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PPWG�WEEKLY�

Issue One, Volume One�

IN THIS ISSUE�:�PIKES PEAK WEAVERS GUILD -- COLORADO SPRINGS, CO�

Newsletter�June 2009�

Norman Kennedy’s Visit pages 2-3�

June Weaving Sample page 4�

June Spinning Sample page 5�

Announcements pages 6-7�

Minutes & Committee Reports pages 8-9�

PPWG Board Update page 9�

PPWG Scholarship page 10�

Workshops page 10�

Membership Form page 11�

Sample Schedule page 12�

Hospitality page 12�

PPWG Calendar page 13�

Officers and Chairpersons page 13�

Advertisements pages 14-16�

Placemats for empty bowl event. Photo by Robin Wilton�

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Norman Kennedy’s visit to the Colorado Springs went very well and the guild members who were lucky�enough to interact with him gained new perspectives on our interests.�

The waulking held at Penrose House was attended by 25-30 people. Norman’s talk of his experiences learn-�ing to weave in Scotland and developing his skills in the United States was facinscating but the real draw was�when we sat down at the table with a length of 11 yards of wet cloth. Attendees were encouraged to join in�with pounding and passing the cloth as Norman sang old Scottish ballads and songs to set the beat. It was a�trip to another time as we turned loosely woven fabric into fulled blankets without the benefit of machinery�by working together. People traded in, replacing those of us that wore out, and everyone got a chance to try�their hand at waulking. The evening concluded with the blankets being stretched on a plank of wood and�Norman giving the clothe a traditional Scottish blessing as he rotated it “sunwise”.�

There were 14 people that took advantage of the spinning workshop on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Pen-�rose Carriage House. Though I was not able to attend I received many complementary comments for the�workshop from those who took part. Norman’s teaches the old way of spinning and started everyone off�with the absolute basics of how to prepare the wool by picking and carding. Most of us have learned our�spinning from books and Norman is the first to point out how wrong most of those techniques are. Learning�the correct way to hand card alone was worth the price of the workshop!! The second day was filled with�working with flax and cotton and it was a great opportunity to work with those fibers most of us never touch.�It seemed most of those that tried these fibers enjoyed the experience but will probably not make it their new�focus.�

Norman spent the rest of his time in the Springs sightseeing and getting to know our local spinners and weav-�ers. He spent quite a bit of time at Green Valley Weavers and Knitters where he was very impressed with the�quality of our local shop. While he was visiting the shop some of us had rare chance to see spinning history.�A local spinner and teacher, Sharon Dalyrumple, was lucky enough to find a great or walking wheel for sale�in Denver. She brought the wheel, which was in pieces and had been used a living room display item, to the�shop for Norman to take a look at to see if all the pieces were there. Within an hour Norman had the wheel�put together, adjusted and was busy spinning fine cotton thread on this 19�th� century antique. Those of us that�were present saw spinning on a type of wheel is rarely seen outside a museum.�

As we were talking, we were told these types of wheels are common in New England and Norman has a�friend that has connections with Amish and Mennonite communities that has several for sale.�If enough peo-�ple are interested I have decided I will make a trip to Vermont to transport wheels and looms to Colorado.�These wheels looms are in good working condition with prices in the $400-600 range. If anyone is inter-�ested contact me and I will try to make this happen by September.�

Weather unfortunately precluded Norman performing in Woodland Park while he was here but he has al-�ready expressed interest in returning for another visit. He is a wonderful and fascinating man with a wealth�of knowledge concerning our passions of weaving and spinning. He expressed his thanks for receiving such�a warm welcome and meeting so many wonderful people.�

Norman Kennedy’s Visit by W.W.�

At right, photos of Norman Kennedy’s visit by Robin Wilton.�

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June Weaving Sample by Karen Currier�Sett:� 12 epi�Picks:� 12 ppi�Warp and weft:� rayon, rayon nylon,�and crochet cotton mix�

Warp shrinkage/draw-in:� 15%�

This sample was one of my first simple�explorations based on the book "Woven�Shibori" by Catherine Ellis.  It was a�Monks belt threading draft used for the�pull up threads (found on page 36).  I�chose a simple pattern to start with, as�that seems the best way to see how the�process worked. This project also intro-�duced the concept of "vat dyes", which�are great fun to combine with woven�shibori and other dye techniques.  My�dogs enjoy the down to earth smell of�indigo, which is another type of vat�dye.  The vat dye used in this project�was a violet from Dhamra Trading Co. �Two scarves were woven  from�this warp, plus this small sample for�the newsletter.  Both scarves have gone�on to new homes.  The owner of one of�the scarves really loves the comments�she gets from hers.�Since this simple beginning I have used�this technique on several pieces of ma-�terial for jackets.  The most  recent�weaving done with the shibori tech-�nique and the vat dye  was a 30/2�rayon set of samples for a study�group. I love how it came out, but I�think  I'll stick to something in the�range of 10/2 or even (maybe) 20/2.  It�looks like the finer the threads the less�surface the vat dye has to adhere to�and the less pronounced the shibori�pattern is because of that.  It's the pat-�terning that makes this technique so�much fun.�Editor’s note: Although the draft (above left) is exactly as it came from�Karen, based on her written description, there should be 4 picks rather�than 3 in the last treadle block (1-2-1-2-4).�

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June Spinning Sample by Judy Gearhart�

Using Norman Kennedy’s techniques in spinning, I spun the Shetland wool given to everyone who�took his workshop on April 15th and 16th. The result - a lofty, softer yarn!� I want to than W.W. For arranging the workshop where I learned a different method of hand carding�and spinning.� I plied the yarn I spun and washed it.�

Photos of Norman Kennedy’s�visit by Robin Wilton�

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Announcements�This summer the Colorado Basketmakers Guild is hosting a 3-day workshop series with Mary Hett-�mansperger, a multi-media fiber artist who has taught at conventions and workshops around the�country. She is the author of two books and is currently working on a third.   She is not only an ex-�cellent teacher, but a very interesting person as well.  Her workshops are always fun. At this time,�there are just 2 openings remaining in each of the classes. �Class location�: the community room at�the Police Station (Falcon Division),�7850 Goddard St�., Colorado Springs. (near North Academy�Blvd. and Kelly Johnson Road). Interested? Questions? Please contact Gail Necker, 719-687-�6391.�

WALKING STICK BASKET�

Friday, July 24, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm�Saturday, July 25, 8:30 am - noon�Teaching fee: $55�Materials fee: $65�The concept of the Walking Stick Basket is that,�when you are walking in the woods, you will have�a basket in which to put your findings as you col-�lect them – right on your walking stick! Using a�piece of wood as a walking stick, students will�create a frame of heavy round reed that will sup-�port a rib construction basket. Reed will be the�weaving material. The basket itself will be drilled�and set along the length of the stick which will�make the basket sturdy and a part of the stick.�This is a very involved rib construction but easily�understood.�

RIB PLAY BASKET�

Saturday, July 25, 12:45 pm to 4:30 pm�Teaching fee: $20�Materials fee: $45�Students will explore rib construction with willow�framework. Students will learn how to manipu-�late the ribs to accommodate the frame. Rib con-�struction will be examined and approached in an�easy to understand fashion�

NOTE: You are not required to take the Walking�Stick Basket in order to take this class, but if you�choose to take this class without the other, rib�basketry experience is a must since this basket�will NOT be completed in class. This is only a�1/2 day class to get you set up. We will be creat-�ing the rib framework – drilling and gluing into�wood and getting the foundation laid. Your mate-�rials fee includes all the material you need to�complete the weaving on your own.�

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Announcements�Sunday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm�Teaching fee: $35�Materials fee: $35�Using linen, copper, and other wires students will�learn the technique of Looping. Students will�work on several small projects that can be used�as necklaces, small sculptures, or other jewelry.�There will be many options for shape and design.�Driftwood, rocks, found objects, tumbled glass�and recycled items can be used both as molds�and as a unique part of these pieces. Although�there will be plenty to choose from, students are�encouraged to bring their own personal found�objects. Students will have the opportunity to�start several pieces and use both wire and soft�fibers to loop with.�

LOOPED JEWELRY�

On May 29, 2009 the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History opens a new exhibition,�Navajo Weaving:�Diamonds, Dreams, Landscapes�. The textiles included are from the Museum’s Joe Ben Wheat Southwestern Textile�Collection, considered to be one of the world’s best collections of Navajo textiles. Most of these textiles have never�been exhibited. This is an exceptional opportunity for the public to learn more about the collection and the Museum’s�efforts to preserve textiles for future generations�.�

“Diamonds And Beyond” (May 29 - October 1, 2009)�

The first installation will include vibrant textiles in both color and design and will focus on the diamond�motif commonly woven into Navajo weavings. Emphasis will be on the contemporary weaver’s approach to�design and the design elements and their arrangement within each textile. Conversations with contemporary�Navajo weavers and artists will add a personal note. Beyond the diamonds a few surprises await.�

Exhibition :�BAC Hagnauer Gallery May 22nd - June 27th Opening May 22 5-8:00 pm�

Gallery Talk :�Lin Fife - Exhibition Curator Thursday, June 4th 5-6:30pm includes wine & appetizers�

Workshop :�Creating Artists' Books with Lin Fife This three-part workshop will acquaint participants with various stab-�binding techniques for artists' books. The important Friday evening creative-planning session includes exam-�ples of finished books and instructions/preparations for the books and covers that will be made on Saturday.�The Saturday sessions will be spent making the covers and preparing/assembling pages within them. Every-�one should complete a book or journal with blank pages for future use. All materials and supplies are in-�cluded in the $20 materials fee, bring any special papers, fabrics or embellishments for possible inclusion in�your book. Bring a bag lunch and drinks for Saturday, as no formal lunch break is scheduled.�Friday, June 12 6-8pm / Saturday, June 13 9am-4pm�Workshop Fee : $80 + $20 supply fee. Ages: Teens & Adults�Business of Art Center Paper Studio�To Register: Contact Dale Mueller Smith, 685.1861x23�dsmith@thebac.org� or visit the BAC.�

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Guild Business by Emily Jones�PPWG BUSINESS MEETING, MAY 8, 2009�Linda Shaffer called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. The April 10, 2009 minutes were approved as read.�Kudos were given to Dottie Weir for her role as judge at the May Fiesta Art Festival in Albuquerque, NM.�Dottie will also be a judge at the Taos Wearable Art and Home Wool Festival show in the fall at Taos, NM.�Linda S. announced food and beverages are allowed in the business meeting but not allowed around the show�and tell tables or during programs. Carol Wilkinson and Emily Jones will audit the treasurer’s books in June.�Beverly Weaver will conduct an inventory for the library prior to turning the position over to the new librari-�ans. Weldon Walker reported the spinning workshop and the waulking with Norman Kennedy was very suc-�cessful. The Melissa Weaver Dunning 3 day workshop on 18�th� and 19�th� Century Linens scheduled September�8-10, 2009 now has the required 12 participants with eight spaces available. The workshop will be a round�robin workshop using linens and cottons. The cost of the workshop is $170.00 plus materials with a $60.00�deposits required at sign-up. Please fill out the registrations forms and return them to Weldon during today’s�meeting. Weldon will get drafts and list of materials to the participants by July. Melissa Weaver Dunning�will present Historical Fabric along with some of her historical weaving songs for the September guild pro-�gram.�Barb Byerly reported the financial status:� Balance Forward $14,858.80� Income, less expense - 31.23� Closing Balance 14,827.57� Vanguard 4,289.97�Dottie W. supplied membership forms requesting dues by June 1, 2009, explaining that the membership year�is from June 1, 2009 through May 31, 2010. Dottie introduced new members and guests. As a reminder, Wel-�don W. discussed the June 6, 2009 Rockledge Ranch Shearing Day requesting all demonstrators to arrive at�8:30 a.m. For further information or questions, please contact Beth Garrison. Catie Kiley asked members to�take their mugs home after the meeting today and gave her thanks for all the food provided. All supplies used�for beverages will be stored at Weldon W. for the summer. Maria Robinson offered to help coordinate hospi-�tality next year. Discussion followed regarding how to proceed with the hospitality position next year. Robin�Wilton suggested using the alphabet theme for providing food. Susan Bowman requested that everyone bring�his or her own mug to each meeting next year. Linda S. suggested a sign up sheet for bringing food includ-�ing set up and clean up before and after the meetings. emma greek offered to be the hospitality chairperson in�addition to her new job as a librarian, but Bev Weaver stated that the majority of the time needed for hospi-�tality conflicts with the time she would be needed in the library area. A tentative decision of using the alpha-�bet system and Maria Robinson’s help with coordination will be pursued for next year. Beverly W.�announced the Peter Collingwood book�Ply Split Braiding� was purchased for the library with some of the�money collected from the raffle. There are a few more�Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot� issues still available for�purchase. Heather Hubbard donated a CD of ribbon samples from the West Illinois University Library to the�guild library. Following the raffle, Barb B. announced the total amount collected from the raffle and going�into the library fund was $354.00. Linda Shaffer recognized the officers on the executive board and the�standing committee chairpersons for all the support given to her over the past two years of her presidency.�Judi Arndt announced for the nominating committee the following slate of officers for June 1, 2009 through�May 31, 2010:� President Susan Bowman� 1�ST� Vice-President Weldon Walker� 2�ND� Vice-President Ellen Alderson� Treasurer Emily Jones� Recording Secretary Deb Greer� Membership Secretary Dottie Weir�

Continued on next page.�

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Guild Business by Emily Jones (cont.)� Committee chairpersons:� Website Jane Rock� Newsletter Doreen McLaughlin� Major Workshop Heidi Bates� Library emma greek & Debra Scott� Yearbook Marisa McMillen� Advertising emma greek� Demonstrations Beth Garrison & Barb Byerly� Publicity Deb Lane� Samples Robin Wilton� Hospitality�Robin Wilton made a motion that we accept by acclamation the slate of officers and committee chairpersons.�The motion was seconded and passed. Announcements: Robin W. circulated a sign up sheet for weaving,�spinning or dyeing samples for the upcoming year. Volunteers for the children’s tent at Estes Park are still�being encouraged for June 13-14, 2009 at the Estes Park Wool Festival. Heidi Bates circulated a form for in-�put from members with their suggestions for the major workshop. Susan B. asked that members bring ideas�to the September 2009 business meeting on the guild’s focus for 2009/2010. Gail Necker announced there is�one opening still available at the Colorado Basketmakers Guild 3-day workshop series with Mary Hettmen-�sperger. Sally Kuhn announced that Colorado Weaver’s Day is May 16, 2010. This event is located at the�Glenn Miller Ballroom at CU near the end of the exhibit of the Navajo textiles from the Joe Van Wheat Col-�lection at CU. More information will be available at the September guild meeting. Weldon W. presented�Linda S. with a gift from the guild to show our appreciation for a job well done as president of the guild over�the past two years. After show and tell, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.�

PPWG Board Update from Susan Bowman� Anne Vickrey Evans agreed to be co-librarian with Debra Scott for the coming year; emma greek had�to resign, as she will be going to Sweden for 6 months to attend a weaving school.  Thanks a lot Anne for�stepping in!  Anne and Debra live in Woodland Park and Monument, respectively, and with weather condi-�tions, travel schedules, etc, may not be able to be at the church by 9:00 am on some meeting days, so those of�us that arrive early will need to fill in when that happens, which won't be a problem.  � With emma’s resignation, a new Advertising Chairperson is needed. Advertising income of approxi-�mately $700 per year helps offset operating expenses related to things like the web site server, programs and�church rental. This equates to about $9 per member that doesn’t need to be added to membership dues.�

What’s Involved When You Are The Advertising Chairperson?�A standard letter and list of potential advertisers is already available, making this ultra easy for whoever vol-�unteers. The new Chairperson can decide whether to call, mail, or drop off information to potential advertis-�ers. Checks are forwarded to the treasurer and ad copy is sent to the newsletter and directory editors.�Simplification is encouraged! Most of the work is completed by August 20�th� (deadline for Sept Newsletter)�since advertisers have generally paid by then for an entire year’s worth of advertising. A few one-time only�ads may come up during the year. Please contact me or other board members to volunteer.�

For those of you new to the board, our usual way of organizing for the upcoming year is to have a�board meeting over lunch sometime late in the summer.  I'm looking at setting it up during the first two�weeks of August, and in July will email out several  possible meeting dates to find the best fit for�schedules. Also, in order for our treasurer, Emily, to get a budget together by September, she will be looking�for proposed budgets from board members a week before the meeting.�

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The PPWG scholarship application deadline is currently stated in  the Standing Rules as  the date of�the September meeting.  Having only one deadline per guild year to submit an application may be overly�restrictive,  since Convergence and  regional conference workshops  are typically announced later in the�year.  This topic will be discussed at the September 11, 2009 guild meeting along with the other Bylaw/�Standing Rules changes from earlier this year. If you are unable to attend the guild meeting, but want to give�the board feedback on having two PPWG scholarship deadlines per year, or the other suggested bylaw�changes, please send an email to either Linda, LindaLShaffer@msn.com, or Susan, susbowman@aol.com,�prior to the meeting.�

PPWG Scholarship�

Spring 2010 Workshop�I'm in charge of the workshop for the guild this year and I would like to ask for ideas from you the members�of the guild.  I passed around a sheet at the last meeting, but know that not everybody got to sign it and not�everybody was at that meeting.  I'm looking at all possibilities for the workshop that is usually held in Febru-�ary to April of 2010.   I'm considering  weaving, spinning, and dyeing.   Please email me at�babyweave@msn.com� with your suggestions.  �Thank you,�Heidi Bates�babyweave@msn.com�

Fall 2009 Workshop�There are still 6-8 places open in the September workshop with Melissa Weaver-Dunning.�The work shop�will be on 18�th� and 19�th� century household linens. There are many beautiful linen patterns from this time pe-�riod that were woven by professional and home weavers alike. Every weaver with an interest in historical�weaving should try linen! This workshop will be a round robin and each intrepid weaver will sample Bron-�son, Huck, M's & O's, Dimity and three kinds of Twill in linen and in cotton. We will learn about linen fin-�ishing and distressing, as well as an efficient 18�th� century warping and beaming technique. Students are�expected to arrive at the class with their looms already dressed, having been provided with drafts and materi-�als in advance. The cost of the three day class will be $170 and there will be an additional materials cost of�$25-40. The cost of class does include continental breakfast and lunch each day. Please contact Weldon�Walker if you are interested in attending at�corancher1999@yahoo.com� or 719-440-2080. A $60 deposit will�be necessary to hold your place in the workshop. Since we would like to get all the drafts out but July so�participants can get their supplies early please sign up quickly. Hope to see you there!!!�

HGA Convergence�The Handweaver’s Guild of America (HGA) has announced Albuquerque, New Mexico as the location of the�2010 Convergence. The theme will be “New Visions: Ancient Paths”. The event is scheduled for July 18-25.�There are going to be four HGA exhibits: Small Expressions, Enchanted Yardage, Eye Dazzlers, and Walk in�Beauty. For more information about these exhibits, and other Convergence related events, please visit the�HGA web site (http://www.weavespindye.org).�

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Hospitality�

Sample Schedule for 2009-2010�We need volunteers for weaving, dyeing, and spinning samples for the newsletter. Hopefully we will always�have a weaving, spinning, and dyeing sample for each newsletter.�As you can see there are still some holes�left in the sign up sheet.  If we don't have volunteers, then won't have samples that month. If you would like�to volunteer please let Robin Wilton know (�weavinglady@aol.com�).�

For weaving, we need two (2) samples (6” x 6” minimum, 8” x 10.5” maximum). For spinning we need two�(2) samples which need to be butterflies approximately 4 yards long. The two (2) dyeing samples may be on�fiber or handwoven cloth. So the size of the sample will depend on the media.�

Doreen McLaughlin will be scanning the samples for the newsletter. These need to be delivered at the meeting�the month before they are to appear in the newsletter, or mailed to her. After scanning, she will bring the�samples to the guild meeting to be placed in the sample notebooks in the library.�

Your weaving, spinning, and dyeing descriptions need to be given, mailed, or emailed to the newsletter editor,�Doreen McLaughlin (doreen@divide.net). Robin will print the descriptions from the newsletter for the sample�notebooks in the library. If you have other information for the sample notebooks, please give it to Robin at a�meeting.�

SAMPLES SCHEDULE 2009/2010:�

Month� Month Due� Weaving� Spinning� Dyeing� Sept Aug Edna Devai� Oct Sept Jan Seltman Deb Greer� Nov Oct Bev Weaver Bev Weaver� Dec Nov Robin Wilton Deb Greer� Jan Dec Doreen McLaughlin Siv Nelson� Feb Jan Patty Butler� Mar Feb� Apr Mar Carol Wilkinson Heidi Bates� May Apr� June May�

Maria Robinson has offered to help coordinate hospitality�next year.�Susan Bowman has requested that everyone bring his or her�own mug to each meeting next year.�Editor’s note: A great summer project would be to weave up�your own very special PPWG refreshment bag or tote!�Robin Wilton has suggested using the alphabet theme for�providing food.�To allow for more discussion on this change, Linda has sug-�gested a sign up sheet for bringing food for next year, in-�cluding set up and clean up before and after the meetings.�We need people to sign up to bring snacks. Please contact�Maria at (719) 392-3007 or (�eduvijinia@hotmail.com�).�

Sep 2009 -�Susan Bowman, Bev Weaver�

Oct 2009�

Nov 2009�

Dec 2009�

Jan 2010�

Feb 2010�

Mar 2010�

Apr 2010�

May 2010�

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8-10 Sep 2009� Fall Workshop�11 Sep 2009� Melissa Weaver Dunning on historical weaving�11 Sep 2009� PPWG Scholarships due�9 Oct 2009�13 Nov 2009�Robin Wilton on teaching weaving�13 Nov 2009� Inkle weaving afternoon workshop�11 Dec 2009�Holiday party�8 Jan 2010� Judi Arndt on African textiles�12 Feb 2010�12 Mar 2010�9 Apr 2010�14 May 2010�PPWG End-of-year luncheon�18-21 Jul 2010� Complex Weavers Seminar�18-25 Jul 2010�HGA Convergence�

The Pikes Peak Weavers' Guild meets the second Friday of each month from September through May at the�Mountain View Church of Christ�,� 1080 E. LaSalle St at Paseo in Colorado Springs, CO. Come for coffee,�socializing and library time at 9:00 am.�

The business meeting starts at 9:30 and the program begins at 11 AM.�

Meetings and Events for 2009-2010�

PPWG Calendar�

Officers:�President Susan Bowman�1st Vice President Weldon Walker�2nd Vice President Ellen Alderson�Treasurer Emily Jones�Recording Secretary Deb Greer�Membership Secretary Dottie Weir�Past President Linda Shaffer�

S�tanding Committee Chairpersons:�

Advertising�Demonstrations Beth Garrison, Barb Byerly�Announcements� and Yearbook Marisa McMillen�Hospitality Maria Robinson�Library Anne Vickrey Evans,� Debra Scott�Newsletter Doreen McLaughlin�Publicity Deb Lane�Samples Robin Wilton�Website Jane Rock�Workshop Heidi Bates�

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Gypsy Wools�Barb Day�

Unique Yarns and�Spinning Fibers�

Hand-Dyed and Natural Colors�Natural Fibers�

Rugs�Handmade Tools�

303-442-1884�fibergypsy@comcast.net�

1227 Spruce�Boulder, CO 80302�

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Deadline For Next Issue:�the 20th day�of the current month.�

Advertising Rates:�Business card $10.00�¼ page $15.00�½ page $20.00�Full page $30.00�

Classified Ads:�

$5.00 for 25 words�25 cents each additional word�

Digital or electronic submission to:�PPWGuild@aol.com�

PPWG�PO Box 8104�Colorado Springs, CO 80933-8104�