Planning for the Summer

Spring is rapidly moving towards summer.  The sun is no longer playing hide and seek in the rain clouds (most of the time).  It is reminding us that the windows really do need to be washed and the garden really needs to be weeded and we haven't been to the beach in ages.  Time in the studio is less appealing than time spent soaking up inspiration (and sunshine).

Family Day, weaving demonstration

Some of our members moved the looms and wheels outdoors for the Qualicum Beach Family Day event.  Our demonstrations are quite popular and we are never short of volunteers to help with the booth.  The sunny weather certainly helped with the attendance and our demonstration looms were busy.


The weavers in the group were very busy over the past month so that we had a lot to show and tell about at our May meeting.

Linda's towels

Lynnette's scarf

 Small towels are fun.  They are great for experimenting with new designs and weave structures.  With a single warp you can try a dozen new ideas and still end up with a useful product.

The red scarf in tencil is a simple weave structure, a point twill, but the threading has been set up to create a double border that is repeated in the treadling.  This extra design detail creates something truly special.

detail of twill scarf

Ngaire's scarf

The second scarf also makes use of small diamond motifs in different sizes and groupings.  The dark weft against a painted warp adds complexity and drama.

The lovely shawl in natural shades of wool was woven on a rigid heddle loom proving that you don't need a lot of technology to make something beautiful.

The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners suspends meetings from June until September as many members are busy or away over the summer.  But, we are still very active especially this year with the ANWG conference.  If you plan on attending the ANWG conference in Victoria at the end of June look for our booth.

We will be at the Art in Action event in Qualicum Beach on July 22nd and if you visit the Qualicum Beach Museum this summer look for our spinning and weaving demonstration.  We will also be at Children's Day at the museum on August 19th and at the Lighthouse Fall Fair in Bowser.  More public events are planned for September.  Maybe we'll see you at one of these events.