Tapestry Weaving 101 January Guild meeting 2013

Leslie helping Ann with her tapestry

Our January 21st Guild meeting was cancelled because of a snow storm something that happens often up here on Lake Superior . We rescheduled the meeting for January 28th. Leslie Toombs presented and introduction to Tapestry Weaving. Leslie had provided us with instructions for making a frame tapestry loom a couple of weeks earlier everyone was eager to try out Tapestry Weaving. Our February 18th meeting will be part 2 of Leslie's introduction to Tapestry. In March we will have slides of Tapestries woven in Scotland by Artists working there today and some historical weaving.We had a nice turnout for this meeting despite our change of date. Many members came with their tapestry looms and yarn ready to get started.

After a short show and tell, which included a number of Woven Tapestries members had collected over the years. Some that were very old were shared with the guild members, some were purchased at garage sales. Sorry I did not get pictures of these tapestries, I must have been day dreaming as I forgot to get out my camera. I did take a picture of my Handwovnen towels when I got home to share with you. So you will get to see these towels. I used the lace warping I learned in Robyn Spady's 4 shaft weaving class last summer. You can weave many patterns with this one warp on your loom. I chose a Summer and Winter Dukagang design for 3 of the towels and Alternating Warp and Weft floats for the last towel. This Alternating warp and weft floats creates a towel that has the feel of a waffle weave. I have many more weaving patterns to explore from Robyn's workshop book.
******I would love to include other woven items our guild has produced if only they would send pictures for me to share with all of you.

Tapestry Weaving 101
Leslie began her introduction showing us some helpful tapestry weaving books and varieties of tapestry looms and tools.

Barb and Eve working on the Butterfly bundles

We made Butterfly bundles to use in our weaving I am still struggling with a proper butterfly. We learned how to tie half hitch knots across the warp to secure our weaving edge. We then chose 2 colors to start our weaving and most of us got a couple of inches finished during our meeting. I am anxious to weave the rest of the small mug rug with the two colors changing the size of the weft pics to create a simple design. Then at the next meeting Leslie will show us how to finish this mug rug and start another one. This is a fun weaving project you can take with you when you travel of weave when you are watching TV or talking to friends.

one of Mary Sue Fenner's Jackets

       


          Weaving Workshops In the U.P.
                   Come join the fun!

    We are planning a couple of workshops in the Hancock and Calumet this Spring and next Fall. In June we have Mary Sue Fenner returning for her Artist Jacket Workshop June 3-5, 2013. We have 5 or 6 interested already and we have room for a few more eager Sewers. You will be spending 3 days of creative sewing and experience a trunk show of   Mary Sue's Latest garments. We had so much fun with Mary Sue last year that a number of Guild members want to have her back for another workshop. This workshop is open to the public contact Mary Brownell at mdbweave@aol.com if you are interested! it is a fun time and you can make something from your very own handwoven yardage or a commercial fabric.At the same time enjoy a few days in the U.P. of Michigan..... away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Nadine Sanders: Triple Play Weaving that Sings.

Sample of Inlay weaving

In September Ed Gray from the Calumet Art Center will have a workshop with Nadine Sanders 'Triple Play-Weaving That Sings' Sept 20, 21 and 22, 2013 .
This workshop will be open to the public and will be for all levels of weavers. You will learn the inlay technique for Tapestry, Fabric or Rug weaving. Learn to add design to your weaving with Nadine Sanders. Nadine also will be performing a concert with her fiddle and voice to celebrate the U.P Highland Days on Saturday night September 21. Check out this article on Weavolution about Inlay weaving January 31, 2011 Sally Orgren to see what Nadine will be teaching. for more information Contact Ed Gray at the Calumet Art center.

I am happy to say our Guild is growing. WE now have about 25 paid members!