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, October 10, 2024 – October 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 – 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, October 17, 2024 – New Weaver Forum
10:00 am – 12:00 pm – 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, October 24, 2024 – Board Meeting
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Zoom
Saturday & Sunday, November 9-10, 2024 – PHG Fall Sale
10:00am – 4:00pm, Multnomah Arts Center,7688 SW Capitol Hwy. (503) 823-2787
See the website for study group meetings.
President’s Message
Over the last year I have traveled to Greenland, Northern California to see the Red Woods and recently I toured upper Michigan including Mackinac Island (bought hand spun, hand dyed yarn from a very excited artist) and Picture Rocks. I frequently see things in my travels that I think would make a great weaving. The colors and lines of pictured rocks feel like something that should be woven. I consider myself a novice weaver particularly when it comes to tapestry weaving. Truthfully, I don’t actually know how to tapestry weave beyond taking a couple 2-day courses, but I am going to dive in and take on weaving an abandoned US Army vehicle I saw in Greenland.
The reason I am sharing this is because I wouldn’t have the courage to take on a complicated project like weaving a vehicle if it wasn’t for the encouragement and mentoring of another Guild member. She is a seasoned weaver and has provided little tips to get me started and checks in to ask “did you start yet” “have you finished the project on your big loom?” It’s the accountability I need to keep pressing forward and, although daunting, I am committed to diving in. Thankfully, perfectionism is not a trait I possess, weaving is a hobby not a job.
At the last board meeting we reviewed one response to the survey on how to improve communication. The member called out the need to make our Guild a community that encourages and mentor’s new weavers. I would love to hear from you on how we can improve our communication and ideas on how we can encourage new weavers. I have been weaving for over 10 years but feel I am a new weaver; I do big double weave blankets mostly. If it wasn’t for my guild buddy, I would never have the courage to take on a something more.
This truck begs to be woven and I bought yarn on Mackinac that will be perfect for the mountains in the back I think.
Nora Gessert
Upcoming Programs
October Meeting & Program: Susana Navarro Hospinal presents “History of the Textile Hive Peruvian Collection”
History of the Textile Hive Peruvian Collection
While traveling in Peru, Andrea Aranow (whose collection now belongs to Textile Hive) was drawn in by the stunning beauty of the landscape, the rich culture, and the continued use of handwoven clothing around her. After six months serving as the regional textile researcher at the Instituto Nacional de Cultura, Aranow saw examples of textiles from the Central Highlands in the Andes and felt called to do her own fieldwork, collecting, and documenting the unique, creative textiles and dress of the region.
The Peruvian collection comprises over 700 textiles and garments, thousands of field photos, and Aranow’s research notes, along with video interviews and lectures about her time living and collecting in Peru between 1973 and 1980. All these materials are currently being organized and digitized for expanded access, to be released in conjunction with the online and physical exhibits in October 2024.
Susana Navarro Hospinal is an art historian, researcher, and independent curator who specializes in the art of modern Peruvian textiles and embroidery. She has published articles on communication strategy in cultural and artistic institutions and currently works with several contemporary visual artists on curatorial projects for private organizations. Her curatorial approach seeks to highlight cultural narratives and traditional techniques in a contemporary context. She has been invited by Textile Hive to curate this special exhibit.
(At the evening meeting, the recording of the morning program will be will be played.)
Upcoming Workshop
January 10 & 12, Designing Woven Fabrics – Design Criteria, presented by Janet Phillips
Registration for the Designing Woven Fabrics – Design Criteria workshop is open. The online workshop is taught by Janet Phillips from the UK and scheduled for 10 am – noon on Friday January 10 and Sunday January 12, 2025. Learn to design original 4-shaft twill fabrics. This was one of our top 5 rated topics in the recent workshop interest survey, so we are happy to have it on our calendar. There is a HARD REGISTRATION DEADLINE of November 27, 2024 (this is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving). Please note that the final workshop cost depends on the number of registrations. Want more details about this fun and informative workshop? Just click the link above.
Hope to see you there (online) in January!
April 11-13, Sewing with Handwovens workshops with Linda Kubik
We are in the process of finalizing two Sewing with Handwovens workshops with Linda Kubik. We plan to have a one day techniques workshop on Friday April 11, 2025 followed by a two day vest workshop Saturday and Sunday (April 12 & 13). This was our highest requested workshop topic in the interest survey, so I know many of you may want to pencil this into your calendar for April. Full information will be available in the next PHG newsletter.
Happy weaving and learning!
As usual, any question should be directed to workshops@portlandhandweaversguild.org.
Guild News
Plan to Attend the WeftOver Sale October 19
The WeftOver sale is just around the corner. Plan to come by Multnomah Art Center (Room 30) Saturday October 19, 10am – 3pm. The WeftOver Sale is our annual clean out the closet event! It is where we clean out the PHG closet, and you can clean out yours. It is also a wonderful time to pick up items for a deal.
We will have a wide variety of fiber and weaving materials, books, and equipment. We will even have an Old Allen Folding Loom! (Counterbalance, 4 shaft, 50 inch weaving width, 50 inches high, 60 inches wide, 3 reeds: 12, 8, and 6 epi)
This loom is at least 50 years old. It needs some cleaning and reconditioning. It has the older style rubber tube brake system that may need replacing. It comes with an optional second back warp beam. The loom folds up when not in use to take up less space.
If you have items to donate to the sale there are several days that someone can accept items:
- October 10 monthly meetings (morning or evening)
- Friday October 18, 5-9pm as we set up
- Saturday October 19 9-10am during final set up
All proceeds go to supporting the Portland Handweavers Guild programs and workshops.
Fall Sale
There is ONE booth available: 9×10 (or could become a 6×10).
There has been one request for a guild booth. I am happy to provide a space for this, but a few more folks might be interested? Just let me know. Otherwise, I will designate a spot where we can provide guild information and maybe some demos like we did last year.
I will have postcards available at the October meetings. E-cards should be ready very soon, but don’t hesitate to provide information on your personal social accounts.
Jackie Kraybill is posting Facebook images and info, please support this effort by sending her your work images for posting.
Sale is Sat/Sun, Nov 9&10, 10am-4pm both days.
Set up is Fri evening at 5:30.
Remember that you must be a current guild member (dues paid) and have an application on file (there are waivers to sign) to participate. If you’re sharing a space, all vendors must have a form on file.
Last year we had a great sale, let’s make it even better this year!
See you all soon, Judilee
judilee.fitzhugh@gmail.com
ANWG Conference Update
The 2025 ANWG Conference is scheduled for June 16 – 21. 2025, in Yakima, Washington.
Here is a link to the website. https://anwgconference.org/ There is a lot of great info there that is being updated as it is available. I suggest that you follow the link and register for email updates if your are thinking about attending.
Conference Colors https://anwgconference.org/conference-colors/
Tea Towel Exchange – https://anwgconference.org/anwg-2025-towel-time-event/
This is a really fun exchange for those attending the conference. I came away with a lovely towel in 2023. Here are the bullet points. Note the required finished size because they check each towel as it is brought in.
- SIZE: Finished towels (hemmed, washed, dried, and pressed) must be 18″X27″ or larger. Smaller towels will be accepted but in a small towel category.
- MATERIALS: They must be made of absorbent yarns and can be any color. Cotton, hemp, linen, or cotton/linen blends work well. Yarn sizes usually used for towels are 2/3, 5/2, 8/2, 10/2, and 20/2.
- COLORS: Using the conference colors is always a good idea, or just use the colors in your stash.
There is a call for Guild Booths https://anwgconference.org/guild-booths/
The conference theme is “Weaving Webs” – Information, Inspiration, and Innovation. “Weaving Webs” represents the cloth we weave and the relationships we develop during the course of our creative life. Guilds are so important in nurturing these “Webs” and having a booth is such a great way to share your guild’s personality and expertise, with both the public and ANWG membership.
We as a Guild need to decide if we will be doing a booth. In 2023 our Guild booth of mini Not Coats won the Best in Show Award.
Please reach out to me at denise@dwildhandwoven.com if you are planning on attending the conference and if you are willing to lead the charge on a Guild Booth.
Introducing the New Weaver Forum
PHG provides a wonderful community to weavers and fiber artists, but for those new to the craft it can sometimes be intimidating to look at our program topics. New weavers are often looking for a place where they can gather with other new weavers and learn from each other, and from a friendly artist who’s been at it for a while. To help address that need we’re introducing the New Weaver Forum. These sessions will be held on the third Thursday of each month, initially via Zoom. If the interest is strong enough (and we think it will be) we’ll look to add an in-person meeting space for the group just as we do with our study groups.
Our first session for this new group will be held Thursday, October 17 at 10:00. If you’re a new weaver we hope you’ll join us. If you know of a new weaver please help spread the word and let them know. The Zoom link can be found on the PHG website in the calendar.
Save the Date for the 2025 PHG Retreat
The dates are February 27, 28, March 1, & 2 and will again be at Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, OR. Costs will probably have a slight increase. More details in the next PHG Newsletter. Contact Diane McKinnon dimckinnon@aol.com for any questions.
Help Needed With The Spring Sale!
You may have heard that the Gathering of the Guilds (GOTG) is a lot of work and can be a challenge. In reality, the challenge was mostly related to the changing GOTG board members, that was out of our control. The event for the Portland Handweavers Guild (PHG) was great due to the work and expertise of the PHG committee members who have been a part of the event for many years and know how things work. As the chair, I relied on the committee for their advice and guidance, the results of which was a very successful event. We exceeded expectations in sales and participants and met our goals to break even (we actually made a bit of a profit, finally tally is in the works) and gain a few new members. Our Guild Booth was a great success with 15 participants who were able to get their feet wet at a big show and sell their art!
For the 2025 GOTG, there will be new GOTG board members, many of whom stepped in last year and, frankly, are so well organized and easy to work with that had I not agreed to be President of PHG, I would chair the committee again. The PHG board voted to participate in the 2025 GOTG event and many of the artists from 2024 are interested in participating again. I did agree to stay on top of some of the OCC/FERN contract items for the next show so I plan to still be on the GOTG board next year.
We need someone to chair or co-chair the committee for 2025. The infrastructure is in place and would only require updates to reflect changes for 2025, e.g. dates, improved instructions, put your spin on things, etc. If you like to organize and meet cool artists, reach out to me to volunteer or discuss all that the role entails. I can be reached by email or phone noragessert@yahoo.com / 734-395-1693.
Latest ANWG Newsletter
The Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds has posted their July 2024 newsletter with an addendum. Check out the creative ways other Northwest weaving guilds are getting their members together for fiber activities. All ANWG newsletters are available here.
Library News
Recently I’ve been re-reading The Couture Cardigan Jacket: Sewing Secrets from a Chanel Collector by Claire B. Shaeffer as well as watching the included DVD. Making a Chanel jacket has been on my to-do list for many years. Chanel jackets are timeless and versatile, a simple style where attention to detail matters. The beautiful fabrics that the jackets showcase are ones that we can easily replicate on a four shaft loom. The planning of a cardigan jacket can take much more time than weaving the fabric and can lead you down many side paths.
The latest rabbit hole that I have fallen into planning a Chanel jacket is the trim. The use of trim is one of those details that define a Chanel jacket. I realized that the trim could be handwoven as well. It would encourage me to expand my weaving into using some of the smaller looms that I don’t typically use. It might even be something I could carry around to work on. It’s giving me a case of OLAD. A small tape loom with interchangeable heddles would be small enough to take with me and hold enough warp that I wouldn’t need to piece the trim. Oops. Off topic. Thinking about designing the trim led me to the next two books.
The first is Handwoven Decorative Trim: An introduction to weaving passementerie trims by Robyn Spady. This is a small spiral-bound book which assumes that you are familiar with the weaving basics. It is not aimed towards a style of loom and does not have defined projects. After an introduction of the basic anatomy of woven decorative trim, there are instructions for weaving 30 different trims using one to four pattern weft cords on a single warp trims, double warp trims, trims with fringe (which seems like a great way to use your thrums) or beads. She also provides a few ways to create your own cording from materials on your shelf. This hole keeps getting deeper!
The next book is one that came out late last year. It is Passementerie: Handcrafting Contemporary Trimmings, Fringes, Tassels and More by Elizabeth Ashdown. This is a much more detailed book than Robyn Spady’s book. It is beginner friendly. She starts with an introduction to passementerie: what it is (more than decorative trims), its history, uses and materials. She then moves into the basics of weaving your own trims, including choosing colors and fibers, designing your own decorative wefts, and instructions to set up your trim on both a rigid heddle and a frame loom. She also provides instructions to make a few off-loom trims, including an easy way to make a tassel using a skein of embroidery floss. The book concludes with 11 different projects to make and use your me-made trims.
Now that I’ve thought about making my own trim for this jacket I can move on to making my own buttons and dyeing the lining. I’ll need to read Claire Shaeffer’s other books including Couture Sewing Techniques and, her latest, Couture Tailoring: A Construction Guide for Women’s Jackets. This may take a while.
Find these books and others in the PHG library. Search our catalog on LibraryThing.
Robin Korybski
Bulletin Board
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:
Tommye Scanlin, on using textile methods to mark time Oct 26
Michael Rohde, on exploring ways of turning ideas into weaving Nov 16
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
Any 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.