Peterborough Weavers' and Spinners' Guild

Members enjoyed a very productive and enjoyable meeting in March. Thanks to Lois and Krista for all the great photos and notes.

NATURAL DYEING

Terry Caswell presented a program about natural dyes for yarns. She even had a pot boiling for onion skin dyeing!  Terry talked about a variety of natural dyeing techniques and demonstrated dyeing with onion skins. She talked about using walnut shells and turmeric, as no mordant is needed for those. For other dyes, alum is a readily available and relatively safe choice for a mordant. Tannin is another mordant that does a great job on cotton especially. Did you know that dyes can be “pushed” into different shades by adding things like baking soda or rusty nails to the dye pot? Vinegar can also help set dyes. A great resource for info and products is Maiwa. (https://naturaldyes.ca/maiwa-guide-to-natural-dyes ). Don’t forget that there are lots of great books about dyeing in the Guild library.

FIBRE ARTS FESTIVAL – April 13, Wellness Centre on Brealey Drive

Be sure to come out to this wonderful, annual Guild event. Darlene has knocked her socks off preparing for it this year. The Festival is returning to its pre-COVID 19 location, to the great excitement of vendors and attendees alike! If you can offer some time Friday after 5 p.m., to help move things from the Artisans Centre to the Wellness Centre, or to help set up there, please contact Darlene. And if you have any time to help out on Saturday, even for a couple of hours, we would love to see you! Of course, do come and be an attendee too!! The vendors will appreciate your business. We all want them to have a wonderful show.

ELECTIONS

In June the Guild Board will have some positions available for the next 2-year term. Presently the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary (thank you to Krista for 5 years of service!!) and Weaving Equipment Manager (thank you Merrilyn for doing this for the past few year!) are up for grabs. There may be more too, as we get closer to that time. Nominations, appointments or even elections, will take place at the AGM, the third Monday in June. Please give some thought as to whether you would be willing and able to serve on the Guild Board. The work is not onerous. It involves one 40-minute (usually shorter!) Zoom meeting per month, aside from the all-member Guild meeting which many of you attend regularly anyway. It’s fun to be involved, thinking up interesting programs, making decisions about classes and equipment and generally being involved more closely with the life of the Guild. Hope you’ll give it some serious consideration. From my viewpoint, the 2 years has flown by!!

SHOW AND SHARE

Joyce shared information about her visit to the Textile Museum and the exhibit about Freedom Quilts that guided enslaved people to freedom in Canada. Kate used a pot holder loom to make a woven piece representing the view from her studio and mounted it on a piece of the siding for her studio. She’s continuing to play with her pot holder loom.

Lynn brought an in-progress felted piece honouring cave painting, that includes some embroidery. She also shared some examples of natural dyeing.

Diane shared a card she made using some weaving and embellished with buttons.

Darlene showed off her finished Guild challenge, a crocheted and felted purse with embellishments.

Lois shared a sweater made many years ago with naturally dyed wool. She dyed the wool at Lang Pioneer Village Museum and knit up a Kaffe Fassett pattern. She also had her Guild challenge – a purse – which is made from tea towel seconds and embellishments.

Douglas changed up his usual projects and tried out some Swedish lace. He found a project on Ravelry and made a pair of scarves. He also had a doll he made for the Guild challenge.

Anda showed off some mug rugs she made in a class with Lois. She explored huck patterns, rose path, and Ms and Os.

Marie’s challenge used fibre from her bag and some of the alpaca donated last year. She did some wet felting to make a mini pair of mittens to display on a wreath. No Photo!

Denise made her Guild challenge using a second-hand jean jacket and lots of embellishments from her bag. No Photo!

Caroline shared a woven strap she made for a purse. It’s not quite finished as she would like to add some embellishments.

Rebecca brought a skein of silk yarn she dyed herself. She speckle dyed it, then tied it in knots to create a resist, before dipping it in black dye.

Terry brought a scarf she made for the challenge. She used surplus warp, then made different sections, all with a story behind them. What a great way to remember all the projects of the past!

And Krista, who never mentions herself in the minutes, brought a lovely scarf (knitted?) as well as several skeins of yarn she dyed. With what Krista?

Ann was inspired by a trip to the darkness of the Arctic circle. She used black yarn, some embroidery and embellishment to make a beautiful wall hanging.

Guild Challenge: Guild members are invited to bring your creative challenges for others
to see what your imagination created with the little baggy of recyclable supplies given
out at the Christmas Social. First opportunity will be the guild meeting on March 18th.
As well, we’d love to showcase them on April 13th for the Fibre Arts Festival and Sale
display. And beyond that, bring them to meetings in May, June or even next September.

ACP Challenge: This year’s theme is ‘Fragile Forest’ and the contest and display will
take place on June 1, to coincide with the Downtown Art Crawl and First Fridays in
Peterborough. Any medium is acceptable, so keep that creative spark alive and submit
an item for the challenge.

Natural Dyes: The March program will be a presentation on dyeing with natural plants
and items, given by our own, Terry Caswell. Please bring anything you’ve dyed in the
past using natural dyes, to show and share with the rest of the guild members.

FAFS: Plans are coming along very well, thanks to the intrepid Darlene. Please give her
your name if you’d be able to help out on April 12 in the evening or April 13 during the
day. Don’t forget you can sell your handmade items at the guild table during the show.
Get information from Darlene or Julia if you’d like to do that. As well, Anda will be
organizing and ‘manning’ the bake table, Please speak to her if you wish to contribute
baked goods or are able to take a shift on the table, selling goods.

ACP events: Artisanity will be held on April 26 and 27. Please join in and sell some of
your handmade items. Julia or Darlene can get you set up with sale tags.

February program:

Many thanks to Barb of Twin Pines Alpacas who gave a very detailed and professional
presentation. She included lots of information about how to care for the animals, and
she sent round samples of the different fibres she blends with alpaca. Barb also gave
out 3 draw prizes. You’ll see Barb again at the Fibre Arts Festival and Show, where
she’ll be one of our vendors.

Show and Share

Woven bag created by Anda.

Placemats woven by Joyce.

Prints made by Joyce

Lois’s Krokbragd stool, woven by Lois and made in conjunction with Woodturner Leslie Gifford-Cook

February 2024                                                                               

TRIBUTE to long time guild member ANNE GALLANT

. . . with thanks to Darlene.

Anne Gallant passed away on December 30, 2023, following many years of illness with cancer. She was an integral part of our Guild and will be sorely missed by all. A great and enthusiastic encourager of all things fibre related, she brought forth her creativity to all who would listen. Anne was our sounding board for programs and creative challenges for numerous years. When she was able to join in regularly, before her sickness made it hard for her, she organized such events as the ‘library’ scavenger hunt, Mystery bag challenges, Kool aid fluff dyeing, and various speakers. Our older members may remember her segment called ‘TATs’- Tricks and Tips for Weavers and Spinners alike, and her ability to send us into the world wide web of podcasts, websites, and articles she found on the Internet.  Anne was a spinning teacher and mentor to many of our members, but this was a small portion of her influence.  She enjoyed all sorts of things: weaving, felting, dyeing techniques and she was great with refurbishing old bits into a reusable and fun manner.  We have a list still available to us packed full of ideas she had for our Guild members to explore/play with fibre. We are sad to have lost such a valuable member but grateful for the time and energy she gave us.

Guild Challenge: Our guild challenge (“Reuse and Relove”) was issued at the December meeting. Darlene created grab bags for each member, full of bits and bobs to fuel your creativity. Show and share for the challenge will be at the March 18^th meeting.

Next Meeting: Due to Family Day being February 19, our next meeting will be held February 26. The program that evening will be given by Twin Pines Alpacas! They will be bringing items to sell as well, so bring a form of payment if you desire anything alpaca.

FAFS: Darlene is doing another amazing job organizing this year’s Fibre Arts Festival. It is confirmed for Saturday, April 13, at the Wellness Centre, and you have all received a copy of the poster. Please share it far and wide with your contacts. Darlene will need helpers that day, so don’t hesitate to let her know how much time you can volunteer, and what sort of task you might like to do.

ACP Classes: If you would like to learn anything new this winter and spring, such as gourding, woodturning or pottery techniques, be sure to check the ACP website for classes that are being offered. As a guild member, you will receive a 10% discount on any classes. Hey, maybe you’d even like to do something different with fibre or take a refresher course on a different facet of fibre work.

And on the ACP classes note, if you have an idea for a class, or a technique or skill you’d like to share, talk to Darlene about how that could happen. She’ll help you schedule, write up a description and set up your invoicing, among other details.

Show and Share

and a warning – I may have mixed up some of the photos! If so, please accept my apologies!!

Denise knit a pair of cozy socks she made from Briggs and Little yarn that was dyed with lobster shells.

Sheila shared a shawl she made while fighting with her loom. She showed a second one made of bright jewel-toned yarn. And the third one that used the same warp but different wefts.

Douglas showed off some new bookmarks and some mug rugs made using a huck lace book. He worked on them during his volunteer time at ACP.

Lois brought a knitted scarf that was made lengthwise. It’s a great project to use up scraps, and Lois will happily share the pattern.

Darlene brought a commission she made- felted arctic grayling, a fox and a sloth. So adorable! She also shared her Level II Spinner homework about natural dyeing.

Melinda brought a canvas-weave baby blanket she made for a friend’s little one. She also shared some acid dyed yarn she made with her mother shortly before her passing.

Joyce showed some projects from her loom, including a cowl and two scarves made from mercerized cotton and tencel.

Marie M. shared a miniature of her art room, made by her daughter. The attention to detail is incredible!

A wee pup visited the meeting too, courtesy of the Humane Society and its foster mother, Carolyne. Anyone knitting tiny sweaters?

Sorry, no photos:

Julia made a linen shoelace for her winter boots. Matching lace coming soon. And a shoelace weaving class too for those who think is a really cool idea!!

Apology from Gillian: Some of you will know that I am involved in helping my elderly parents who went into a crisis in the middle of December. It involves my living in a different city 4 days a week. Those days are surprisingly busy, and I am not finding much time for pursuits that I committed to previously (hence this very late newsletter). However, I am determined to continue to do the best job I can as your President, until I step down in June 2024. I won’t be seeing you at Guild meetings for the foreseeable future but hope to do everything I can behind the scenes. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the wonderful women who make up the Guild Executive! They are organized, creative, energetic and devoted to making the Guild a place to learn and have loads of fun! Without them, I would be unable to fulfill my responsibilities. All the best to each of you and keep well!

The 12th annual Fibre Arts Festival & Sale will be held at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Drive, Peterborough, ON, April 13, 2024. See you there!

This sale of gently loved art will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, from 9:00 – 2:00 in the atrium of Peterborough Square. All proceeds will go to Artisans Centre Peterborough. Donations of framed art and empty frames can be dropped off at the Artisans Centre, Mon. to Sat. 10 am to 4 pm.

November Guild Meeting – Monday, November 20
We look forward to seeing you all at this meeting! Ixchel Suarez, from the Canadian Tapestry and Textile Centre, has been invited back to do some guided tapestry weaving with all of us. Looms will be provided, or you can bring your own. Yarns are available (or bring your own). Please also bring a darning or tapestry needle – something with a large eye. No matter what your skill level, Ixchel will provide some suggestions about colour and design. We are aiming to make a 4X4 piece. If you don’t finish that evening, you will be able to take home the loom for one month to finish. After that, there will be a small loom rental fee.

Christmas Social – Monday, December 11 (note date change)
Once again, we will enjoy a delicious meal catered by The Cheese Shop. Please mark this date on your calendars! Bring your own plate, cup and cutlery. As well we will have a gift exchange (for those who wish to participate). Search your stash for a small item of fleece, fibre, yarn, a tool, etc. that you’d be willing to part with. Alternatively, you may purchase something appropriate. Wrap it in an environmentally friendly manner. No tags needed. What you open will be what you keep, unless you want to ‘do tradesies’ with someone else! More details about time, etc., later.
As well, be sure to attend this social in order to find out about the May challenge. Darlene and her elves have a fun surprise in store for everyone!

ACP News
Pop Up Sales: Casual sales opportunities will be available for those who wish to sell their wares. Darlene will provide more information, but basically, come on a Saturday (dates to be decided) between 8 or 9 in the morning and stay until 2ish, set up a folding table (we have quite a few in the ACP), and you’re ready! No charge for the table, but a 25% commission on all sales is payable to the ACP.
ACP Classes: Check the ACP website as a few Guild members are teaching a variety of classes this fall. Feel free to register in any of them. Remember that Guild members get a 10% discount.
Trillium Capital Grant: A grant was received to enable the Artisans Centre to purchase equipment for all the groups, to make the centre more accessible. PWSG requested a table-top 8 shaft loom and an E-spinner, which have been ordered. These items will enable us to teach a more diverse group of learners.

Guild News
Membership: Thanks to all who have renewed their memberships. We have a strong and sizeable group, and we appreciate your involvement. At present, there are 33 members. Lois will send out an updated list in November.

Show and Share

The always busy Molly showed off a scarf she made on her rigid heddle loom.

She also made a rag rug table runner from old sheets.

Joyce used some leftover warps and scarves that didn’t sell to make beautiful journal covers.

Anne G shared some felted friends she started in an ACP class last year.

Douglas showed some homemade tablet weaving cards made from playing cards, then shared a strap made using them. Finally, he brought a felted gnome he made in a class with Darlene.

Gillian has been busy knitting tiny sweaters to donate to the Five Counties Children’s Centre Christmas tree. She also showed off a small rigid heddle sample loom she bought. She will use it to make rag rugs for doll houses …

Artisans Centre News and Information
ACP Classes
If you have an interest in trying any of the Artisans Centre classes, remember that you get 10% off course fees with your PWSG membership. All classes are listed on the ACP website: www.artisanscentre.ca . As well, we welcome new instructors any time. If you have a fibre related idea that you’d like to teach, talk to Darlene and we will help make sure you have the space, equipment and materials needed. Instructors are paid by the hour (if they wish). Fees from classes help to keep the Artisans Centre open to the Guilds and the public. Specifically, Darlene has had requests for classes in quilting, macrame, rigid heddle weaving. Let her know if you’d like to teach any of those!
Artisanity Show and Sale
The Artisanity Show and Sale will be held on the weekend of November 3 and 4 in the Atrium of Peterborough Square, right outside the Artisans Centre. All Guild members are eligible to participate. An application form is attached to this letter. Please note the fee increase after October 10th. Come and join the other Guilds in selling your wares!
Artisans Centre Gift Catalogue
The Artisans Centre is interested in creating a gift catalogue. If you would like to have your spinning, weaving, felting or other creations displayed there for sale, please let Darlene or Douglas know about that. They will be able to give more information.
Artisans Centre Yard Sale Fundraiser – October 14 – see attachment to this newsletter

Fall Fibre Festivals and Events
Woolstock 2023
Sat, Oct. 14 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver St.
Paris, ON

World of Threads
Tues., Oct. 10 – Sun, Oct 15
Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre,
2302 Bridge Rd
Oakville, ON

“Fables in Yarn” Guelph Exhibition by Alisa McRonald
Sep. 26 – Oct. 15
Guelph Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk St
Guelph, ON

Don’t forget to renew your membership (now $55 per year) and send your fee to Julia. There is now a fillable membership application form on the PWSG website. Thanks Lynn! Contact Gillian, Julia or Lois if you need assistance renewing.

Please join us October 16, when we will be making ornaments to sell to raise funds for Five Counties Children’s Centre. Guild members are welcome to donate new, handmade ornaments of their own to this cause.

          

County Fair Winners

Guild members were invited to submit items to the County Fair exhibition, held at Lang Village from Aug. 26-28. Molly and Anda took them up on the invitation and their submissions (and ribbons!) are shown here. As Anda says, “It’d be nice to have even more Guild members participate next year.” The fair project booklet was circulated last spring to members. It is doubtful that there will be many changes for next year, so go ahead and create some beautiful fibre items to exhibit! There were several classes with no entries at all.

PWSG Board positions to be filled:

Vice President – this role is mainly to step in for the President if they are unavailable to hold the meeting. It is not required that the VP become the next President.

Artisans Centre Board Rep. – this role is to attend ACP meetings monthly (1^st Thursday of the month starting at 1 p.m.) and report back to the Guild with ACP news. Darlene has been handling this very well so far. Most importantly, this role ensures that the Guild has 2 votes on the ACP Board. We have been operating with only one vote and that is not ideal.

Please consider whether you would be able to take on one of these roles for a 2 year term. Thanks!

Dr. Wool Presentation

Helen Knibb, aka ‘Dr. Wool’ gave a fascinating slide presentation and talk about “terroir” which is the effect of place on the character of wool. She told about soil, plant life, water (salt marshes), weather, altitude and the food sheep are fed, and how all these factors create differences in the wool that is produced. We learned about the history of the Ontario fibre shed and the methods that producers use to create the type of wool that buyers want.

Lynn videotaped the presentation and I hope to send out a time-limited link for Guild members to watch. Julia is working on getting that going, so stay tuned!

Show and Share

Darlene is taking the OHS Level 2 course and brought a woven piece made from singles that she sun on her Canadian Production Wheel. She also brought the ‘booklet’ which is required to be completed for each project that is handed in for grading.

Lois showed two examples of her tapestry weaving. One began as an abstract and ended up looking like fantastical birds. The other is rainbow clasped weft weaving with black soumac in between the coloured sections.

Lynn made these inkle bands after learning from Douglas in his class. The piece with the orange edging is an example of tablet weaving.

This is half of a longer woven piece given to Marie by a friend who visited Sierra Leone. It is called country weaving and is done on a 2 shaft loom using local cotton that has been hand dyed.

Molly made these scarves for the County Homecraft Fair.

And Douglas! Oh, Douglas! How did I miss getting photos of all the lovely things you brought. Douglas also did some tapestry exploration and made an abstract wall hanging. He’s also done some backstrap weaving in the airport and made some bookmarks. Finally, he shared his May Challenge project, tea towels made on his 6 harness loom.

Fall Fibre Festivals and Events

Warkworth Spinners and Weavers             Woolstock 2023

Spin-In at St. John’s United Church                     Sat, Oct. 14 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tues., Oct. 3 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.                            Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver St.

Campbellford, ON                                                    Paris, ON

World of Threads

Tues., Oct. 10 – Sun, Oct 15

Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre,

2302 Bridge Rd

Oakville, ON

“Fables in Yarn” Guelph Exhibition by Alisa McRonald

Sep. 26 – Oct. 15

Guelph Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk St

Guelph, ON

And finally, don’t forget to renew your membership (slight fee increase this year) and send your fee to Julia. Lois has sent out a couple of emails about this, but if you need information or help, contact Gillian, Julia or Lois. I look forward to seeing you in October when we will be making ornaments to sell in order to raise funds for Five Counties Children’s Centre. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store. Please save up small bits of ‘toothy’ yarn, and any wool fabric (like that suitable for rug hooking) to be cut into 1” squares.

Hello Everyone – Welcome back to the Guild and the Artisans Centre! We have been working on a program plan and will be kicking off the year with a special presentation by a fleece producer, Helen Knibb. Please see the attached poster for more information. 

Gillian Holden