From the President s desk...

Transcription

1 Newsletter of the Arizona Desert Weavers and Spinners Guild, Inc. Volume 41, Issue 1 October 2012 OFFICERS FOR President Beki Welsch bekown@yahoo.com Vice President Programs Ruth Greenspan ruth@spanman.com Vice President Workshops Virginia Glenn vmatglenn@aol.com Treasurer Sue Carneal jscarneal@aol.com Secretary Terri McCook tnlmccook@cox.net Editor Helene Charles hcdesertlady2@gmail.com MOA Deadline 15th September - May From the President s desk... Welcome to a new year of activities for AZ Desert Weavers and Spinners Guild. As your new Guild President, let me introduce myself. My first exposure to weaving was through a woodworking class. The class project was to build a simple tapestry loom then weave a tapestry over spring break. We got no weaving instruction as this was a woodworking class. I bought some Aunt Lydia s acrylic rug yarn, and wove a horrible thing that was at least 4 inches narrower at the top than at the bottom. The next semester, in a fiber arts class we experimented with silk screening, tie-dying, block printing, and multi-shaft weaving. The class had 4-shaft looms, but the teacher knew nothing about weaving. I checked out a library book and learned to warp and then weave. I then wove my first multi-shaft project using speaker wire as the warp and strips of paper bags as weft. Remember, this was an art class (in the early 1970s), not a crafts class. The object was to do something artistic. By now I was hooked, and I bought my first loom, a used 6-shaft loom, which was my only loom for 30 years and is still my favorite. It didn t take me long to turn from weaving artistic to functional items such as placemats, hand towels, and clothing. Since I began weaving, the yarns available have really changed. While Aunt Lydia s acrylic rug yarn may have been readily available when I started, cotton, wool and other animal fibers could also be found in what I now consider heavier sizes: 8/2, 5/2, etc. The only novelty yarns I recall were a cotton slub which gave an interesting texture to plain weave. I was quite happy with this size yarn until someone commented that the dress that I wove looked as heavy as a sweatshirt. By this time I had woven many blouses that heavy, too, and the comment got me to thinking about weaving finer cloth. I found 10/2 and 20/2 cotton, and wove happily for several more years. Then came silk! A new fiber available to hand weavers, and it came in smaller sizes. I bought 20/2 silk, then 60/2 silk. My weavings got finer and lighter. Because of the guild scholarship, now I am weaving with sewing thread. More on that when I give my program this spring. I hope each of you will be inspired to try new things by something you see or hear at a guild meeting this year. Beki Welsch, President Next Meeting: October 6th at 10 AM Northtown Community Center 2202 E. Waltann Lane Phoenix, AZ October Program: The Encoded Textile: How Cloth Identifies Place, Culture and Networks by Maggie Leininger Board Members Bring the Goodies! 1

2 Workshop We will be having a class on Shadow Weave by Jannie Taylor March 22-24, 2013 at Northtown Community Center. To hold a place, a $50 deposit will be collected at the next guild meeting. The final cost will be calculated when we see how many people sign up. We are working with Marg Coe to set up her workshop sometime in the future. Information on her workshop will be available at the next guild meeting. We are also hoping to setup some of the mini cyber classes this year. The info on the different possibilities was passed around at the final meeting last May. We will also have this info at the next meeting. That s a lot of info for the next meeting - so be there or you ll miss out! In the interim if you have any questions - feel free to me - vmatglenn@me.com. I m still in Tahoe but works just fine. Thanks, Virginia Glenn P.S. We ve had requests for a few other classes and we ll see what we can do, but we don t want to set up too many classes and have nobody come! More info to follow. c October Program The Encoded Textile: How Cloth Identifies Place, Culture and Network Artist Maggie Leininger will provide a visual presentation of her work, which focuses on various fiber techniques such as weaving, crochet, knitting and spinning. Maggie will discuss how she incorporates these methods of working to engage various audiences in her creation of large scale, participatory collaborations. In addition, Maggie will also provide a brief overview of student work from ASU and how the next generation is being challenged to create exciting contributions to the field of fiber. BIO Maggie Leininger is an artist who uses various textile techniques to promote social activism, engagement, and interaction. Maggie obtained her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her MFA from Arizona State University, where she now serves as a visiting assistant professor. Her work has been included in national and international exhibitions, and has been featured in various publications including FiberArts Magazine, Surface Design Journal, and the New York Times. Maggie is also the recipient of numerous project grants, including a social practice fellowship that will take place in the summer of 2013 at Kala Institute in Berkeley, CA. The Refreshment Corner October Refreshments: ~ Board Members~ ADWSG Board Members will bring something wonderful to eat! A Unique Globe Marketplace 2

3 INTEREST GROUPS DAYTIME SPINNERS First Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at Northtown Community Center, 2202 E. Waltann Lane, Phx, Bring your luncheon/ beverage, & join us for a day of spinning. Contact Georgian Ferrante. georgianf@cox.net or for more information. All levels of spinners are welcome. Tapestry Study Group We will be meeting after our regular guild meeting, for a couple of hours to discuss tapestry weaving, work on our tapestries and discuss future tapestry challenges. All are welcome, those who already do tapestry weaving and those who also want to learn tapestry weaving. Contact: Mary Conti at, mariaconti@cox. net with any questions. c Daytime Spinners Meeting Fabric from an old blouse, skirt, jeans, etc., combined with handspun could become a very favorite bag. Maybe an old pair of shoes needs new laces or straps and you have just the right handspun to make a braid to replace them and add a decorative flower for the finishing touch. Your choices are only limited by your imagination and I think once you start you will find it contagious. I look forward to seeing everyone joining in the fun. ANNOUNCEMENT: The Daytime Spinners Show and Tell project is entitled RECYCLING INTOTHE FUTURE WONDER!!!FUL WEAVERS STUDY GROUP Third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM at the Northtown Community Center, 2202 E. Waltann Lane, Phoenix. Contact Sybil Yastrow for more information at or sybil@yastrow.com DESCRIPTION: The theme is carried out by incorporating recycled materials with your handspun yarns to make contemporary creations. Any fabric from a recycled source such as your closet, your friend s closet, or a thirft store can be used in combination with your handspun yarns. A good place to start would be to search for old sweater, blankets, afghans, etc., that can be unraveled and combined with your handspun. Another good source of inspiration could be found in items such as: fabric from an old blouse, skirt, jeans, or hat, which could perhaps wind up a very favorite bag. Maybe an old pair of shoes could be updated in a new and creative way using handspun materials to create decorative touches. A good place to start would be to search for old sweaters, blankets, afghans, etc., that can be unraveled, mixed with your handspun yarns, and then dyed, knitted, crocheted, and/or woven into something new. Fabric from an old blouse, skirt, jeans, etc., Next meeting is Octobet 3 at 10 AM at the Northtown Community Center. Georgian Ferrante Daytime Spinners Chairman Tradition With a Modern Twist Jerry Ladd Shearer/Fiber Artist Shearing Fiber Processing Blade Sharpening 3

4 Happenings... Arizona State Fair Reminder! SW Women s Fiber Arts Collective/The Common Thread 107 W. Broadway, Silver City, NM Don t forget to get Arizona State Fair entry form in for the handspun competition by Sept. 12th. Go to for info. Participation in the spinning competition last year increased from past years, so let s keep the momentum going, and besides it s fun! Many thanks, Charmeine Wait Publicity c Georgian Ferrante c Tapestry of Talent Hosted by SW Women s Fiber Art Collective The SW Women s Fiber Arts Collective, a non-profit, is excited to announce the fourth Tapestry of Talent, a fashion show fundraising event. This fashion show features all handmade, one-of-a-kind garments, made by fiber artisans from the southwest. Refreshments will be served during intermission accompanied by delightful musicians. Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 1:30 pm WNMU Besse Forward Global Resource Center Auditorium 817 W. 12th Street, Silver City NM. Tickets are $25 and include a $10 coupon to be used at the show, or The Common Thread, a fiber arts gallery, 107 W. Broadway Silver City, NM Please support local cottage industry in New Mexico and the southwest! Attached is a save the date flyer. Entry forms are also available online at Deadline to submit is August 25th. Thank you for sending this information to others. Sheep and Angora Goat Shearing Demonstration by Jerry Ladd Please join us sheep shearing Saturday, October 20, ADWSG member Jerry Ladd will be shearing navajo-churro sheep and angora goats for a detailed, up-close, and hands-on demonstration. What To Expect Shearing Schedule: Animal handling Fleece handling Hands-on experience Fun and Relaxed Social Atmosphere What to bring: Guests are welcome Sun hat, shade limited Camera, video, notebook Long sleeves/pants suggested Cash or check for fresh fleece Lunch if going to both events Morning Navajo-Churro Sheep Location: 3247 S 343rd Ave, Tonopah, AZ Time: 7am meet for carpool at the Methodist church parking lot 8:30am. Arrive at farm (non carpoolers arrive on their own). Shearing demo until 11am. Drive back to Mesa. Afternoon Angora Goats at 1797 E Loveland Ln, San Tan Valley, AZ Estimated start 1:30 pm. For more information or to RSVP, contact Betz Frederick president@telarana.org. See you there! THE FIBER FACTORY The Southwest s Most Complete Yarn Shop Yarn, accessories, equipment& classes for: Knitting, Weaving, Spinning, Crochet,Tatting, Basketry, Bobbin Lace, & Navajo weaving. 216 W. Main St, Mesa, AZ Out of area: yarn@fiberfactory.com Visit our website: 4

5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Lisa Carey PR 818/ HARVEST FESTIVAL ORIGINAL ART & CRAFT SHOW CELEBRATES 40 th ANNIVERSARY WITH WEEKEND SPECTACULAR IN PHOENIX *Features Kidzone with Halloween crafts* *Master Chef Aaron May hosts Culinary Presentation with free samples* PHOENIX, AZ Indulge in the ultimate shopping and entertainment experience at the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show October 26-28, 2012 at the Phoenix Convention Center with more than 24,000 handcrafted originals, live music, cooking demonstrations, strolling performers, contests, specialty foods, a Kidzone with Halloween fun, and more. Patrons who bring non-perishable foods for donation to St. Mary s Food Bank receive $2 off the admission price. Celebrating 40 years as the west coast s largest and finest indoor craft show, the fall tradition returns to Phoenix bringing together hundreds of exhibitors from across the nation for a shopping extravaganza like no other. The festive atmosphere makes exploring the array of exhibits an exciting discovery of ceramics, paintings, jewelry, blown glass, hand woven clothing, photography, candles, woodwork, garden designs, homemade sauces and soups, antique treasures, children s accessories, sculptures, holiday ornaments, and more. At affordable prices, each creation showcased features the personal touch to make for a memorable gift or keepsake. Patrons appreciate the opportunity to interact with the artists, get items personalized, or even learn some helpful tips through crafting demonstrations. Each item in our juried showcase is a made in America original created by artists who embrace the opportunity to share their passion, says Nancy Glenn, Harvest Festival Show Manager. There s something special for everyone and we pride ourselves in creating a unique seasonal shoppertunity that begins the moment you walk through the door. Connecting with the community, Master chef and restaurateur Aaron May hosts a culinary presentation with tastings for attendees Saturday and Sunday at 1:00pm, and the Arizona Weavers & Spinner Guild offers a hands on demonstration on the art of weaving, complete with a spinning wheel. The Children First Academy hosts the parcel check with proceeds helping the homeless, while Macaroni Kids North Phoenix hosts the Kidzone complete with make n take arts & crafts, face painting, and more. What: Phoenix Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show When: October 26-28, 2012 Where: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 North 3 rd Street, Phoenix, AZ Hours: Friday and Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm Sunday: 10:00am to 5:00pm Tickets: Adults: $9, Seniors (62+) $7, Youths (13-17) $4, Kids 12 and under are free Affiliates: The Arizona Desert Weavers & Spinners Guild; St. Mary s Food Bank; Children First Academy, Macaroni Kid North Phoenix; Master Chef Aaron May Info: Info and tickets are available at or call Press: Contact: Lisa Carey Public Relations 818/ or lisa@lisacareypr.com 5

6 u u u u u Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Seeking Artists! Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is seeking artists working in all media to exhibit at the 43rd annual Scottsdale Arts Festival, March 8 10, A jury of arts professionals will select the artists to participate in the Festival and will award prizes in numerous categories, including painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, photography, printmaking, textiles, woodworking and more. Applications must be submitted online at before Oct. 14, Phoenix Street Food Coalition, wine tastings, live music and entertainment from Arizona s top bands and performers, creative activities for children and families at Imagine Nation, and much more. The Scottsdale Arts Festival is produced by Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, a division of the nonprofit Scottsdale Cultural Council. Proceeds benefit the Center s arts and youth-education programs. Long recognized for its high-quality arts and crafts and beautiful setting, the Scottsdale Arts Festival has been named one of the country s top 10 arts festivals by the readers of AmericanStyle Magazine and Best Arts Festival by Phoenix New Times. Founded in 1971, the event showcases the creativity of nearly 200 jury-selected artists from throughout North America. Works of art are available for purchase directly from the artists and through the Festival s online art auction. The Scottsdale Arts Festival attracts tens of thousands of Scottsdale-area residents and visitors, who also enjoy delicious local cuisine from the celebrated food trucks of the 6 For additional information about the Scottsdale Arts Festival visit HOW TO REACH US ~ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. Second St. Scottsdale, AZ Patron Services Box Office: (480) 499-TKTS (8587) Web: info@sccarts.org

7 ~ Classified Ads ~ For Sale: Allen Floor Loom - Counter-balance loom - 4 SHAFT, 6 TREADLE - 42 inch weaving width - Includes 42 reeds, 10 and 15 dents, stick shuttles - Hard maple wood construction - Tool box across top - Good condition Originally built in Milwaukie Oregon area by Arthur Allen. Produced in the late 30 s through mid-50. X-style loom can be folded up with or without the warp/weaving still on the loom. Actural Measurements: 52 outer/total width. When folded the footprint is only 15 depth x 52 width. Folded out for weaving footprint is 36 x 52. For pickup in North Phoenix only. $300 OBO. Contact: abellinger@cox.net For Sale: Pendleton Loom: 48 wide, 8 harnesses, 3 reeds, 8,10, 12 with bench and raddle. Asking $600. Contact Caryl Drain For Sale: Loom (unable to identify): Also other items such as a few heddles and 3 books: The Key to Weaving by Mary Black, Weaving, A Creative Approach for Beginners by Clara Creager, and Fashions from the Loom by Betty Beard. There s also a box full of yarn. Asking for $450. Pickup in Rio Verde area. Contact Susan Caum, , dscaum@cox.net For Sale: 4 harness 26 wide floor loom, the bench, warping board, bobbin winder, bobbins, warping sticks and some material and books. One of the books is Warping All By Yourself by Cay Garrett. Would like $ for everything. Delivey will be extra. Please contact Joan Martin pibyrd@cox.net. Donations: Hello: My daughter has a 4-H lamb project and would like to donate her wool to your guild members. Would you be interested in taking it? Currently we have two bags, but could supply more from the club if you are interested. Contact- Katy Holditch: gahold@aol.co Needed: The Blind Center where I teach a weaving class has asked me to collect empty yarn cones for craft projects. Please bring any size yarn cones to the next meeting and I will collect them. Sylvia Fitzgerald: sylfitz@cox.net Committees Historian Melissa Davis madforfiber@cox.net Librarians Christine Hunt suburbaknit@yahoo.com & Gail Baker gail_baker@tnc.org Membership Elaine Rowles emrowles@cox.net Demonstrations/Publicity Sue Carneal jscarneal@aol.com Web Site Caroline Wise caracolina@gmail.com Hospitality Open Ways & Means LaVila Churruca lchurruca@cox net Federation Representative Beki Welsch bekown@yahoo.com ADWSG WEBSITE: 7

8 Calendar Events October 6-7, Wool Festival at Taos, New Mexico. Free Admission - More information at: taoswoolfestival.org/ October 12 - November 4, Arizona State Fair, Phoenix, AZ. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. More information: July 25-28, Intermountain Weavers Conference Celebrating 30 Years - Durango, CO. For more info: MOA DEADLINE 15th of every month From September to May Visit our guild s website: Welcome Back! c/o H. Charles 6319 E. Lowden Rd. Cave Creek, AZ First Class