Most member meetings feature informational lectures by local and national fiber artists, but other meetings are simply fun-filled times for Guild members to show each other their work. Social hour begins at 6:30 pm and meetings begin at 7:00 pm. New members are encouraged to attend. Admission is free. Guests are welcome.
Introduction to Textile Conservation by Patricia Ewer
February 9, 2012: 7:00pm
Inherent in the study and creation of artistic weavings is an interest in their preservation and care. We all want our most beautiful and precious things to last forever. Conservators are fortunate in that they can contribute pertinent information to the existing body of knowledge of textiles. Conservators Patricia Ewer and Beth McLaughlin will, in the course of describing their work, present information on textile constructions, weave structure, types of materials, as well as how they prescribe treatment and aid in the historic study and dating of many pieces. This information also allows the conservator to understand the mechanisms of degradation which affect future preventive care of an object. New methods and modern materials for use in the creation and conservation of artifacts will also be presented.
Creative Cloth: Not Just for the Rigid Heddle Loom by Jane Patrick
March 8, 2012: 7:00pm
Artist, teacher and author Jane Patrick will inspire and thrill you with ideas for weaving unique cloth on the rigid heddle frame loom (or any loom for that matter). Jane will illustrate that creating interesting cloth is possible no matter the loom. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced weaver, you’ll discover that your only limitation to weaving exciting weave structures and patterns is your imagination. Jane will bring samples of some easy and fun ways incorporate elements of color, texture, pick-up and more.
New Millennium Fibres by Heather Winslow
April 19, 2012: 7:00pm
What on earth are Lyocell, Modal, Seacell, or Microfiber? Why would anyone combine silk or merino wool with stainless steel into a yarn? Aren’t pineapples and soya protein for eating and bamboo for building? What does silk and ramie combination feel like? Learn the answers to these questions and more during this information filled lecture about new millennium fibres. Just imagine what a unique project you can design.
WGM Potluck & Volunteer Recognition
May 10, 2012: 6:00pm
Rare Sheep and Their Wool: Treasures We Can’t Afford to Lose by Deb Robson
July 26, 2012: 7:00pm
An introduction to rare breeds of sheep as defined by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (North America) and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (British Isles). I’ll talk about who decides a breed is rare (and how), what breeds (and categories) of breeds are rare (and why). Then I’ll discuss why we need to keep these breeds around—both as fiber artisans and as members of human civilization—and what to do with the wool. Most likely I’ll also cover the different channels for processing wool and what to expect from each (large-scale industry, small-scale mechanical, and hand processing). With luck, I’ll have a bunch more samples by then, to supplement the slides and talk with the tactile. I have a box and I keep adding to it.
Surface Design for Handweavers by Su Butler
September 13, 2012: 7:00pm
Handweavers have a unique opportunity to construct cloth. We can begin creating pattern with weave structure and carry on to embellish the surface both during and after weaving. Learn many creative ideas to begin your explorations into surface design.
Weaving Bewitchment: Gerhard Munthe’s Folk-Tale Tapestries by Laurann Gilbertson
October 11, 2012: 7:00pm
This presentation profiles Norwegian artist (landscape painter, muralist, book illustrator) Gerhard Munthe and his rocky road to tapestry design. Munthe was active at the time Norway was gaining independence from Sweden and his work was seen as being in a new “national” style. The tapestries woven from his designs became famous for the dramatic folk tales they depicted.
