn't this the coolest use of some of your first yards of spinning? My friend is making these socks.  She got the book from the library.  The local yarn merchant said, "Ask a friend for 4 yards of bulky hand spun.  You know someone who has some."  In good conscience the yarn merchant would not sell her the huge roll of  roving for the use of only 4 yards. So some of the remnants of my very first spinning are going into the making of my friend's socks.  And it pleases me very much.  And she is very pleased too.
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I was fortunate to be able to attend the Tapis South March 1 meeting in Victoria.  This is a tapestry weavers' group that meets about twice a year in member's homes.  I am told that the Tapis North group meets up island.  

Elaine brought her latest tapestry depicting islands off Oak Bay.  Mount Baker is in the background, depicted delicately, sometimes you can just see it in the tapestry and sometimes not, just as it is sometimes on a misty day.  Such lovely work.  Such an inspiration.

Karen hosted the meeting and she showed her latest tapestry in progress.  This picture shows the cartoon from which she works.  Karen has used some fine strands of silk and also a fine strand of yarn with slight slub, both giving slight variation adding interest to the work.

This work of Karen's sits over her fireplace.  I asked her how she came up with this image and she said that when she moved to Victoria she was stuck by so many crows in Victoria.  The hedges are those in her back yard and the figures come from illustrations by William Blake.  So lovely.

Karen decided to weave this tapestry without a cartoon and just design as she wove.  After the first 5 or so inches at the bottom of the work, she realized that she was not getting anywhere and she had better start to plan the design.  She decided to do it in sections as you see and it worked out beautifully.

Not a great photograph, but this is an example of how two tapestries can complement each other beautifully.

 

MASTERING SELF PROMOTION

American Tapestry Alliance has announced the launch of a new blog focusing on promoting your work. Barbara Burns is heading up this project. The blog will cover, over a period of time, topics such as: writing an artist statement; speaking about your work; using social media; printed promotional materials; business practices; and much more. The format is intended to be interactive. You can participate by sharing your experiences and resources in the comments for each blog post. You can read the first posts here: http://americantapestryalliance.org/blog/

Peace Country Spinners and Weavers activities:

• April 22, 2017 PCSW Spring Conference. Kiwanis Performing Arts Center 10401 10th St., Dawson Creek. 9:00-5:00. Please register early to receive warp specifications and drafts to prewarp the loom and weave the first sample. This will be a Round Robin style weaving experience. Also, Fibre Share participants will present their finished pieces.  Member: $45. Non member: $60.  See registration details in the December newsletter.  Registrations are to be sent to the Treasurer.
• September 9, 2017 Note change of date. North Peace Spinners and Weavers are celebrating their 40th Anniversary with an open house at Artspost, 10320 94th Ave. Fort St. John. Come and see spinners and weavers in action, and displays of their work.  Come and join us celebrate and eat cake! 1:00-4:00
• October 13,14,15, 2017 PCSW Fall Conference- long lock spinning workshop - Fort St. John.
• Remember to find Peace Country Spinners and Weavers on Facebook. 
• For more information contact peacecountrysw@gmail.com.

Happy Spinning and Weaving!  Happy Spring!