Send your news items to Sylvia Emard by the 25th of the month for inclusion in the next month’s newsletter.
Guild Calendar – Summer 2021
Library Pickup/Return
Thursday, July 15, 2021 and
Thursday, August 19, 2021
10-10:30 am at the MAC back patio
Please send your requests to Robin.
President’s Message
Happy July everyone! As the PHG fiscal year starts at the beginning of July (have you renewed your membership?) I have taken over from Chris Rossi as President. I am really looking forward to fresh starts as we move forward, things start to reopen, and life starts to resemble something more of what we consider “normal”. The past 16 months or so have shown me the things I really value about my life. It has also shown me areas where I had to make changes that turned out being positive – changes I wouldn’t have made otherwise. I really loved the slower pace of life during the pandemic but I also really missed doing and seeing the things that inspire my weaving and other aspects of my well-being. I am ready to get back to things, but I am also trying to be very mindful of not over scheduling and keeping a greater sense of calm and peace where I can.
I am looking forward to the MAC reopening sooner than later. We have several contingency plans in place and will choose how to proceed when we hear from MAC. I know I am not alone in looking forward to when we can start coming together again, sharing our community with each other, seeing projects people have finished in person, and learning from speakers IRL (“in real life” – as my teenager says).
For something (hopefully!) a little bit fun and completely different, I thought I would do a little “get to know me” below for those who were not able to join to our meeting in June where I introduced myself. I am a relatively new member (this will be my 4th year as a member of the PHG) and while I have met some of you, there are a good number of people I haven’t met. I am including a photo so you can see who I am too.
Name: Sarah McCully-Posner
How long have I been weaving: I have been weaving for 5 years now. I learned from Jaye Campbell at the MAC. I will still try to enroll in classes there and have a project on a loom waiting for my return.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Coffee, unless it is after 2:00 pm, then mint-chocolate chip (I can’t sleep if I have caffeine too late in the day).
Looms I have at home: Ashford Inklett, Schacht Inkle, Pin Loom, Ashford 8-Shaft Table Loom, Schacht Standard Floor Loom (8-shaft), and I have an AVL (32 shaft) currently on order which I hope will deliver some time really soon.
Favorite location in Oregon: Locally it is a toss up between my back deck and Marshall Park, which I walk to from my house. If I am traveling further afield, I love Salt Creek Falls and Odell Lake off Hwy 58. This part of Oregon is such a gem and pretty special to my family.
What is my background: I graduated from the U of O with a degree in German and minors in history and business. That lead me to working at Nike in Footwear Development. When I retired from my role there after my son was born, I was building soccer (global football) boots for top players and little kids alike. I still speak German (although I am a little rusty and I have a Swiss accent from my youth exchange year) and I am currently learning Japanese.
Something people don’t usually know about me: I decided after college it would be a good idea to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. My dad, brother and a couple of friends all decided to join me in skydiving that day. I never need to do it again.
How did I fall in love with the idea of weaving: Growing up I had a neighbor with a giant loom (at least it seemed like a giant loom when I was small). I loved going over to her house to see what she was creating. I never had the chance to weave on it, but she showed me how it worked. When I was an adult I wanted to learn something new and weaving came to mind. It took a couple of years before I was able to get into a class at the MAC, but once I did – the rest is history!
Favorite sports: I love going on long walks (not in the rain) and average 30-35 miles a week. We are skiers as well and I spend a lot of time of time watching swimming, which is a sport my son has chosen to do.
What are my favorite weave structures: I really love Deflected Double Weave and Rep – they are probably my favorites. Plaited twills come in just behind that and then double weave. I am still learning so much so I am sure my list will continue to change as my knowledge base broadens. I love bold graphics and color.
Favorite flower: It happens to be an Oregon Native – Trilliums are glorious.
What am I weaving now: I am currently working on Palaka Hand Towels. I was talking to a couple of friends recently and we were discussing family tartans/plaids. A friend who grew up in Hawaii and who has Japanese ancestry mentioned she couldn’t really play when it came to that conversation. I remembered reading recently about Palaka plaids in Handwoven Magazine and told her all about them. It turns out she does have a plaid and loved learning about the history! I am making towels for her.
I wish everyone a wonderful, safe and healthy summer and look forward to seeing you all soon, be it over Zoom or in person. Take care!
Sarah McCully-Posner
PHG President
Programs 2021-2022
We’re thinking about programs for the 2021-2022 program cycle. Have an idea for someone you’d like to see present a program for the guild? Please contact Dan Steves, who will be leading Programs for next year.
Guild News
PHG Special Projects Grant Program
Have you been thinking about an aspect of weaving, dyeing, or spinning that you would like to explore? After being cooped up for a year with these ideas floating around, isn’t it time to act on them, and would the incentive of a little cash help?
PHG is here to help with you with that!
The Guild has a grant fund available to members for just that purpose and all you need to do is fill out a simple application form and submit it the Director of Education by September 30, 2021. REALLY this is not some LONG government form and it does not require a COVID test so please think about applying. Go to the website and look under education/special projects or just click on the link below and get started.
This is an opportunity for new weavers who are interested in experimenting with a new type of weave or yarn, experienced weavers to finally research a topic more in depth or attend a workshop that otherwise would not be within the budget. All that PHG asked is that you share you experience with us sometime in the future!
I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Linda Edquist
Director of Education
https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/education/special-projects-fund/
Library and Rental News
Library and rental equipment pick up is available this summer! We are following the same procedures as we have for the past year. Please email Robin as soon as possible to check for item availability or with any questions. This month pick up is on Thursday, July 15, and next month on Thursday, August 19, between 10 and 10:30 am at the patio off the back parking lot at the Multnomah Arts Center. Third Thursday library pick ups will continue until we have our first in person meeting. Everything checked out at that time will be due at the first in person meeting.
ANWG Conference Fiber Connections 2023
The Weaving Guilds of Oregon (WeGO) are excited to host the 2023 Association of Northwest Weavers’ Guilds (ANWG) Conference at the Riverhouse Convention Center and Hotel in Bend, Oregon, June 11-18, 2023. Click here to get information leading up to the conference on how plans are progressing, along with details about events, workshops, seminars, and other exciting aspects of the conference.
Membership – It’s that time of year!
We can now accept membership renewals for the 2021-2022 fiscal year that started July 1, 2021. And just a reminder – your membership runs from July 1 to June 30. All memberships are up for renewal on July 1. The only exception is new members who joined after March 1 of this year. For more information or to renew online go to https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/portland-handweavers-guild-membership/renew-my-membership/.
The new year (fiscal year, that is) for PHG brings with it a new Membership Director. Jessica Bardsley has taken on the role for the coming year. As of July 1 please reach out to Jessica with any questions or concerns.
Volunteer Sign-Up Reminder
Remember that Maggie Patterson and Cooki Messmer are planning some PHG outreach activities starting this spring, and going into the summer and fall. They are planning some demonstrations at farmers markets, yarn shops, and other locations to reach out especially to non-weavers who may be interested in learning to weave. They will have a handout with resource information for our guild, where to buy weaving equipment and supplies, how to find lessons, etc. Maggie and Cooki will do some of the demonstrations themselves but are also hoping to generate a list of other guild members willing to volunteer.
If you are willing to be on that volunteer call list please email Maggie at mudgepatterson@hotmail.com giving her your email and phone number. They have a table, a canopy, yarn and 2 small looms, including a rigid heddle loom, so you don’t need to bring anything unless you want to. Being cautious about COVID-19 concerns, all volunteers will wear masks and we will not allow folks who stop by to chat to actually try out the looms, but only watch the demos and get their questions answered.
If you have any questions, please contact Maggie. At this point they are just creating a list of folks who may be available. As dates arise you may get called. You can say no if the date doesn’t work for you.
A Message from Your Complex Weavers Representative
Past President of Complex Weavers and the Association of Northwest Weaving Guilds Ladella Willams would like to share info with you. If you would like to join Complex Weavers or would like more information please send an email to LadellawilliamsCZZ@gmail.com or text her at 503-729-1704.
Save the dates July 10-13, 2022 for the Complex Weavers seminars in Knoxville, TN, just prior to Convergence. We hope you will join us there!
Handweavers Guild of America
Handweavers Guild of America (HGA) is our national weaving organization whose mission is to educate, support and inspire the fiber arts community. Many of us think of Convergence, the biennial international conference, when we think of HGA. The next Convergence will be in Knoxville, Tennessee July 15-21, 2022. (Please check the link for updates on the conference schedule during this uncertain time).
Membership also entitles you to receive the quarterly Shuttle Spindle and Dyepot magazine, guided study opportunities, grants to study or take workshops, fiber resources such as textile kits and multimedia rentals, travel excursions and eligibility for Small Expressions exhibit and the HGA Award given to more than 30 deserving artists each year.
Please go to the HGA website www.weavespindye.org for more information.
Sale News
The PHG Fall Sale will take place in the MAC gym on Friday, November 12 through Sunday, November 14, assuming that Multnomah Arts Center is open at that time. Judilee Fitzhugh will once again be in charge of this sale but there’s lots of room for helpers to plan and get the word out. Watch for more information, or contact Judilee if you’d like to help.
Portland Bead Society is holding a Bead & Creative Arts Festival Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10, 2021 and welcomes vendors from other guilds. The sale will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton at 1000 NE Multnomah St., Portland, OR 97232. All booths are 10’x10′ and can be shared. The booth fee is $320 for a corner, $240 for non-corner. The application deadline is August 15, 2021. Contact Janis Johnson at janis.marie.johnson@gmail.com for an application.
Bulletin Board
Looking to Sell or Buy Weaving Equipment or Materials?
Check out the PHG Forums – Items for Sale page.
Fiber News and Events
7th Small Tapestry International Exhibit
Now through August 27, 2021
Lincoln City, OR
The American Tapestry Alliance (ATA) is proud to present its 7th Small Tapestry International Exhibit at the Lincoln City Cultural Center Fiber Arts Studio Gallery, July 2 through August 27, 2021. The exhibit includes a colorful array of weavings that showcase the best in small format tapestry.
lincolncity-culturalcenter.org/fiber-arts-studio-gallery
Damascus Fiber Arts School Summer Workshops
Summer, 2021
Damascus, OR
The Summer 2021 Schedule of Workshops is here. Workshops for Beginning Tapestry, Basic and Advanced Spinning, Drop Spindle, Acid Dyeing, Ravenstail, Wedge Weave and Weaving on a Cardboard Box Loom scheduled.
2021 Oregon State Fair Is Happening!
August 27-September 6, 2021
Salem, OR
The fair will open on Friday, August 27, and run through Labor Day, Monday, September 6. It will feature the usual textiles competitions (Fiber Arts [used to be Felting, Spinning and Weaving], Needlework and Clothing and Quilting) though on a bit more limited basis. Competition classes have been simplified. The competition exhibitors’ handbooks will be available in July; read carefully and enter accordingly. Please note that these changes aren’t necessarily permanent.
On-line registration of entries will begin in Sho-Works mid-July. The deadline for registration is 10 p.m. August 18. Entries will be accepted at the Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday, August 20 and 21. Returns will be Tuesday and Wednesday, September 7 and 8, at the fairgrounds.
During the fair, we will have a Fiber Arts demonstration area for spinners, weavers and others who wish to show off their creative skills. All weavers and spinners are welcome. We will have chairs for spinners and a couple of looms for weavers to work on (or you can bring your own project). Just let Carrie Rohn (carrie.rohn@gmail.com) know when you would like to come. Demonstrators get free entrance to the fair and free parking. As far as Covid restrictions go, the fair plans to follow the governor’s guidelines. The demo area will be cordoned off to provide space between the demonstrators and visitors.
There will be no fair-sponsored remote pickup sites this year. However, for out-of-towners WeGO will pay postage or shipping costs to mail/ship guild boxes to the fairgrounds and return. The simplest way is to buy a return label at the beginning and enclose it in the box. Send the receipts to Annali Cross (rockytopweaver@gmail.com) for reimbursement.
During the fair, there will be no Quilt Walk, no culinary demos, no Jerry Frank chocolate cake competition, no best-of-the-county judging and no hands-on, make-and-take activities. There will be concerts in the amphitheater and, of course, display cases loaded with the competition entries. And ribbons and prizes.
So, bring out all those beautiful projects you wove during the lock-down and decide which you will enter in the 2021 Oregon State Fair. We’ll provide updated information as it becomes available as well as specific links to the registration website.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me at dorstoltz@msn.com or 503-371-7177.
Portland Textile Month
October, 2021
Portland, OR
October is Portland Textile Month. Check out Textile Exchange to look for events.
Fiber Fusion Northwest
October 16-17, 2021
Evergreen Fairgrounds, Monroe, WA
The festival is planning for a live event in 2021.
www.fiberfusion.net
Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival
October 23-24, 2021
Linn County Expo Center, Albany, OR
OFFF is moving to the Linn County Expo Center with a new festival date in October.
www.oregonflockandfiberfestival.com
Red Alder Fiber Arts Retreat
February 16-20, 2022
Tacoma, WA
Rose City Yarn Crawl 2022
February 24-27, 2022
Portland, OR
Fiber in the Forest
May 13-15, 2022
Camp Myrtlewood, OR
Fiber in the Forest is coming back in 2022!
More info here.
Handweavers Guild of America-Convergence 2022
July 15-21, 2022
Knoxville, TN
Convergence® is heading to the Smoky Mountains for 2022!
Convergence
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.” A prospectus for submissions will be coming out soon and we hope to have a large response from participating guild members. The WeGO Traveling Show has been well received in the past, so now is the time to begin to plan your Filaments project.
Happy weaving,
WeGO 2023 Traveling Show Committee:
Sarah Mostkoff
Marilyn Roberts
Charlene Virts
ANWG Conference – Fiber Connections
June 11-18, 2023
Riverhouse Convention Center, Bend, OR
Click the link below to read about the new location and dates for the ANWG Conference 2023.
anwgconference2023.com
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.