June 27th 2009 Guild Meeting

Note Change of Location!!!
Studio Channel Islands Art Center
Ventura Handweavers & Spinners Guild is one of the sponsors for the current exhibit at SCIART. We will be holding our June meeting at SCIART, and be taken through the exhibit by curator Gerri Johnson-McMillin. Parking fee is $6. We look forward to seeing you there for a wonderful experience!

Four Exhibits that Show That Fiber Art Is More Than Thread and Yarn

Evans Gallery: FIBER 3D- Revolutions This celebrates the work of three extraordinary fiber artists: Brecia Kralovic-Logan (from Santa Barbara), Deborah Jarchow (from Simi Valley) and Gerri Johnson-McMillin (from Pt. Hueneme). These artists explore the three dimensional form using fiber techniques and materials in new innovative ways. This is a continuation of the 2008 exhibition at the Syd Entrels Gallery in Tampa Bay, FL.

O'Keefe Gallery: Focus on Fiber II - Fiber Open This is a national juried exhibition open to all fiber media, from traditional to contemporary to experimental in forms such as weaving, basketry, sculpture, felting, papermaking, beading, knitting and embroidery.

Hall Gallery: Focus on Fiber II Small Art Quilts In the Hall Gallery is a national-juried, small format art quilt exhibition

Gerd Koch Gallery: Houses for Nomads This is an exhibition of tapestries by Michael Rohde (from Westlake Village).

Getting to Studio Channel Islands:
Building #18 on Ventura Street, on the campus of Cal State University Channel Islands, Camarillo, CA 93012 805-383-1368

Driving South on 101 Fwy: Exit on Las Posas Rd. and turn right. Drive Las Posas to Cawelti Rd. & turn left. Drive to dead end & turn right on Lewis Rd. Follow Lewis past Casa Pacifica turning left on University Drive @ CSUCI entrance. Drive to Santa Barbara St., and turn right. Drive to end turning left on Ventura St., SCIAC is 2nd building on left. Look for signage.

Driving North on 101 Fwy: Exit Pleasant Valley/Santa Rosa and turn left over freeway driving to Lewis Rd. Turn left on Lewis Rd. and drive past Casa Pacifica. Turn left on University Drive @ CSUCI entrance. Drive to Santa Barbara St., and turn right. Drive to end turning left on Ventura St., SCIAC is 2nd building on left.

May 16th, 2009

NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE!!!!
May 16, 2009 9:30 am Ventura Adult Education Center 5200 Valentine Rd., Ventura, CA

Donna Nelson, a member of our Guild, raises chinchillas and will presenting a program about them. Donna has been promoting the use of chinchilla fiber for use in spinning and needle arts. She will bring several of her animals (she brought one for a “teaser” to the Aril meeting) and share with us the care, feeding, and raising of chinchillas.

In the afternoon, there will be a spin, weave, knit, crochet, locker-hooking, bobbin lace workshop. Bring whatever you want to do for an afternoon.

But most of all, in the spirit of “recycling” bring items from your stash that you are willing to trade, barter, sell. Fibers, yarns, books, tools, bags, ufo’s (unfinished objects), whatever you like. You tag it, you sell or swap it, you keep the proceeds or new-to-you goodies.

February 28th, 2009

Ventura Adult Education 5200 Valentine Road, Ventura, CA 93003

The February meeting will be held at Ventura Adult Education Building for Guild members to view a proposed site for the guild’s new home. Teresa Johnson, Principal of VACE will be present to answer questions and show the membership the site. Members present will vote on whether or not the Guild should move to this site and hold our regular meetings there. Please plan to attend and help us make this very important decision.

The day will be a bit of improvisation. Ms. Johnson’s information will be most important as will our vote. Program if we have time will be focused on the Guild Challenge for 2009. The challenge for 2009 will be to recycle.

Bring your own ideas to share of things you may already be recycling so that we can share the inspiration. The challenge will be to recycle something or somehow in a way you have not done in the past. The completion of the projects will be a highlight of our Open House in October.

Eileen Hallman will also be teaching Charka 101 at Nona Hummel’s that same weekend. Please check with Nona at hnds4wool@aol.com or 805-527-4211 as to whether or not she has any openings for the class. Eileen used to be a member of the Ventura Guild, and now lives and works in North Carolina. She is the owner of New World Textiles and visits from her are always enjoyed. Check out her website.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2009!

We're hoping to share a great year of fibery goodness over the next 12 months. Please join us!


January 2009 Guild Meeting

Please Note: change of venue! : Meeting will be held at the Studio Channel Islands Art Center (Guild has paid for parking.) Click here for a link to their site and a map, or go to their site at http://www.studiochannelislands.org/

Deborah Jarchow will be our program speaker, giving us information on weaving with chenille.

This will work nicely for those taking her Weaving with chenille workshop. The workshop will begin Friday evening (January 23rd) around 5:30/6pm for students to get a head start on winding warp, setting up looms, etc. After the meeting, students will be able to stay at the studio to continue their class which will run until 4pm, and then continue on Sunday January 25th).

There are still openings for those interested in taking the workshop. Cost for the workshop is $100 to Guild and a $50 materials fee to Deb. There is room for 10-12 students. Contact Silvia Leidig at saleidig@yahoo.com or call 647-2477. You may also send your check for $100 made out to VCHS, to Silvia Leidig, P. O. Box 6692, Ventura, CA 93006. Please also include an email address or phone number for Deb to contact you regarding materials list.

Time to Renew Membership for 2009!

NOW is the time to get your checks in for the new year!

Please remember that there is a significant delay from the time a check is sent to the PO Box until it reaches the membership chairperson so try to hand in a check at the next meeting, or mail it directly to our membership chairperson, Karen Tyner, who will be handling all of the 2009 renewals.

Please complete the form which will be included in the October Newsletter and deliver to the Membership Chair, Karen Tyner, at the next meeting. If you will not be attending the meeting, please mail the form and your check as shown on the form.

Membership Application
Membership is open to all persons and associations interested in advancing, fostering, and promoting the art of handweaving, spinning and related crafts. Member benefits include use of Guild library and property, monthly newsletter, and priority and reduced fees for workshops. Meetings are held on the fourth Saturday of each month except November and December. Annual dues are $35 per individual and $50 per family and are payable in October and delinquent in January. NEW MEMBERS ONLY joining after June 1st, dues are reduced to $17.50 per individual and $25 per family.

The newsletter will be sent by email. It will be $15 extra to have it sent by US mail.

October Program - Open House

The October Guild meeting date is changed!!

The meeting will be Saturday October 18, at Studio Channel Islands Art Center. The meeting will start at 9:30 and last until 3 pm. We will first have a business meeting, then Susan Goldberg will emcee the Show & Tell of the Challenges we have completed.

At the same time, we will host vendors in the Mosaic Garden outside. Guild members who would like to participate may purchase a 10x10” area for $35. Members are asked to contribute 10% of their sales up to $35 to Guild. Items to sell might be handspun, handwovens, knitted items, and equipment.

Other vendors anticipated include Village Spinning & Weaving, Anacapa Fine Yarns, San Buenaventura Soap Company, Morro Fleece Works, and Redfish Dye works.

We will have a Granny’s Attic where items can be donated and sold, with the proceeds going to guild…this is similar to our Ways and Means table. A great way to clean out your stash, equipment, books, etc. If you want to donate items, please get them to Silvia Leidig before October 11th. If you want Guild to sell your items, they must be priced, and listed, and given to Silvia Leidig, also by October 11th

Chris Villalovos is weaving a shawl from the remainder of the fiber from the Fair Sheep to Shawl. We will have a Silent Auction for the Shawl.

Betty Bingham has donated a wonderful triangle shawl that we will sell raffle tickets for.

Contact Silvia Leidig if you would like to reserve a vendor spot. Call her at 644-0678 or email saleidig@yahoo.com.

July Program and Workshop

July Program

Janie Taylor will be our program presenter. Jannie comes to us from Central Coast Handweavers. She is a member of Complex Handweavers, and teaches for AVL. She has taught workshops for our Guild in the past, including one on Shadow Weave. This time she will be our program presenter for Saturday program, and will teach us how to make Camel Necklaces on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

DRAFTING & DESIGNING USING WEAVING SOFTWARE
Designing can be astonishingly fast and easy with the help of any of the powerful programs available today. Learn how to take your weaving to the next level with on screen demonstrations of some of the many time saving and helpful features available to all weavers. Leave the graph paper and pencils behind and you might find that you actually ENJOY creating and weaving your own drafts.

July Workshop
Camel Necklace Workshop. Camel harnesses, saddles, and bridles are decorated with handwoven straps and tassels. Jannie has converted the concept of those harnesses into a necklace made of your own bits or thread, buttons, beads, etc. Attached is a picture for you to view the concept. Saturday afternoon right after the meeting, we will make tassels to begin the necklace. On Sunday, the workshop will continue at 4243 Telegraph Rd., Ventura where we will put the final product together.
Signups will only be guaranteed with receipt of your check for $35.

The Camel Necklace ~ A delightful necklace of tassels, buttons and beads; a miniature version of the adornment worn by the sultan's favorite camel.

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
New Work Exhibit March 8 – April 20, 2008.

Opening Reception: March 8, from 2 – 6 pm

The public is invited to attend and meet the exhibiting artists. Featuring Richard Amend, Susan Stinsmueller-Amend, Evelyn Dayman, Diane Bennett, Christina Carroll, Gayel Childress, Bernadette DiPietro, Carol Henry, Stanton Hunter, Laura Langley, Elisse Pogofsky-Harris, Harry Poliak,David Reeser, Michael Rohde, Carol & Al Sils, Kathy Waggoner, Nina de CreeftWard, Fred Yokel and others to be announced.

The Opening Reception will feature a special presentation of jewelry by Clare Dune. The artist refers to her fused glass and rubber as "contemporary embellishments and charms for old souls and brave hearts". The contrast between hard, yet fragile colored glass and soft, yet flexible rubber creates a dramatic look that is both modern and timeless, with Asian and African references.

The Opening Reception will also feature a live musical performance by Joe Juin, featuring classic French and South American folk songs

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts

8560 Ojai-Santa Paula Road

Ojai, CA. 93023

805 646-3381

February Program and Workshop

Workshops: Saturday Afternoon, 2/23/08,
1:00 - 4:00 p.m., $35.00 per person

Spinning 101: Beginning Spinning: Cheryl Ambrose will be teaching beginning spinning. Participants need to indicate whether they will be using a spinning wheel or drop spindle.

or

Spinning 102: Spinning Designer Yarns: Susie Meach explores adding color and texture to your yarns by carding in fibers-both natural and man-made. Learn ply with special colored fibers and yarns-mohair, silk, nylon, angelina, metallics, sequins and thread and beads. We will practice some of Diane Varney's textured spinning and plying techniques as discussed in 'Spinning Designer Yarns' including
boucle, slub and spiral.

Morning Program:
Silent Auction of Donated Books

The following books were donated to the Guild and will be sold at silent auction during Saturday's meeting. There's something here for almost everyone - weaving, spinning, knitting, beading, crocheting and more. Need some research materials for your Guild Challenge project? Check these out - help the Guild and expand your personal library at the same time!

Can't be at the meeting? Karen Tyner will accept emailed or mailed bids until Friday February 22 (bids received after that date are not eligible. Postmarks don't count; the bid must be in Karen's hand by the 22nd). These bids will be opened when the auction closes.

Rules: A minimum bid will be set for each book or set of books. Highest bid, either in person or sealed bid to Karen, gets the book(s); a tie bid will be decided in favor of the person who is present at the meeting. Payment is expected at conclusion of the auction unless other arrangements are made with Karen or Elisa. Disclaimer: Information provided on the books is to the best of our knowledge; books are sold 'as is' and no refunds will be given. Have questions or want more info on the books (published date, author's name), please email Elisa at epspinsATgmailDOTcom.

Out of Print, Hard to Find Books
Weaving Overshot
The Primary Structures of Fabrics
Hand-Manipulated Stitches for Machine Knitters
Weaving
The Structure of Weaving
Flamskvavnad - Flemish Weaving
More Than Four; A book for multiple harness weavers
Ray Manley's Fine Art of Navajo Weaving
Tapestry Weaving
Making Miniature Chinese Rugs & Carpets
Earth Basketry
Spinning
Turning Wool into a Cottage Industry
Spindle Spinning From Novice to Expert
Knitting
Knitting on the Road
Sweater Design Workbook
Kim Hargreaves Collection
Anny Blatt Magazine #132
I Taught Myself Knitting
Vogue Knitting on the Go: Chunky Knits
Vogue Knitting on the Go: Socks
Socks, Socks, Socks; 70 Winning Patterns from The Knitter's Magazine
Traditional Island Knitting
Crochet
Crochet Yearbook, Vol 1
Vanessa-Ann's Plain & Fancy Crochet
Glorious Crocheted Sweaters
Pretty Tops in Thread
Breezy Cotton Crochet
Needlepoint
Geometric Needlepoint Designs
Good housekeeping: Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts
Step By Step Needlecraft Encyclopedia
EGA Designer Series: Book 2
EGA Glossary
Needle Workshop; Canvas Sampler
Beading
Uniquely Yours; Beaded Amulet Purse Necklaces
Dancing Light; Beaded Amulet Purse Necklaces
Heirloom Peyote; Patterns for Peyote Stitch Beadwork
Bead Directory, The; 3rd Edition
Other
Designers Guide to Color 2
Directory of Grants for Crafts
Crafting as a Business
Handmade Greeting Cards

Please join us for our next meeting - Visitors are always welcome!
Date: Saturday, February 23, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m. - Coffee & goodies. 9:30 a.m. - General Meeting
Where: 701 Del Norte Blvd. Units 115 & 120, Oxnard CA
For more info, please visit our website or leave a comment below (please include your email address) and we'll get right back to you.

Silvia's Guild Challenge

The Challenge
Challenge yourself to create something that you’ve never done before. The creation can be woven, knitted, crocheted from handspun. It can be felted or a number of other techniques. It could be clothing, a basket, home decoration, for household use, and so on.

The purpose is to challenge yourself to do something completely different from anything you’ve done before. Your intended project or technique (or both) could be more than one challenge. Be prepared to present your completed project at the October Open House at a Fashion Show/Presentation.

Register the focus of your intent with Silvia Leidig at the February Guild meeting. Indicate what assistance you need to accomplish your goal, i.e. books, other members, a small workshop, brainstorming sessions.

This is a wonderful idea. We all have techniques that we see others doing that we feel we'd never be able to do; this is our opportunity to give it a try, helping each other with the things we know. What is there to lose? Come to our meeting and sign up. Guests/non-members are always welcome.

Happy New Year!

Thanks to The Spooners for hosting our festive Holiday Party. It's very generous of you to share your home with us during the holidays, and everyone had a wonderful time.

We hope you didn't miss the January workshop with John Pitblado on Indigo dyeing. His presentation was very interesting and informative and the pictures were lovely. We hope to see pictures of the products from the workshop soon!

We invite you to February's workshop. If you're interested in spinning but haven't a clue how to get started, Cheryl Ambrose is hosting a "Beginning Spinning" workshop at our February meeting. Whether a drop spindle is your thing, or you want to learn wheel spinning, this will be a marvelous opportunity to learn. Workshop fee is $35 and includes materials.

February is a wealth of riches, as there are two separate workshops. For those more advanced, Susie Meach will be exploring Spinning Designer Yarns. Add color and texture to your yarns with several techniques, including combing in, plying with, and spinning unique fibers and other materials. Bring a wheel, preferably with a large oriface, and carders, combs and other fiber prep tools you may have. Workshop fee is $35 and includes materials.

As always, Guild meetings are open to all. We love guests! Come by and see what we're about, and maybe you'll get addicted to fiber too!

Annual Open House & Sale

You're invited! Please plan to join us for the Guild's annual Open House, Sale and Show, October 20 - the third Saturday in October - from 10 to 3, in the beautiful outdoor sculpture garden at Studio Channel Islands Art Center. We'll have demos, fibery goodies for sale, a silent auction and more. Please note that parking is FREE for the day.

The fee for selling at the Open House is $35 per space (for guild members 10% of sales). To sign up as a seller or for additional information, please contact Elisa at epspinsATgmailDOTcom . Vendors will need to provide their own tables and chairs.

Come to spin, weave, braid, knit, or crochet with us. Please spend the day and enjoy the advent of fall and the holiday season.

Driving directions: http://www.studiochannelislands.org

Great Wheel Spinning

This is an interesting demo of spinning on a great wheel.

Basket Weaving With Toni Best

September Workshops

No prior basketry experience is needed for either workshop. Come and learn a fascinating new skill with us!

Fascicle Pine Needle Coiling
Saturday, September 22, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Fee: $55 for Guild Members ($65 for Non-members), payable to VCHSG.
OR Members $110 for both days (Non-members $150 for both days).
There is no materials fee for this workshop.

This class is a classic and all time favorite! Students of all levels will learn how to coil pine needles on the top of a gourd using the tips, or fascicles, to create a unique and beautiful pattern. You will be able to choose between different types of binders, or threads, and you will be expertly guided in a diversity of stitching to create your own work or art.

Floating & Undulating Coil
Sunday, September 23, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Fee: $65 for Guild Members ($85 for Non-members), payable to VCHSG.
OR Members $110 for both days (Non-members $150 for both days).
There is no materials fee for this workshop.

Students of all levels will create a unique work of art by coiling pine needles on a gourd. You can choose a floating coil which does not connect to a previous coil but floats with open space to another side. These free forms creations can be as imaginative as the student desires. Or choose an undulating coil, which is "appliquéd" to what has been coiled previously.

About The Instructor

Toni Best has been a creator and advocate of basketry for over forty-seven years. Using pine needles, raffia, and other natural materials, Toni has expanded upon native designs and weaves basketry that echo many American cultures while illustrating her own innovations and imagination.

Toni teaches extensively around the state and at gourd and basket festivals. Her baskets have been featured at the Wooden Indian Gallery in Visalia, as a special exhibit of weavers at the Kings Rivers Art Center in Hanford, Arts Visalia in Visalia, the juried Top of the Line Craft Show in Visalia, “Baskets As Art” at Harmony Works Gallery in Redondo Beach, The Jasmine Gallery in La Jolla, and Gwalala Basket Exhibition.

She is also a member of the Bay Area Basket Makers, Handweavers of the Valley, Misti Washington Gourd and Basket Guild, and the California Gourd Society. She has been awarded first prize for her skill through the Southern Conference of Handweavers in California and the California Gourd Society.

To register for this workshop, please mail your check, payable to VCHSG, to VCHSG, Attn: Elisa Purnell, P.O. Box 354, Ventura CA 93002, as soon as possible. If you need additional information, please leave a message below - including your email address. Thanks!

June Meeting

For our June program, weaving artist and instructor Deborah Jarchow will discuss weaving tips and tricks, with emphasis on things she’s learned to make weaving easier.

Guild member Deborah Jarchow is a full-time weaver who has created hundreds of garments and accessories for sale and exhibition across the country. She has won numerous awards and has written articles for Handwoven Magazine. Since 2005 she has been an Artist-in-Residence, a teacher, and weaver at Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo.

June Workshop: Beginning Weaving Workshop
with Deborah Jarchow

Fee: $60 for guild members ($75 for non-members);
plus is a $25 materials fee payable to the instructor.
Dates: Saturday, June 23, 1:00 – 4:00 pm and
Sunday, June 24, 2007, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm,
at CSU Channel Islands Art Institute.
(There is a $6 per car parking fee on Sunday.)

Learn weaving basics with Deborah Jarchow. This class will be held at California State University, Channel Islands Art Center. Participants will need to provide their own loom or make arrangements to rent one (for a nominal fee) from Deborah. A list of supplies will be given to paid participants prior to the workshop.

To register for this workshop, please mail your check, payable to VCHSG, to Elisa Purnell, as soon as possible. If you need the mailing address, please leave a message below - including your email address. Thanks!

Please join us for our next meeting!
Date: Saturday, June 23, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. - Coffee & goodies. 9:30 a.m. - General Meeting
Where: 701 Del Norte Blvd. Units 115 & 120, Oxnard CA
For more info, please visit our website or leave a comment below (please include your email address) and we'll get right back to you.

A Few Openings Still Left

We still have a few openings left for this workshop. If you are interested, please contact Elisa at epspinsATgmailDOTcom.

Weaving with Wire and Metal Workshop
with Susan McGehee

Fee: $75 for guild members ($100 for non-members).
There is an additional $30 materials fee payable to the instructor.
Dates: Saturday, May 26, 1:00 – 4:00 pm and
Sunday, May 27, 2007, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (at Anacapa Fine Yarns in Ventura)

Intermediate and advanced weavers will learn that wire has many similarities to yarn and is easier to weave than they thought. A variety of wires and metals will be used to create a 3-inch wide, 72-inch long sampler. Techniques on how to handle metals on the loom, sources of materials and a history of woven metals will be discussed. Everyone will go home with a positive attitude towards using wire on the loom, a sampler and a metal neckpiece.

Please note: since this workshop is 1.5 days, rather than the usual 3 days, participants may need to complete the sampler and neckpiece at home. A supply list will be emailed to participants when registration payment is received.

To register for this workshop, please mail your check, payable to VCHSG, to Elisa Purnell, as soon as possible. If you need the mailing address, please leave a message below - including your email address. Thanks!

More Demo Opportunities

Stagecoach Inn - Pioneer Jamboree Days
Saturday, June 9
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Spinners and Weavers needed to demonstrate at the Stagecoach Inn Pioneer Jamboree Days, 51 S. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park, Saturday, June 9, 2007, 10-4 pm. We will be demonstrating on the porch of the museum. Tables will be provided. Signups for demonstrating spinning and weaving will be taken during the April and May meetings. If you are interested, contact Rose Mary Schaefer or leave a comment below.

Huntington Library, San Marino
Sunday, June 10
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Spinners and Weavers are needed to demonstrate at the Huntington Library, San Marino (Pasadena), Sunday, June 10, 2007, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m, or come early and stay late. We will demonstrate in the Herb Garden, under the trees. You will need to bring your own chairs; tables will be available for looms and to display fibers/skeins/knitted or woven articles. You will also receive free admission to the Library buildings. Lunch will be available from the cafeteria. Maps are available. Signups for demonstrating spinning and weaving will be taken during the April and May meetings. For more information, please contact Rose Mary Schaefer or leave a comment below and we'll get right back to you.

Reyes Adobe Days - Historic Reyes Adobe
Saturday, October 13
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Spinners & Weavers needed to demonstrate at the Reyes Adobe Days at Historic Reyes Adobe, 5464 Reyes Adobe Road, Agoura Hills, Saturday, October 13, 2007, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. We will be demonstrating in the parking lot next to the park. The parade is at 10 a.m. so plan on setting up before 9 a.m. Shade will be provided. You can sell items if you wish. Bring chair and rug or blanket to put your wheel on. Tables will be available for looms and to display items. Signups will be taken during the August & September meetings. For more information, please contact Rose Mary Schaefer or leave a comment below.

May Workshop

Weaving with Wire and Metal Workshop
with Susan McGehee

Fee: $75 for guild members ($100 for non-members).
There is an additional $30 materials fee payable to the instructor.
Dates: Saturday, May 26, 1:00 – 4:00 pm and
Sunday, May 27, 2007, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (at Anacapa Fine Yarns in Ventura)

Intermediate and advanced weavers will learn that wire has many similarities to yarn and is easier to weave than they thought. A variety of wires and metals will be used to create a 3-inch wide, 72-inch long sampler. Techniques on how to handle metals on the loom, sources of materials and a history of woven metals will be discussed. Everyone will go home with a positive attitude towards using wire on the loom, a sampler and a metal neckpiece.

Please note: since this workshop is 1.5 days, rather than the usual 3 days, participants may need to complete the sampler and neckpiece at home. A supply list will be emailed to participants when registration payment is received.

To register for this workshop, please mail your check, payable to VCHSG, to Elisa Purnell, as soon as possible. If we do not have sufficient interest by April 28 to cover the workshop expenses, this workshop could be cancelled. If you need the mailing address, please leave a message below - including your email address. Thanks!

April Meeting

Weft-Twining with Anna Zinsmeister

Los Angeles-based weaver Anna Zinsmeister will discuss weft-twining as used by the Maoris of New Zealand and the people of the Pacific Northwest. Weft twining is a method of weaving that creates a strong, decorative fabric. It is often confused with embroidery, because of the type of surface it creates and the wide range of designs that are possible with the technique. Anna will demonstrate various twining techniques and show samples of work from around the world.

Anna Zinsmeister learned to weave in 1972 at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles where she received her B.A. in Art. Anna later attended Cal State Northridge, where she obtained her M.A. in Art with an emphasis on textiles. Ms. Zinsmeister has taught weaving almost as long as she’s known how to weave. She was a teaching assistant at Immaculate Heart College and taught weaving at Braille Institute for 8 years.

Since leaving Braille, Anna has taught weaving and spinning at shops, guilds, and museums through out Southern California including Ravenstail twining at the Gene Autry Museum. For more information on Anna, and to see some of her work, please see the Summer 2006 edition of Spindlicity – an online magazine for handspinners - at http://www.spindlicity.com/summer2006/anna_flag.shtml

There is no workshop in April.

Please join us for our next meeting!

Date: Saturday, April 28, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. - Coffee & goodies. 9:30 a.m. - General Meeting
Where: 701 Del Norte Blvd. Units 115 & 120, Oxnard CA
For more info, please visit our website or leave a comment below (please include your email address) and we'll get right back to you.

Conference Booth

The Association of Southern California Handweaver's Conference is in full swing.Our Guild booth - Blooming Cotton Scarf Challenge - features cotton scarves made by members in a variety of techniques and a rainbow of colors. Thanks to Nona for another great booth design, and to Silvia and her assistants for a great conference.

Call For Programs

We’re looking for members to present a program (with or without an accompanying workshop) during upcoming guild meetings.

• Do you have a fibery collection you’d like to share?
• Want to show us slides from your recent fiber-related trip?
• Are you an artist who’d like to talk about what you’re doing in your studio?
• Have you learned a new technique you could teach other members?

We’d love to hear from you! Examples of member presentations (with apologies to anyone I’ve forgotten) include Susan Goldberg’s collection of woven coverlets; Susie Meach’s workshop on color blending a la Deb Menz; and Deborah Jarchow’s beginning weaving workshop coming in June.

We’d also love to hold more ‘beginning’ workshops for our new members or those who’d like to learn a new craft. If you have an interest in teaching or giving a presentation, please contact Elisa at epspinsATgmailDOTcom or leave a comment below.

Demo Opportunities

**Spinners and Weavers are needed to demonstrate at the Topanga Banjo, Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival, Paramount Ranch, Agoura Hills, Sunday, May 20, 2007, 9 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

We will demonstrate on the porch (short section) of Old Town, across from Huckeby’s Feed & Grain Store and Brays Mercantile. Maps will be provided. You will need to bring your own chairs, water, sunscreen, and blankets or mats for your wheel. Tables will not be available.

If you drive into Old Town (before 9 am) to drop off equipment, you can’t drive out until the festival is over, approximately 7 pm. I recommend you bring a cart to haul wheels, etc. to the site. The road to Old Town is a rutted dirt road so wear comfortable shoes. You will receive free admission to the Festival. Lunch will be available from catering trucks. For additional information, access their website at www.topangabanjofiddle.org.

Signups for demonstrating spinning and weaving will be taken during the February, March and April meetings. Contact Rose Mary Schaefer for additional information.”

** Cowboys, Heros, and Outlaws: Passport to the American West event at historic Olivas Adobe, 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, Saturday, June 2, 2007, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

We will be demonstrating in the inner courtyard. Shade will be provided. Food will be available. This will be a hands-on demonstration of hand-carding, drop-spindles, weaving, or any 19^th century skills. This demonstration must be interactive with children. Participants are encouraged to make something to take home, i.e., yarn, carded wool, bracelets, etc.

Demonstrators should wear the following clothing: long skirts, blouses, jeans, or western attire. Bring chair and rug or blanket to put your wheel on. Tables will be available for looms.

Signups will be taken during the February, March, April and May meetings. Contact Rose Mary Schaefer for additional information."

Call for Entries - Juried Weaving Show

Living with Beauty: Handwoven Textiles for the Home

December 15, 2007 is the postmark entry deadline for this juried exhibit of handwoven textiles for the home, titled Living with Beauty: Handwoven Textiles for the Home. This unique exhibit is jointly sponsored by the Pikes Peak Weavers Guild and the Business of Art Center (BAC) in Manitou Springs and will be hung in the BAC’s Hagnauer Gallery from June 13 to July 26, 2008.

The BAC, a non-profit arts organization, is renowned for its exhibitions, educational opportunities, development of both artistic and business skills of artists, and for hosting theater, music, and conferences. $4000 in cash awards will be presented at the juror's discretion.

Entries must be handwoven, for use in the home interior, be an original design, and be finished objects (not yardage). Traditional and non-traditional fibers, structures, and designs may be used to weave both decorative and utilitarian textiles, including but not limited to wall pieces, rugs, table linens, towels, and baskets.

Betsy Blumenthal, the juror, is a textile artist who has been exploring the intersection of weaving and dyeing for over 30 years. She holds an MFA in Textiles from Indiana University and co-authored Hands on Dyeing. Betsy was an Adjunct Professor in the School of Fine Arts at Indiana University and has taught many workshops at conferences and elsewhere across the United States.

Betsy has received awards for her work including First Prize in the Tsunami Yardage Exhibit at Convergence 2002, Juror’s Award in the Lines into Shapes 2005 show at the Art Center of Estes Park, Honorable Mention in Small Expressions at Convergence 2004, and the award for Best Use of Color in Fiber Celebration 2003 in Estes Park.

Betsy has written many articles for Weaver’s and Handwoven magazines, and her current interests include the differential shrinkage properties of fibers and combining color with structure in double layered fabrics.

Download a prospectus from www.pikespeakweavers.org or receive one via email by contacting Susan Bowman or Beverly Weaver at LivingwithBeauty@aol.com. Written requests may be made to Susan Bowman or Beverly Weaver c/o Pikes Peak Weavers Guild, P.O. Box 8104, Colorado Springs, CO 80933.

February Workshop and Lecture

February's meeting will feature a lecture and slide show by Dr. Robert Liu on

Contemporary Glass Jewelry

Dr. Robert Liu, Co-editor of Ornament Magazine, will discuss contemporary glass jewelry, including the works of many bead artists. In 1975 Liu founded The Bead Journal, which changed its title in 1978 to Ornament, a journal of personal adornment. Self-trained as a jeweler and photographer, he has written extensively on ancient, ethnic and contemporary jewelry and personal adornment.

Glass Bead Making Workshop
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Location: Calico Art Glass
12:30 – 2:30 pm OR 3:00 – 5:00 pm.
Fee $65.

Learn to make glass beads for use with your spinning, weaving, knitting and other fiber arts. You will be taught basic safety, proper use of tools and glass working techniques to make copper enamel and clay mandrill beads. Each participant will go home with a selection of hand-made glass beads. No experience is necessary. The techniques you’ll learn are easy and fun.

Class size is limited to 4 members at a time. There are 2 sessions on Saturday afternoon; the first is from 12:30 – 2:30, and the second is from 3:00 – 5:00. When making your reservation, please specify which session you wish to attend. If more members are interested, another class (on a different day) can be scheduled.

To reserve your place in the workshops, email VP Elisa Purnell at epspinsATgmailDOTcom. To really reserve your place, also send a check for the class fees now to Elisa.

Reminder: There will be no program in March. Enjoy the Conference!

Please join us for our next meeting!

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. - Coffee & goodies. 9:30 a.m. - General Meeting
Where: 701 S. Del Norte Blvd. Units 115 & 120, Oxnard CA

For more info, please visit our website or leave a comment below (please include your email address) and we'll get right back to you.

More Workshops Planned

A list of scheduled programs and workshops for the first half of 2007 is below. Programs are held during Guild meetings; they are free and visitors are welcome. Guild meetings are the fourth Saturday of each month, except November and December. Location and directions are here.

Workshops are by reservation only; reservations can be made during Guild meetings or by sending email to Elisa at epspinsATgmailDOTcom . If you have an idea - or ideas - for a program or workshop, please leave a comment below or send email to Elisa.

Updated February 1:

• February: Morning program - Contemporary Glass Jewelry with Dr. Robert Liu. Saturday workshop - Making Glass Beads (limited to 8 participants; $65 per person)

• March: Association of Southern California Handweavers Conference

• April: Morning program - Weft Twining with Anna Zinsmeister.
  

• May: Morning program - Discussion and slide show on Weaving with Wire and Metals. Saturday and Sunday workshop - Weaving with Wire and Metals presented by Susan McGehee
  

• June: Morning program - Weaving Tips and Tricks. Saturday and Sunday workshop - Beginning Weaving with Deborah Jarchow

Updated January 26:

• July: African Folklore Embroidery with Leora Raikin. Leora will present an all new program. This was one of the most popular workshops of 2006. You won't want to miss this one!

Updated April 2:

• September: Basketry with Toni Best.
  

January Workshops

Our first program of the new year features Gwen Powell, Spinner Extraordinaire. During the morning meeting, Gwen will present "Chinese Knotting for Spinners and Weavers", giving us ideas to incorporate Chinese Knots into our fiber arts (weaving, knitting, crochet, felting and more). There will be plenty of samples and handouts for simple knots.

Gwen will also present two workshops, for which reservations are required. To reserve your spot, please email Elisa at epspinsATgmailDOTcom .

Navajo Multi-ply Spinning for Novelty Yarns
Saturday, January 27, 2007, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Fee: $25

There is so much more to Navajo plying than just a three ply. In this hands-on workshop you will learn to create boucle, knobs and knots, thick and thin, variegated, and space colored yarns of three to 12 plies using both handspun and commercial yarns.

Ability level: Must be able to treadle wheel in one direction at a time and be able to spin a medium weight single thread.

Materials for students to bring: Scissors, working wheel, handspun singles in S and Z twist, various fine and medium commercial yarns to incorporate into novelty yarns. Preferably, the wheel will have a large orifice, low ratio whorls and good tension adjustments.

The Wonders of Sheep's Wool
Sunday, January 28, 2007, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: Anacapa Fine Yarns
Fee: $35 plus $5-10 materials fee

Weavers and spinners will both benefit from this informative workshop on wool basics. Spinners will spin samples of the wools discussed. Weavers will participate by feeling and observing the properties of wool as we move through the preparations of the different wools.

Ability level: Must be able to treadle wheel in one direction at a time and be able to spin a medium weight single thread.

Materials for students to bring: working wheel or hand spindle (supported or drop), handcarders, sheet or towel for under your wheel, towel or apron for your lap. Optional: mini combs if you have them.

Please join us for our next meeting!

Date: Saturday, January 27, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. - Coffee & goodies. 9:30 a.m. - General Meeting
Where: LOCATION CHANGE - 1425 Dowell Dr., Ventura
For more info, please visit our website or leave a comment below (please include your email address) and we'll get right back to you.

Open House and Sale

Please join us for our annual Guild open house, show and sale. All fiberists are welcome. Bring your spinning or weaving or knitting or crochet or lockerhooking or whatever and join us for a day of fun and relaxation. There will be a short meeting at 9:15 to install next year's officers - and then we'll be concentrating on fiber fun!

Vendors Include:

• Anacapa Fine Yarns
• Chameleon Colorworks
• Fiberquest
• Knitifacts
• Modern Gypsy Fiber Studio
• Redfish Dyeworks

Guild Members With Items to Sell:

• Norma Ames
• Nona Hummel
• Susie Meach
• Karen Tyner

The historic Dudley House, a lovely Victorian home famous for its holiday craft boutiques, is at the corner of Loma Vista and N. Ashwood in Ventura, just west of Ventura College.

Fees for selling at the Open House are $25 per space (for guild members 10%). You will need to provide your own tables. Food is available nearby.

We hope you'll spend the day and enjoy the advent of fall and the holiday season with us.

Sheep To Shawl 2006

This year's Sheep to Shawl at the Ventura County Fair was a huge success - and the shawl, modeled by Sylvia, was one of our best ever. The winning bidder paid $466 at the auction for this beauty. And Glenda's knit socks were an incredible hit, earning an additional $90!

We had fewer participants this year, but with some hard work and dedicated spinning, we were able to keep Michelle's shuttles filled with freshly plied Romney and finish in the allotted time.

It was Michelle's idea to add beads to the fringe - beautiful!
The shawl was donated to the hospice that cared for the winning bidder's wife prior to her death.

We have lots of leftovers from the Romney we spun for the shawl. Sylvia has purchased another Romney fleece, in brown/black this time. It will be washed and picked, and then in January she will give out portions of it to Guild members who are willing to spin singles. Norma has volunteered to ply the singles into thread, which will then be used as warp for next yearÂ’s shawl.

Cheryl and Sylvia will dye the remaining white fleece to be spun and used as weft at next year's fair. Then we will really be weaving an entirely handspun product. Anyone who is interested in spinning singles, please contact Sylvia at SALeidigATsbcglobalDOTnet.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Sheep to Shawl! See you next year.

Anacapa Fine Yarns

Congratulations to Anacapa Fine Yarns, recently voted the #1 Yarn Shop in Ventura County in the Ventura County Reporter's "Best Of Readers Poll"! To celebrate, Lois and crew are having a 20% - 40% off sale on select yarns during the entire month of October. Be sure to stop by, check out the great yarns and join in the celebration.

These October classes still have openings:

Multi-Directional Diagonal Scarf - One Session - Sunday, October 1,; $30, supplies not included. Level: Know knit stitch confidently. Instructor: Barbara Selesnick. This scarf looks complicated but actually is fun and simple once you learn an easy method of short rows and increases/decreases. You will also learn how to add on a new ball of yarn, how to make and apply fringe, and how to weave in yarn ends. If you are interested in picking up a few more skills and ending up with a scarf that sparks conversation, this class is for you.

Finishing I—Gorgeous Seams - One Session - Sunday, October 8, noon to 3 p.m.; $30, supplies not included. Level: Know how to knit and purl confidently. Instructor: Barbara Selesnick. Learn several different ways to seam sweaters and projects so that they look professionally done! Discover which seams work best for different circumstances, how to end up with a beautiful join at the top and bottom, the use of selvage stitches, and some tips & tricks along the way to end up with a beautifully finished garment.

Vest of Many Colors-Two Sessions – Sunday, October 15 and 29, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $45, supplies not included. Skill Level: Know how to knit and purl confidently. Instructor: Marcy Abrams. In this class, we will make a unisex button-down vest, learning skills that will prepare knitters for more advanced sweater-making projects, such as shaping armholes and neck lines, creating ribbed borders, and making buttonholes. A pattern with sizing for children and adults will be provided.

Block Your Way to Success - One Session - Sunday, October 15, 1 to 4 p.m., $30, plus $8 material fee (for blocking board) paid to instructor on the day of class. Supplies not included, Skill Level: Know how to knit and purl confidently. Instructor: Barbara Selesnick. Has anyone ever said to you that your knitted garments look store-bought? It will happen when you learn the tricks and techniques of blocking. Learn several different methods of blocking, the blocking properties of different yarns, and the ability to create garments that will always fit the way YOU want. You will also learn to correct many mistakes with finished items through the blocking process.

Top Down Sweater - Two Sessions – Saturday, October 21 and 28, 2 to 5 p.m.; $45, supplies not included. Skill Level: Know how to knit and purl confidently. Instructor: Carol May. Learn the simple technique of knitting a sweater from the top down, with a saddle shoulder. When you learn this method, you will be able to make any sweater, for any member of the family. In class, we will make a miniature version; it will fit a 12 month old baby. We will make an easy cardigan, but you will also have directions for a pullover with various necklines, all in adult and children sizes.

Intro to Color Knitting-Intarsia - One Session - Sunday, October 22, noon to 3 p.m.; $30, supplies not included. Skill Level: Know how to knit and purl confidently. Instructor: Barbara Selesnick. Learn to work from a graph to combine different blocks of color to create a design. You will learn the basics of knitting intarsia, tools that make things easier, tips and tricks for success. We will also create a graph of your own design for a second project.

Lambtown National Spinning Contest

Congratulations to our very own Diana Lewis for placing second overall in the "National" spinning contest held in Dixon, CA on July 28. Diana also took second place in Strategic Use of Fibers and third place for Length of Fiber. Annie Toth also participated in the contest and was the only spindle spinner in a field of wheels.

You can read all about Lambtown in the latest edition of Fiber Femmes. The complete article on the spinning contest is here. Congratulations, Diana and Annie!

Yarn Tails Tags: Spinning, Lambtown Spinning Contest, epscraps