In August of 2017 the Qualicum Weavers and Spinners left our beloved but cramped home in the old Via Train Station in Qualicum Beach. The tiny loft with sloped ceilings at the top of a narrow stair case was full of wonderful memories but we had to admit access was a problem and we had outgrown the space.
With the assistance of the Town of Qualicum Beach we moved to a new location in the centre of the downtown area. Qualicum Commons on Primrose Street is a re-purposed elementary school. There we have a spacious ground floor former class room. At first the space was daunting. So much of it with nothing but bare walls that go straight up!
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| entrance to Qualicum Commons |
After several iterations the space is now a studio, library and meeting space. It even has a small coffee corner. Doug our treasurer and handy man is now quite adept at putting up and taking down shelving in record time. His patience is greatly appreciated. Also thanks to a grant from the Regional District of Nanaimo we have tables that are light weight and more flexible, storage cupboards and containers for organizing supplies.
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| library corner |
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| looms everywhere |
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| weaving lessons in progress |
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| Study group |
Study groups and interest groups are finding the space more accessible and attendance at our general meetings has grown.
In July we will be inviting the public to visit our studio as part of the ART IN ACTION event. This is an annual outdoor gathering of local artisans. It is hosted by The Old School House Art Centre. Mark your calendar for July 21st and plan to pay us a visit.
Above is an example of items that were part of the show and tell portion of our April general meeting.
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| clasp weave woven bag |
The pink and white bag is an older piece of weaving. The weaving was planned carefully to include the raised knots that mark the steps in the pink bands as they become narrower. The rings for the draw string were inserted while the piece was on the loom and the draw cord is made from the same yarns. It may look like simple weaving but it requires a consistent beat and accurate measurements to ensure that all of the design elements line up when the bag is constructed.
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| Jackie's Hat |
In May look for our booth at the Qualicum Beach Family Day Celebration on May 26th.
