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Threadlines_______________________________________________________________________________________Winter 2006
Newsletter of the Mid-Atlantic Fiber Association _________________________________ Vol. 5, No.3
 MAFA President's Message
It has come to my attention that not all guilds know that MAFA is alive, well and moving forward. Many changes have been made and more are scheduled.
Please check our web site (www.mafafiber.org) to see some changes. Guilds now have a link on the web site to their own web sites. We have long had an "Upcoming Events" but are now trying to go to a "Calendar" format.
We are very excited about our upcoming "MAFA Workshop Weekend." Information AND a registration brochure will be on the site on January 2nd We will meet at Marywood University on July 6, 7 & 8th of 2007. Instructors are in place and it is a good group presenting a variety of subjects. This will be an in depth study of each topic (18 hours) rather than the seminar system we have usually used.
Marywood University, in Scranton, PA, has a lovely campus, mostly flat, a wonderful Art Department with many advantages we have not had before. Lodging is mostly double occupancy rooms with a connecting bath in air conditioned residence halls. The school is handicapped accessible. Buildings have elevators! The dining hall is capable of handling special dietary requirements.
Be sure to check our web site now and especially on January 2nd.
--Mickie Schneider
President
Welcome to MAFA's Weekend Workshop 2007!
We are expecting to have a great time, learn a lot and have something to show for our efforts.
Just think of us as a small group of fiber enthusiasts away for a weekend study session.
Our Committee has been busy selecting our instructors who will bring us a varied range of classes. We will be having Novice Weaving and Novice Spinning classes. Those will be for those who absolutely new AND for those who have done something but don't feel confident on their own.
Our instructors are also great with newbys.
Other classes will be an in-depth study. By the time we have finished 18 hours of study, we should have a greater understanding of the subject. We will be able to have quality time with our instructors and be able to have lots of questions and problems answered.
Open Studio will be Friday evening. This is where the attendees can visit other classes to see what they are up to. Instructors will be asked to stay in their classes so they can answer any questions that come up. This is a great way for the program chairs or guild member to get ideas for future workshops.
We will be having our “Fashion Show” on Saturday evening. This will be an “all participating” show. Those in a clothing class will model their creations.- no matter what stage they are in - close to being finished or not. Others will be asked to bring something they have made; scarf, hat, socks, cocoons or even something dressier.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the lovely campus of Marywood University in Scranton, PA on July 6, 7, & 8, 2007!
Spinning Wheels needed for MAFA Workshop
We are in need of high wheels (walking wheels) and low wheels for the Novice Spinning class during the MAFA 2007 Workshop Weekend. If any person or guild has a wheel or wheels available and is willing to loan or rent them to MAFA
for the weekend, please contact Ellen Dorosh, Education Committee, at elnweevs@cs.com. Thank you so much.
Guild Calendar
Chautauqua County Weavers Guild
Winter hiatus until March 24th 10:00 am, at the Westfield YWCA
Welcome back, preview of the year ahead and 5 card draw challenge results
Jockey Hollow Weavers
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at 7:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 65 East Main Street, Mendham, NJ .
January 3, 2007 - 7:30 pm - “Invention Convention” – The very best tips, ideas and cool tools for weaving presented by our own JHW members
January 6, 2007 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - "Make A Market Basket" with Pamela Wilson - Free one-day workshop for JHW members. Materials fee.
February 7, 2007 - 7:30 pm - Convergence Review – Computer projection of digital photos and discussions by our 6 Convergence participants
February 22, 23, 24, 2007 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm - Nadine Sanders workshop “Weaving that Sings: the Double Play” - Theo Moorman techniques to create imaginative woven designs that flow.
March 7, 2007 - 7:30 pm - "Weave It" Software demonstration by JHW member Caroline Hicks Ellwood
April 4, 2007 - 7:30 pm - A “Habu Textiles” presentation by Takako Ueki of Habu (Donation for nonmembers)
May 2, 2007 - 7:30 pm - “Self Discovery through Color” a hands-on program presented by JHW member Margriet Carrico
June 6, 2007 - 6:30 pm - Pot Luck Dinner, Shadow Weave Swatch Exchange, Yarn & Equipment Sale
Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Guild
For more information potomaccraftsmen@comcast.net
January 13, 2007
Dancing and Magic: The Art of Design, with Elaine Robnett Moore
Dancing and Magic – necessary elements in capturing the spirit of design in a pattern. From the perspective of her on-going love affair with beads, jewelry designer Elaine Robnett Moore, magically expands the boundaries of design elements and techniques.
Mini-Workshop: Bead Crochet, with Mickey Kunkle
We continue our beading weekend by learning the basics of this great technique, which combines the fun of beads with the ease of crochet. Members $25, non-members $32
February 10, 2007
Trunk Show and the 10-Step Creative Process, with Jeanne Benson
Jeanne Benson, a Washington-area quilter with a national reputation, will mount a display of more than 25 years of making quilts.
Mini-Workshop: Design One-0-One, with Jeanne Benson
Artists all work from the same basic pool of information, known as the Elements of Art (the tools) and the Principles of Good Design (the rules). In this mini, we single out each tool and rule and give each one some conscious time Members $25, non-members $32
March 10, 2007: Concocting Color, with Carol Soderlund
In this presentation, Carol will discuss color theory based on a 3-dimensional “color cube” rather than a color wheel.
March 10 (afternoon) and 11 Workshop: Pot o' Gold Dyeing
In this 1.5 day class, you will dye at least 24 pieces (12 yards or more) of gorgeous multi-hued fabric. Members $112, non-members $137. Materials fee $15
April 14, 2007: Marketing and the Fiber Artist, with Robyn Spady
With twenty years of professional marketing and communications experience, Robyn Spady will aid fiber artists seeking to acquire critical marketing skills to grow their businesses through a comprehensive understanding of marketing fundamentals. You’ll develop an awareness of the role of marketing; identify new and untapped markets for fiber-related items; explore innovative ways to attract the attention of customers; understand the pros and cons of websites, developing strategic relationships, and pricing strategies; and anticipate changes in the marketplace and adjust merchandise accordingly.
Mini-Workshop: Weaving Tips & Tricks, with Robyn Spady
This "prop-riddled" mini-workshop looks and feels like an interactive show-and-tell. Participants will be introduced to between 24 and 40 offbeat tools, techniques, or tricks to assist them in all phases of weaving. Participants are invited to share their own tools, techniques, and/or tricks during the mini.
Members $25, non-members $32
April 15-16: Workshop: Two Sides to Every Cloth, with Robyn Spady
All cloth has two sides, so why not make them as distinct and interesting as possible . . . even completely different? On as few as three shafts, it’s possible to weave versatile fabric that possesses completely different appearances on each side. We’ll be weaving round-robin, so everyone will have an opportunity to try each of the structures/threadings. Robyn will also discuss techniques for constructing reversible clothing so that either side of the cloth can be shown on the outside. The workshop is appropriate for weavers with at least one year’s experience in shaft weaving who are willing to accept the challenge of pushing their personal boundaries in terms of the number of shafts they will work with, as well as for more experienced weavers.
Members $150, non-members $175. Materials fee $15
May 12, 2007: Textile Travels (and More) in Africa , with Jackie Abrams
Jackie Abrams is a basket maker whose hand-painted paper baskets, both large and small, are in many collections around the country and around the world.
May 12-14, 2007: Bias Plaited Basket, with Jackie Abrams
Weave baskets of your own sizes, colors, shapes, and patterns in this 2.5 day workshop. Members $150, non-members $175 Materials fee $45
June 9, 2007 Book Day!
Got a favorite textile book? Published a book recently? Discovered a precious manuscript in the far reaches of your public library’s stacks? This is a day for sharing all the best resources in your fiber field.
Weavers’ Guild of Buffalo
Dec.10th Holiday Party at the Amherst Museum
Jan 18th 6:30 pm: “How to do the Twist” spinning program with Val DeVries
Jan 25th 10:00 am: “There’s More Than One Way to do the Twist” spinning program with Val DeVries
Feb.15th 6:30 pm: Informal get-together and pot-luck Members sale and conference goodies will be made
Feb. 22nd 9:30 am: Make and Take Tote Basket with Kathy Currie
Mar.15th 6:30 pm: Inkle Weaving
Mar. 22nd 10:00 am: Informal meeting/conference goodies and get the looms ready for school demonstrations
Weavers’ Guild of Rochester
Jan.10th 10:00 am Maintaining Energy & Flexibility for a Lifetime of Weaving & Fiber Arts with Dr. Annmarie Groth-Juncker/Annual Tea Party
Feb.14th 10:00 am Japanese Rozome with Nancy Kraus/More than just a ticket auction
Mar.14th 10:00 am Trunk Show with Jane Bartlett
Three delightful days with Kathryn Alexander
Potomac Craftsmen recently sponsored a wonderful visit from Kathryn Alexander, known for her wonderful, creatively designed clothing and energized yarns. Kathryn was the guest speaker at the Potomac Craftsmen's Nov 11, 2006 , morning meeting and had us royally entertained with stories about her life, family and the evolution of her interest in fashion and yarn design. That afternoon she led a workshop in spinning energized singles. What an eye opener for me! I had recently finished a 6 year spinning certificate program in Ontario, Canada, where relaxed singles and balanced plies were expected. Imagine being told that extra twist is OK and even desirable as a design element?!? Wow, new concept for me! And, what fun!
The fun on Saturday was followed by two days with Kathryn learning entralac knitting techniques. We created small samples of joined triangles, rectangles and squares with all kinds of wonderfully dyed singles. The singles could be relaxed or energized for even more design options. Kathryn is all about surface and color. Our samples had it all - color, twisted shapes and interesting textures. Kathryn showed us many pieces of her work - knitted samples and entire outfits that were truly inspirational. The class was supported by a very good handout booklet. Kathryn's buoyant personality and marvelous sense of humor added to the experience. My recommendation? If you have a chance to work with her, run, don't walk to get there!
Sally Jenkins
COE Buddy Group
The South Jersey Guild of Spinners & Handweavers has formed a buddy group for members interested in pursuing the Certificate of Excellence in Handweaving. The group includes those who are focused on the 2008 examination as well as those who are just interested in studying along and providing encouragement.
The group has seven participants who keep in touch and share questions, frustrations and successes via email. We also get together every three months to review our completed samples, share our progress toward our quarterly goals, and help each other solve problems, interpret sample requirements and stay on track.
Each participant sets her own individual goals and works on samples according to her preference. The quarterly meeting schedule is designed to give a little urgency to what was to be a 2 ½ year process when we started, but which is now down to 1 ½ years.
Our first meeting was in January 2006, when we watched the COE Handweaving slide presentation provided for rental by HGA. Our most recent meeting was in November, where we displayed samples we had finished. We will meet again in February 2007, when we will chart our year’s progress and try to map out a reasonable schedule for the 18-20 months until portfolios will be submitted.
Anyone from neighboring guilds who would like to join the buddy group is welcome. Even if you can’t attend our meetings, you’re welcome to join our email exchanges. Contact Karen Donde (kjjjdonde@verizon.net) to be added to the list.
--Karen Donde
It's a Time for Giving
The Mid-Atlantic Fiber Association is a registered 501(c)3 organization. That means that any donations made to it are tax deductible. As this tax year draws to a close and the season of giving is in full swing, perhaps you or your guild should contemplate a donation to MAFA. That donation can be made to the general funds, or it can be designated.
In 2004, MAFA set up the Allen Fannin Scholarship Fund to underwrite some of the costs of those people who signed up for beginning spinning or weaving at the 2005 conference "Basics and Beyond". Through the generous donation of various guilds and individuals, we were able to provide each of the seven participants with $90 to help defray their expenses.
I was exceptionally pleased to receive thank you notes from several of the participants. And surprised to discover that they used their scholarship towards the purchase of a spinning wheel or a loom, rather than to make their class less expensive.
MAFA also has a general scholarship fund. At the 2005 conference, three recipients had the cost of their tuition defrayed by the scholarships that were awarded to them from the organization.
Help us to continue to grow our community of fiber enthusiasts. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Suanne M. Pasquarella past-President MAFA
Equipment Review
The Victoria is Louet's brand new addition to their line of spinning wheels. It is a folding portable wheel.
First, a bit about me. I've been a spinner for nearly five years. This is my fifth wheel. My first wheel was a Schacht single treadle and it is by that wheel that I judge all others. I also own a Bosworth Journey Wheel, a Wyatt Pegasus, and a Bosworth Notebook Charkha in addition to a whole bunch of spindles. Back in the old days when I was a working woman, I worked in Software Quality Control. What that means is that I like criticizing and I don't hold back too much.
The box arrived yesterday at my LYS, Woolbearers, from the US distributor. The box that contained my wheel measured 23" x 6" x 15". I'm providing that information because some wanted to know if the wheel could be considered carry-on baggage.
The wheel comes with 3 bobbins, a "lazy kate", and a carry bag. I weighed the wheel on my bathroom scale. The wheel with the flyer assembly in place weighed 7.0 pounds plus or minus 1/2 pound. The wheel in the bag weighs 12.5 pounds plus or minus 1/2 pound. The bag has straps so that you can carry the wheel like a backpack. I should mention that I got the wheel in beech. It also comes in oak which is beautiful but heavier.
In order to assemble the wheel, you have to flip the Mother of All up and then attach the footman to the wheel. This is done by means of a plastic connector. It was initially difficult to get on and takes effort. Placing the cup at an angle, as suggested by the instructions, helps. The flyer is attached by slipping the end of the flyer into hollow metal tube. There is a slot in the end of the flyer that has to line up and the flyer is connected by a magnet within the tube. The drive band has to be put into one of the three slots on the flyer whorl (attached to the Mother of All.). The last thing to do to get the wheel going is to run the Scotch tension cord over the bobbin and tighten it. The knob that controls this comes out of its hole, but I think that is OK.
So first I tried treadling. That took a little bit getting used to. The treadles are small and don't move up and down too far. But it is very, very easy to treadle even with just my right foot.
Now down to the real business. I tied on a leader and put it through one of the little loops on the flyer. Each side of the flyer has a wire and plastic loop (yarn guide) that can be moved front and back so that the yarn winds on evenly. Then the yarn goes through a hook at the near end of the flyer and through the orifice. There is no hook with the wheel. Because the orifice hole is long, it's a little difficult to get the yarn through. I may have to get a hook. The exit of the orifice (or entrance where the new yarn goes in) looks pretty small. It's deceptive though. It's about a half inch and every so slightly larger than my Schacht.
So how does the wheel spin? It's nice, real nice. Smooth. The Scotch tension is easy to adjust. There are three ratios: 1:6, 1:9, and 1:13. They work well enough for me. And it appears at first glance that the bobbins are almost the same size as the Schacht bobbins. Not as big as the standard Louet but certainly not small.
The wheel currently retails for $550 and comes with the travel bag.
Oh, yes. I do like my new wheel!
Linda Ward
Princeton Weavers Guild
Local Treasures
Not too long ago, I was reading a list of the workshop leaders who were teaching at a fiber weekend in another part of the country. Most of the teachers were from states far from the conference, yet I knew several wonderful fiber artists who lived within walking distance of the conference facility. It made me think about the eastern states, our mid-Atlantic region in particular, and all the talent that lives right here, within a car ride away.
We are so lucky to live in an area rich with fiber artists, many who write, design and teach as well, who are not nationally recognized. Some may be popular guests at guild meetings, but are not given the recognition they deserve outside of that community because no one knows about them.
The criteria to being a ‘Local Treasure’ are as follows; has a body of work that has been shown locally, or is a published writer or designer, or is a prolific teacher of local renown.
The goal of this column to highlight those who are unknown leaders in the area, if they want to be known! Cannot forget those who need to work in seclusion.
Contact szjenkins@comcast.net if you would like to tell us about your Local Treasures.
Local Treasure--Karen Donde
Karen Donde is the secretary of the South Jersey Guild. She is an amazing promoter of weaving and spends much of her time demonstrating, teaching and telling anyone who will listen the benefits of being a guild member. She is also writing for Interweave Press, working on her COE in Handweaving, and weaving for guild sales. I wanted to find out how she prioritized her time and the result is this short interview.
What was it that got your attention about weaving and lead to what you are doing now?
The wonderful people in the South Jersey Guild of Spinners & Handweavers. I saw a photo of coordinator Naomi Cannon in the newspaper with an open invitation to new weavers and spinners. I had just moved to South Jersey , and had always been curious about weaving. I attended a special demonstration held at Naomi’s home in January 1999, got my hands on her shuttle and my feet on her treadles, and something inside me came alive. Within a few months I had purchased a second-hand loom and Deborah Redding Chandler’s book, joined the guild and started taking weaving lessons from Naomi.
The enthusiasm and support of Naomi and all the local weavers I met helped me work through early frustrations, and the excitement of turning yarns into cloth in beautiful patterns and colors left me always hungry for the next project. I’m fascinated that there’s always something new to learn. And despite all that I’ve learned so far, I’m frequently amazed by how much I don’t know.
That’s one reason I’m working on the Certificate of Excellence in Handweaving program. This is a fabulous course of study for someone who’s still exploring techniques and structures, because it gives direction to the study and requires thorough understanding and excellent execution.
I also love teaching, and hope my current work will make me a better teacher.
My bachelor’s degree is in journalism, so I’ve been writing professionally for more than 20 years. Since I became a weaver, I’ve been looking for ways to combine my writing skills with my weaving passion. I met Madelyn van der Hoogt at the MAFA conference in 2005. I was amazed that her first weaving school was not far from where I grew up in Central Missouri , and made a point to say hello. I had left Missouri to “seek my fortune” before she opened her studio there, but it was fun to talk about familiar places with her.
Her talk to the group focused on the need to keep finding new weavers, so I contacted her after MAFA and asked if she could use a story that helped guilds and teachers answer the question, “So how do we do that?” That first story, “Fishing for New Weavers,” ran January/February 2006. I’ll have another one coming out in Handwoven this spring, and am working on a third.
What motivated you to weave?
The love of fabrics, the feel of the yarn, the action of the loom, the creation of beautifully patterned cloth all fed something deep inside. Maybe it came from a distant ancestor who left something in my DNA. I don’t really know why, I just know I have to do it.
How do you discipline yourself to go to your studio?
I try to always have a new project in the design stage before I finish what’s on the loom. Plus, I’ve always wanted a bumper sticker that says, “I’d rather be weaving.” It doesn’t take much discipline, because I really would rather be at the loom than almost anywhere else. The discipline is required to get all my other chores and work done so I can go weave.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Weaving magazines and books, old and new. Sometimes pictures I find or take. Often I start with a structure I’ve wanted to try, an interesting yarn I’ve collected or purchased, and then find an idea that fits the available yarn and structure. I’m also inspired by workshops, classes and conferences. I recently invested in Fiberworks PCW. Just playing around with possibilities on it can help bring an abstract idea into focus.
Do you teach? Why?
Yes. Two reasons. First I really enjoy teaching others to weave. The only thing more satisfying than pulling my own new project off the loom is watching a student do the same. Second, I believe it’s important for the future of weaving and all fiber crafts to keep attracting new enthusiasts, and the best way to do that is to get people who have even the vaguest curiosity about weaving in front of a loom.
I have about 150 square feet of my basement dedicated to weaving, plus a big corner of my living room where my 50” Norwood sits. Then there’s my office where I design, write and communicate with other weavers at the computer. Usually I also have a card table set up in the living room where I work on my tapestry loom.
What are you doing now?
I’m just finishing a 1 ½ year study of boundweave, am taking a tapestry class, and have a rep project on the big loom in an effort to develop a workshop to teach. But with an eye toward the 2008 COE Handweaving examination, everything I do now is directed toward a required sample. (Even the rep sample is for Sample 25—Profile drafting)
What goals have you set for yourself?
I want to be ready to submit my Level I COE portfolio for the 2008 examination. In the process, I hope to discover what my “specialty” will eventually be. I want to do more teaching, both beginning weaving and technique workshops. I want to do more writing about weaving, fiber crafts and the people who love them.
What do you dream about?
I would love to enroll in the Professional Crafts-Fiber program at Haywood Community College in the North Carolina mountains. I dream of teaching in that program or one of the other great weaving schools near Asheville . And maybe writing a book.
Suzie Jenkins
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