Send your news items to Tim Prins by the 25th of the month for inclusion in the next month’s newsletter.
Guild Calendar
Thursday, January 11, 2023 – January Meeting
Multnomah Arts Center + Zoom, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. (503) 823-2787
10:00 am Day Meeting – Auditorium
9:30 am – 10:00 am: Set up, social time and library browsing time
10:00 am – 12:00: Meeting
7:00 pm Evening Meeting – Auditorium
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm: set up, social and library browsing time
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Meeting
President’s Message
Anyone thinking about new year’s resolutions? I don’t usually, but as I think about my weaving life I’m taking stock of my fiber future, and thinking I should strive to do more in 2024. For starters:
- Use up some of that fiber that’s been sitting in my stash for longer than I like to recall.
- Try some new things and expand my repertoire a bit.
- Finish some project started but never finished. (I’m looking at you, pin loom squares that are sitting stacked up in the cabinet.)
- Take part in the guild booth at Gathering of the Guilds.
That’s probably plenty to keep me busy. Now if I can just remember these resolutions for more than the first week of January! I hope you’ll all help keep me focused and working towards these goals.
Anyone else making fiber resolutions? Remind me and we’ll share them at the January meeting.
As always, I hope to see you at a meeting soon.
Dan
Upcoming Programs
January 11th: June Cashmere: Empowering people through cashmere
A talk by director, Amy Swanson of June Cashmere Yarn
June Cashmere works directly with shepherd families in Kyrgyzstan toward the sustainable, ethical, and transparent production of highest quality cashmere yarn. Learn about how June Cashmere began, the Kyrgyz textile history that led to the need for June Cashmere, what it means for cashmere to be produced responsibly in terms of people, environment, and product. Discover the qualities of highest quality cashmere. As a bonus, enjoy a brief overview of the textile traditions of Kyrgyz shepherd women.
February 8: Giovanna Imperia
In February, we will have two different programs presented by Giovanna Imperia at the morning and evening meetings. The morning program is “Weaving with Crepe and Elastic Yarns”. The evening program is “Weaving with Metallic Yarns”. The presentations will be by Zoom and the meetings remain hybrid so we can still gather for fellowship, sharing, and library or rental access. Both programs will be recorded and available to members for a limited time.
Weaving with crepe and elastic yarns
Crepe and elastic yarns are what many weavers consider energized or active yarns — yarns that will move during and after the weaving process. Unlike “regular” yarns, crepe and elastic yarns seem to have a life of their own, and have the ability to transform fabric from a flat, two-dimensional surface to a textured 3D fabric.
In this presentation, we will discuss the unique properties of crepe and elastic yarns and how to harness their innate energy to create pleats, bumps and all sort of 3D textures.
We will also discuss the differences not only between crepe and elastic yarns, but also within each group of yarns. We will address a number of questions such as are all the elastic yarns the same? Are there any differences between S and Z crepe yarns? And much more.
Weaving with metallic yarns
Oftentimes, when we think of metallic yarns, we assume we are dealing with metal. In fact, the terms “metal” and “metallic” are sometimes used interchangeably. However, in this presentation, we will focus on those yarns that are manmade and are intended to have the appearance of metal. Some of these yarns do actually contain some metal, but the vast majority just look like they do. Depending on how they are constructed, metallic yarns can have interesting properties: some may be energized, others my shrink, and so on. This presentation will touch on some of the basic differences between metallics and review how they can be effectively used in weaving.
Guild News
PHG Spring Sale / Gathering of the Guilds
Calling all Fiber Artists and Artisans! Join the 2024 PHG Spring Sale / Gathering of the Guilds April 19-21, 2024. We are deep into planning this big event and want you to sign up as a vendor. There are options for booth space; you can reserve a solo booth highlighting your incredible work, you can share a booth with a fellow member or we can pair you with a like minded creative if you don’t have someone in mind or, if you are not ready to take on a space and/or don’t have enough finished goods to warrant a booth,the PHG Guild Booth is a great option.
The link for more information and the application is HERE and on our website. The Spring Sale is also PHGs fundraiser, the proceeds of which allows us to host our monthly meetings and host the incredible speakers. We need you to sign up as spaces are going fast. Any questions feel free to reach out to Nora Gessert sales@portlandhandweaversguild.org
PHG Retreat – Last Call
Wow! What a great response we’ve had for our PHG Spring Retreat 2024! Registrations
appeared regularly since the first announcement. We kick off on Thursday afternoon, February
22, 2024! Don’t worry, though. There is still plenty of room so if you are still considering
attending, there is still time. February 1, 2024 is the deadline for receipt of your registration.
So, get yours in today!
See below for more information and how to signup
Library and Rental News
Popular author and weaving instructor, Tom Knisely, returns to his passion for weaving rugs with his latest book, Rags to Rugs: 30 New Weaving Designs for Repurposed Fabric (Stackpole Books; 2023). Like most rag rugs, the projects presented are primarily designed for the 4 shaft loom with one rug requiring 8 shafts.
The first section of the book presents the 30 rag rug projects. As in the other Tom Knisely project books (Weaving Rag Rugs, Handwoven Table Linens and Handwoven Baby Blankets), he provides the draft and materials list without providing the warp length and amount of yarn required. This is to allow you to determine the warp length based on your rug preference and to allow you to adjust for multiple rugs on the same warp. He does walk you through the calculations for determining the warp length in another section of the book.
The title suggests that the rug designs are new. This is not the case. What is new, or new again, is the emphasis on weaving rag rugs using found or repurposed materials rather than purchased fabric in more recent rag rug books. Each design is forwarded by an anecdote about the inspiration for the rug. These are classic Tom Knisely – warm and engaging – reminding you why the author is a favorite speaker and instructor.
The final third of the book goes over the basics of weaving rag rugs. There is a lot of useful information presented focused on the special needs of rug weaving. He begins with a discussion of weaving equipment and tools from the different shuttles and temples available to weighting your beater and preventing your loom from walking. This is followed by a description of the various options available to the weaver for warp. You are not limited to 8/4 cotton rug warp! Next up is how to prepare your weft finds for weaving the rug. The book wouldn’t be complete without a section on how to wind your warp and dress the loom, though Tom Knisely does say this a condensed version and refers you to his first rag rug book for more details.
This book is worth picking up to read the anecdotes before each project. They will provide inspiration for a new look at the textiles in everyday life. You may even look forward to cleaning out your linen or clothes closet. Give a stained heirloom a new purpose and recall happy memories whenever you walk on it.
If you learn easier by watching videos, Tom Knisely also has a couple of DVD’s on weaving rugs – Weave a Good Rug and Weaving with Rags – Making Rag Rugs and More.
Other Rag Rug Books in the PHG library:
Rag Rug Handbook by Janet Mean and Paula Pfaff is a classic rag rug book with a variety of designs and tips on weaving rag rugs. This book in in black and white which could be a benefit if you have trouble envisioning designs in colors other than those presented.
Weaving Contemporary Rag Rugs by Heather L. Allen brings added techniques and embellishments to the traditional rag rug.
Swedish Rag Rugs 35 New Designs by Lillemor Johansson for a Scandinavian flavor.
— Robin
Upcoming Workshops and New Chair Needed
Dianne Totten will be teaching Crimp and Create, Sept 13-15, 2024. I have again requested the gym because Dianne will take up to 30(!!!) participants. Details on the website eventually; it is way too early to sign up, and I can’t really price it until closer to the date because airfare…
I am finalizing contracts with Francisco Bautista (Rug Weaving), and Amy Belgan (Novice Tapestry Weaving) for April and May 2024.
This is my last year as Workshop Chair; I will stay on through the completion of the workshops above, but I will not be scheduling any more workshops for PHG.
Should anyone want to volunteer, the job description is on the Guild website (you’ve got to log in first): https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/archive/members-only/the-drafts/job-descriptions/
I find some knowledge of spreadsheets helpful for keeping track of costs.
I will happily mentor my successor.
Cheers,
Lynne F
Proposed Bylaws Amendment
The past few years the guild has been unable to sell all of our allotted booth space at Gathering of the Guilds. The sale committee believes that we may be able to sell booth space to groups from other guilds, but there currently exists no way to do that without requiring everyone in one of these booths to become a guild member. The cost of guild membership on top of booth fees would be prohibitive for most, so the committee has worked with the board to come up with a proposal to create a new level of membership. The proposed membership will be called the Affiliate Membership level. Here’s the text of the proposed amendment to the bylaws that would establish this new membership level:
- 5.2.5. Affiliate membership. A group of people from an ANWG member guild may join as affiliate members. Affiliate membership is offered to allow participation in guild sales events only, and does not confer other membership privileges to the group or its members.
Here’s how this will work: Those wishing to participate in a sale would apply to the sale, and if selected they would obtain Affiliate Membership by paying a membership fee. The board has currently set the Affiliate Membership fee at $75. The group will supply their names and the name of the ANWG guild where they are members. The sales director will forward all participant names to the membership chair to confirm that they are either regular members of the guild as required, or if affiliate members that they are active members of their respective ANWG guild. The membership chair may work with the ANWG rep to obtain confirmation as needed.
The hope is that by offering this new membership level we can encourage other guilds to join us at Gathering of the Guilds, and that over time some of those people will want to participate with their own individual booths.
There is one other amendment that has been proposed, which is a small edit of the Lifetime Membership level:
- 5.2.4. Lifetime membership. Individuals who are 75 years old or older and who have been Corporation members for at least 10 of the previous 15 years
will receivemay request a Lifetime membership.
The change is intended to make clear that new Lifetime members need to contact the membership chair to obtain Lifetime status. We currently don’t have birthdate information so we can’t automatically change membership status when members meet the Lifetime requirements.
The text of the bylaws with proposed changes is available on the PHG website at https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/archive/proposed-bylaws/. If you have questions or concerns about either of these changes please contact Dan.
Latest ANWG Newsletter
The Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds has posted their October 2023 newsletter. Check out the creative ways other Northwest weaving guilds are getting their members together for fiber activities. All ANWG newsletters are available here.
News from Complex Weavers
The next Complex Weavers seminar will in Wichita, Kansas in 2024 alongside Convergence, including workshops by Karen Donde the new Complex Weavers President. If you haven’t received the latest complex weavers journal consult your previous copy which has an extra page showing when your membership expires.
If you any questions please feel free to talk to me at the next meeting or reach out. Ladella Williams LadellawilliamsCZZ@gmail.com or text message to 503 729 1704
Bulletin Board
Vavstuga weaving school video classes
Vavstuga weaving school has added to their video class offerings; there is now a whole bandweaving section with 20 hrs of content.
I’ve watched their video classes and find them very useful, especially for anyone with a Glimakra loom. They are well made and good value for the money, and start with a free trial so you can see what you are going to get.
Thought people might be interested, especially as there is a study group on bandweaving starting to form.
Cheers,
Constance
Looking to Buy or Sell Weaving Equipment or Materials?
Check out the Items for Sale page.
Fiber News and Events
Handweavers Guild of America
Textiles & Tea
Tuesdays
The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s (HGA) exciting new program, Textiles & Tea, takes place every Tuesday at 4 PM (ET). We’ve invited some of the most respected fiber artists in the field today to join us for an hour long conversation where we will discuss their artwork and their creative journey. Make a cup of your favorite tea and join us as we talk about fiber, creativity, inspiration, process and so much more.
The Weaving Guilds of Oregon (WeGO) committee is delighted to announce that the traveling show will take place beginning in January of 2023. This show travels around the state of Oregon showcasing the fiber arts in our communities. The Title of the show is “Filaments.”
Online Talk by Elizabeth Buckley
January 20, 2024
The Damascus Fiber Arts School is starting what we hope to be a monthly series of online speakers on fiber-related topics.
This first one, on January 20, 2024, features well-known tapestry artist Elizabeth Buckley. Elizabeth has been weaving and teaching for 50 years. She will talk about her tapestry journey, some of the people who influenced her life and work and some of the traditions from which she learned. Elizabeth plans to discuss her design work, how she uses design principles, how one idea leads to another. She will share images of her tapestry, both complete and on the loom. More details are on our website.
The presentation will be about an hour long, followed by a 30-minutes Q&A. Registered individuals will receive a Zoom link. Be sure your email address is entered correctly when registering. A recording of the presentation will be available to those who registered but were unable to attend, until February 18, 2024.
More information and registration at https://damascusfiberartsschool.org/courses/catalog-2023-2024/winter-2024/from-idea-to-woven-form-the-tapestries-of-elizabeth-buckley-online-jan-20-2024/
Convergence
July 11-17, 2024
Wichita, Kansas
More info: https://weavespindye.org/convergence/
Rental Equipment
PHG has equipment available for rent to current PHG Members. Click here for more info.
PHG Board and Chairs
Please click here for a list of PHG Board Members and Committee Chairs.
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