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Our latest newsletter

  • January 2025 PHG Newsletter

    Send news items and fiber events to Tim Prins by the 25th of the month for inclusion in the next month’s newsletter.

    Guild Calendar

    Thursday, January 9, 2025 – January Meeting

    Multnomah Arts Center + Zoom, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. (503) 823-2787
    All meetings are free and open to the public

    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 – Room 30 (Senior Center)
    6:30 pm – 7:00 pm: set up, social and library browsing time
    7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Meeting

    Thursday, January 16, 2025 – New Weaver Forum

    10:00 am & 7:00pm – Zoom
    Need help or advice on something you’re working on, or just want to help others with their projects? Come join us Thursday morning to get answers to your questions and talk about how to approach weaving challenges.

    Thursday, January 23, 2025 – Board Meeting

    7:00pm – Zoom

    See the website for full calendar including study group meetings.


    President’s Message

    New Year’s Resolution

    Happy New Year to everyone! I am declaring 2025 as the year where I really do make and keep my resolutions. Notice I have (had) more than one. There’s always the weave more resolution. Lose 10 lbs. resolution. Be more patient resolution. But my new resolution has to do with kindness. For me, and I am sure others, the holidays remind us of folks no longer with us. For me it’s my dad. He was humorously impatient. He also had 3 girls descend on him complete with random kittens, boys, driving; if you can imagine the chaos, that was what we did to that poor man. We tortured him. My dad was also the kindest person ever. He was a big burly police officer that would let you go because he declared it green tie day or lunch time. People remembered his kindness years after he was gone. I am making being kind my only resolution for 2025.

    Maybe the resolution started with my thoughts of my dad and his frequent dinners for those who had nowhere else to go for the holidays. Something I heard from many this year. But really it is because of the members of PHG who have had kind words for me at meetings. Or the member who offered me yarn for my nephews’ baby blanket. Or the random thank you from folks. Too often I get caught up in being impatient, not unlike my dad. So, for 2025 my resolution is to make sure I reach out to folks, that I say thank you and that I remember to be patient and kind. Here are just a few folks I want to thank.

    Thank you to everyone who helped with the December meeting. So much fun! So much food!

    Thank you to the Board for helping with so many things. Specifically, Mike for his due diligence in managing our funds and ensuring everything is done correctly!

    Thank you, Dan, for everything. Really, we would be sort of stuck on so many things.

    Here’s to 2025 and more weaving. I gave up on the 10 lbs., it’s no fun.

    Nora Gessert


    Upcoming Programs

    January 9, 2025 Meeting – Designing Woven Fabrics with Janet Phillips

    (Due to the time difference with the U.K., a recording of the morning program will be played for the evening meeting.)

    My talk ‘Designing Woven Fabrics’ illustrates the way that I design an original woven fabric. I will be discussing and illustrating:

    • Constructing weaves
    • Using multiple-sectioned sample blankets (gamps) to explore weaves
    • Designing stripes
    • Choosing colour
    • Applying Colour and Weave techniques into a cloth
    • The effect of sett, fibre and yarn on a cloth.

    My talk is based around the information included in my two books Designing Woven Fabrics and Exploring Woven Fabrics.

    ABOUT JANET PHILLIPS
    I have been designing and weaving for over 40 years after studying industrial Textile Design at the Scottish College of Textiles, graduating with a First Class Honours Degree. Colour and texture are still the passions that keep me weaving. I dye most of the yarns I use and I am continually experimenting and sampling to find new weaves and textures. I also have a deep commitment to teaching others to be creative with weaving.
    Website: https://www.janetphillips-weaving.co.uk


    February 13, 2025 Meeting – Weaving Loom Compendium with Liz Moncreif

    (This program will be in two parts, Part 1 (Morning) and Part 2 (Evening). To allow time for the program and Q&A, Show and Tell will be postponed until the March meeting.)

    This program offers a discussion with examples of some of the best information available regarding your weaving equipment: Looms in general, shafts, treadles, reeds, shuttles, benches and tips/tricks to help you achieve a better handwoven product…and it’ll make you feel more comfortable at your loom. 

    Weavers of all levels will benefit from this discussion of the tools that are so important to our work. I’ve repaired and rehabilitated looms for twenty five years, and have worked on nearly every make and model available, even if the makers are no longer in business. I’ve had the opportunity to write blogs on all of the above for Handwoven Magazine. The staff at Handwoven Magazine often forward questions to me regarding loom issues and malfunctions and I’m a regular referral if an owner needs to identify looms or loom parts. 

    This program will be a huge benefit to new and intermediate weavers and, I give a lot of information on purchasing your first or second loom. My best comments, though, have come from seasoned weavers who never considered cleaning, maintenance or other aspects of their weaving. 

    Liz Moncreif is a weaver, dyer, and instructor. She weaves custom wearables, goods, and rugs. Liz offers guild programs and workshops in weaving, weave drafting and loom maintenance along with beginning weave classes for Skagit Valley College, while tutoring individual students in her small studio. She is also a frequent contributor to Handwoven Magazine and their online weavers’ blog. 
    Website: https://aweaversway.com
    Instagram: moncriefliz


    Upcoming Workshop

    April 11-13, Sewing with Handwovens workshops with Linda Kubik

    We are hosting TWO Sewing with Handwovens workshops with Linda Kubik in April. We have a one day Homemade vs. Handmade Techniques Workshop on Friday April 11, 2025 at the Mill End Store in Beaverton. And, a two day Tailoring a Handwoven Vest on Saturday and Sunday (April 12 & 13) at Ruthie’s Weaving Studio in Portland. This was our most highly requested workshop topic in this past summer’s interest survey, so we are happy to be able to host these workshops.

    Please see the links for pricing and details.

    Happy weaving and learning!

    Any question should be directed to workshops@portlandhandweaversguild.org.


    Guild News

    PHG Theme for 2024-2025

    Weaving Webs in the New Year

    In coordination with the 2025 ANWG (Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds) I thought it would be appropriate to tag their theme for us to follow. Hopefully, many of us will be attending the conference next year so why not get a jump start on weaving a few webs within PHG now.

    I have been thrilled at the number of members that are participating in the Study Groups and look forward to that increasing – it entails weaving a web of new connections as well as new ideas. For ANWG I would like to see what our members can come up to show off at the conference. A garment, art piece, PHGs booth concept,  to entering the dish towel exchange and why not include the color palette for ANWG as well!   https://anwgconference.org/conference-colors/

    In October I gave myself some alone time in my car driving to Fargo ND. Crossing Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Idaho on a 3500-mile adventure. The weather was perfect and I realize now that all those colors in the ANWG palette were the fall colors I saw during my drives each day. It was breath taking.

    Looking forward to the New Year and all its possibilities, weaving webs along the way.

    Linda Edquist, PHG Director of Education


    New Member Tea – January 26

    New members are invited to join us for the annual New Member Tea on Sunday, January 26 at 1 PM. Anyone who has joined in the last couple years and not attended a tea can attend. Email invitations have been sent. If you did not receive one and wish to join us please contact Dan Steves for details.


    You can now subscribe to the PHG Calendar!

    The new website has been setup to support a calendar that you can subscribe to on your iPhone, iPad or other Apple device. Never miss a meeting or study group again! For details visit https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/adding-the-portland-handweavers-guild-calendar/.


    Lend a hand. Sign up Now to Help.

    The new website allows us to have folks sign up to help with various tasks and functions. In addition to seeing what you’ve signed up for and who else will be helping too, it provides the guild a way to collect volunteer time and stats for future grant applications. For our regular meetings, we need help setting up the A/V system as well as help with bringing snacks and setting up the tea, tables, and chairs. You can sign up now for the rest of this year’s meetings at https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/volunteer-new/


    Help Wanted for Meeting A/V Setup

    The guild is still looking for someone to help with the A/V setup at our monthly meetings. We’ll provide training and documentation. You’ll need to provide some time to learn the system and then come early for meeting setup. Experience with Macs is a plus, but if you’re comfortable with computers you’ll be fine.

    Contact Dan for details and a copy of the documentation if interested.  

    P.S. You are not expected to setup BOTH meetings, or even every day or evening meeting. If you can only help with a meeting here and there that would be a big help! We hope to have a few folks trained so there’s a backup in case folks are sick or out of town.


    Gathering of the Guilds Update

    The Board made the decision that we will not participate in the 2026 Gathering of the Guilds. We will participate in 2025 GOTG so if interested please sign up as soon as possible! We made the decision for a number of reasons. The cost of the event continues to rise each year. Our goal is too break-even but with the 30% cost increase anticipated for 2026, we would lose significantly. It is also a huge amount of work for not only the small PHG committee but also the GOTG board and innumerable volunteers over the 5 days, from set up to end of show.

    The 2025 GOTG board had to open the event to other guilds in hopes to fill the space, looked for a number of ways to reduce costs but at the end of the day, it is just really expensive to put on and a lot of work to manage. The Oregon Convention Center is making it difficult to continue with new expenses and rules that result in increased costs. The GOTG board looked at other venues, but none really met the space, cost, location and parking needs. It’s frustrating.

    We will look for other ways that our members can showcase and sell their works in addition to the Fall sale we hold at MAC. I am open to any thoughts on where we could host a Spring event.


    SNACKS!

    At the November meeting we announced that tea and snacks would be available at the monthly meetings to encourage community and socializing. As part of our new website, we have a space for volunteering for all of the roles that keep the Portland Handweavers Guild humming along. There is something for everyone so take a look and sign up. And if you are so inclined to bring a snack to share at the meeting, you can sign up for that or just bring your favorite cookie, cake, or other tasty item, I’m not fussy.


    New Evening Edition of the New Weaver Forum

    To make sure we’re not missing new weavers who aren’t available for our daytime meeting we’re going to try an evening edition as well. So, if you’re a newer weaver and can’t make it during the day I hope you’ll consider joining us for an evening discussion instead! Check the PHG Calendar for details.


    2025 PHG Retreat Registration is open!

    The dates are February 27, 28, March 1, & 2 and will again be at Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, OR. See below or follow the link for all the information and to sign up.


    Gathering of the Guilds / Spring Sale – Spaces are going fast!           

    The Gathering of the Guilds (GOTG) / Spring Sale will be April 25-27, 2025.  Last year was a great event and PHG actually made about $200, our goal is to break even as we see the sales offered by PHG (Fall and Spring) as services to our members who want to sell their art. There are two ways to participate; rent booth space (and we have options for sharing) or be part of the PHG guild booth. 

    The cost of the booth will remain the same for PHG members; $450 for 10×10 and $675 for 10×15. There is an increase in electricity and parking; details are being finalized. See the registration website with information on GOTG and costs.

    Hoping to see our 2024 participants and some new folks in 2025. Any questions, reach out to Nora Gessert noragessert@yahoo.com.


    Latest ANWG Newsletter

    The Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds has posted their October 2024 newsletter. Check out the creative ways other Northwest weaving guilds are getting their members together for fiber activities. All ANWG newsletters are available here.


    Bulletin Board

    In Memoriam

    Janet Ronacher, one of our long time PHG members, passed away on December 10, at the age of 86. Janet was also an active member of the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild. She had a regular sales booth at Gathering of the Guilds. Janet was a friendly and cheerful, creative person who enjoyed working in lots of different media, including recycled materials. There will be a Celebration of Life on January 5, 2025 at 1 PM. Laurel Parc at Bethany Village, 15850 NW Central Drive, Portland, OR, 97229.


    Damascus Fiber Arts School

    Tapestry Talks

    For less than the price of a burger these days, you can join the Damascus Fiber Arts School for their monthly Tapestry Talks. One Saturday a month, an invited artist will give a presentation about their tapestry journey.

    Our Upcoming Talks will feature:
    Jennifer Sargent, on her tapestry journey and the unexpected directions it takes – Jan 25, 2025
    Ellen Ramsey, on the beauty of microelectronics and the use of digital tools – Feb 22, 2025
    Barbara Burns, on pulled warp technique – Mar 22, 2025
    Alex Friedman, on abstract to the hyper realistic tapestries – Apr 19, 2025

    Join us each month–it only costs $10–by signing up on our website.

    Create Your own Workshop

    Can’t find the exact dates or topics for your tapestry needs? Looking for a Beginning Tapestry Workshop or something else? We can help. Find a few friends, then contact us with a proposal  and possible  times/dates. We can organize a workshop just for you and your friends. Email inquiries to: damascusfiberartsschoolinfo@gmail.com

    Lecture Tour Videos

    See previous Summer Lecture Tours for 2020 and 2021. You can view Vimeo videos on various subjects. Some of the lectures are:
    Mary Lane: Mark Making in Tapestry
    Amy Belgan: Creative Journey to Tapestry
    Barbara Burns: Tapestry Influences and Work 
    John & Marilyn Harrison: From our Farm Flock
    Barbara Hitzemann: Dyeing Wool with Seasonal Plants

    There are many more. To see a complete list and view the videos go to Lecture Tour Links – Damascus Fiber Arts School


    Looking to Buy or Sell Weaving Equipment or Materials?

    Check out the Items for Sale page.


    Fiber News and Events

    Red Alder Fiber Arts Retreat
    February 13-16, 2025
    Tacoma, Washington

    More info: https://redalderfiberarts.com/


    Conference of Northern California Handweavers
    April 24-27, 2025
    Pacific Grove, California

    More info: https://www.cnch.org/conferences/


    Fiber Fusion Northwest
    June 7-8, 2025
    Monroe, Washington

    More info: https://www.fiberfusion.net/


    ANWG 2025 Conference
    June 16-21, 2025
    Yakima, Washington

    More info: https://anwgconference.org/


    Black Sheep Gathering
    June 27-29, 2025
    Albany, Oregon

    More info: http://blacksheepgathering.org/


    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.


    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.


Past Newsletters

For older newsletters see our Newsletter Archive

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