Winter Works

Winter has settled in.  Now that the holiday season is over it is time to get back to those unfinished projects.  You may take a break to walk on the beach when the sun shines but here on the west coast bleaker wet weather suggests indoor activities.  The winter seems to be the most productive time for some fiber artists.  But remember, winter is short here on the coast and those daffodil's are already peaking out to test the climate.  If you have a project in mind you had better start working on it now.  If you are a member of the Qualicum Weavers and Spinners guild then you may want to start working on the COLOUR CHALLENGE PROJECT.  The projects are to be finished for the March 18th monthly meeting.  If you need help then the new COLOUR STUDY GROUP  might be for you.



 

Now I don't want to give the impression that the Qualicum guild members are slackers.  On the contrary, from the show and tell portion of our January meeting it appears we are busy bees.  

  We had a colourful display of items including spinning, knitting, dyeing and weaving.  I have included a couple of examples of colourful yarn.  I wonder what they will turn into? 

 The knitters in the group were so busy with projects that several of them brought their needles with them and were busy throughout the meeting.  Anita showed off her vest and Karen demonstrated her knitted back pack.  The weavers had also been productive.  Their contribution to the show and tell included a blanket for a new addition to the family, scarves, a stash busting yardage project, decorative inkle bands and summer and winter samples.



  

The show and tell portion of the meeting is everyone's favourite.  The items themselves are a treat to see.  The stories that go with the pieces are equally entertaining and often inspirational whether they are about weaver's bottom, memory loss, sexual ambiguity or venturing into new places.

Great Expectations and a Blank Canvas

Here we are again at the start of a new year with 12 months to go.  Like the empty loom in our guild studio there are endless possibilities for new projects.
Will this be the year that you tackle that major project?  You know it.  It is the one that has been gradually forming in your subconcious.  It peeps out now and then when you pass a yarn store.  It may sink back into the shadows when life gets in the way but it never really goes away.  Maybe 2013 will be its year.
I am always impressed with those folks manage to create something major by hand.  I cannot even begin to concieve how one would go about weaving draperies for a new home or yardage for a daughter's wedding gown.  Those that spin the yarn for a major project are even more impressive.  They must be able to hold a future vision for a long time in order to keep on spinning.
Starting a major project would be daunting enough but how does one keep going day after day.  I get bored by the 3rd tea towel on the same warp.

Mary's double weave mat
 

This may be your year to learn something new.  That might mean joining a study group, joining in a group challenge, taking a course or attending a conference.  Our guild has organized a weaving workshop with Jane Stafford.  The workshop "Lacey Places" will take place April 19 to 21 at the MacMillian Art Centre in Parksville.  We currently have two study groups.  One is for spinners who want to knit with hand spun yarns.  The other for weavers with more than 4 harness looms who want to learn weave structure.  The more than 4 group is currently studying double weave.  Check the "Events" section for the dates and locations of these events. 
  The guild is also planning to have a colour challenge in 2013 for those who want to learn about colour interactions. 
So, here is to great expectations for 2013!