January

2013—ISSUE 05
JANUARY
The Gazette of the
President’s Message
IN THIS ISSUE:

Dear Fellow Members,
President’s Message
Happy holidays to you all! We are now at the end of a very enjoyable and accomplished 2012, and
to start an
 ready
Program Lineup
eventful 2013.

2013 Annual
Our holiday party was fun and so many members participated. It was lovely to celebrate with Ruth Betz, whoExhibit
had just
An-been
honored by the city (see the article below). As part of the fun, Tiffany with my assistance, initiated a knittingnouncement
project that
also could be done by crocheting, which wouldn’t have worked without the help of Mary McDermott. The
aim
was to
 Classified
learn the technique for making a ruffled scarf. Our talented group, with their nimble fingers and textile skills enjoyed the
 Winter 2013
challenge and quickly found new ways of creating the samples.
Classes
&
IN THIS
ISSUE
I wish that I had been able to see what everyone made and brought. What I was able
to see was impressive. Mawusi Simmons showed us her gamp, among other weavings; not
easy to do but worth our trying it. Another surprise came from Eleanor Sayre who has been
following an independent study with Maryanne McDevitt using a text with assignments for
each chapter. The book is ZATI The art of weaving a life by Susan Barrett Merrill. The pieces
Eleanor brought – an amulet and woven bowl – were unique and well executed, as Eleanor
and Maryanne are coming to the end of their study. Although these members are mentioned,
so many members have outstanding work. I hope to highlight them in the coming months.
At the party, members who had not yet met Shannah Warwick saw different samples
of her silk and cotton pieces that demonstrated dye-resist. Shannah had recently taught our
silk dyeing class using the technique of potato dextrin resist. Those of us who attended can’t
wait to apply what we learned. Shannah is now a member of the guild and we hope to engage
her in more classes. We’re even contemplating a study group for different resists.
Schedules


 2013 Entry Form
President’s Message
 Ruth Betz honCelebration
Fiber
Exoredoffor
knitted
donations
hibit

 Study Groups
Classifieds

Upcoming guild Meeting
Programs

Ruth Betz Honored

Study Group

Winter 2013 Classes &
As we start the new year please register to take advantage of our classes and workWorkshops
shops with outstanding instructors. The upcoming first class by Nicholas Thaete, a member of
the guild, will follow his talk on chair caning at the January 3rd meeting. Register either with  2013 Entry Form for Annual Exhibit
Nicholas directly or with Caroline. Please see the calendar and set up further classes accordingly. I know that you’ll enjoy them.
Have a happy and healthful New Year,
Kathy Selbst
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Classifieds
Celebration of Fibers Exhibit
Be a part of the annual showcase of PGHW members’ talents.
Our Celebration of Fibers annual member exhibit is just three
months away, March 22 – 30, 2013. The committee is looking forward to a great exhibit as they begin promotion to attract a larger
audience. The jurors, Claudia Mills and Melissa Maddonni-Haims
are committed and excited. Are you ready?
If you have equipment, yarns, fiber, books, etc that you would like to sell or are wanting to buy , please send an e-mail ad to Pam Pawl by the 15th the month. Your ad
will run for two months in the Gazette free of charge. After two months, you will need
to renew your ad if your item hasn’t sold. Also , please let Pam know if you item HAS
sold so she can update her listings. Send all listings to pam@pampawltextiles.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE OR
WANTED……
Be a part of the PGHW showcase, as we continue the tradition
of presenting all areas of the fiber arts spectrum our membership Two Macomber Looms for sale. First has 12-shafts (with room for 4
more), 54-56 inch weaving width, 70” wide overall: $2,000, OBO.
works in. All members are encouraged to submit recent, favorite,
Second is Baby Mac with 6 shafts: $700, OBO. Both include
and most satisfying works.
benches. Complete contents of weaving studio also available. Pick
The 2013 entry form is published in this month’s Gazette, and up in Eastern Pennsylvania. For more info, call JoAnn: 484-5248587
will be repeated next month. This year there is no entry limit and
the fee is $5.00 per entry. The deadline for receiving the entry form
is Wednesday, February 27. Please note the deadline date, we can’t
emphasize it enough. The entry deadline is very important to the
committee to allow time for exhibit preparation. We need and use
your entry form information as the basis to prepare and print the
exhibit guide booklet, wall plaques, juror’s forms, etc. Late entries
will be accepted (providing there is available exhibit space) until
Friday, March 8th, accompanied with a late fee of $10.00 per entry.
40 " AVL Loom. Perfect condition, A joy to weave on.
Come visit and weave on the loom.
Call Nancy Rovin, 610- 896-6594 imwarped@earthlink.net
AVL Compu- dobby For Sale by a fiber artist and retired professor
in the art department at Georgia State University, who is reducing
the size of her studio. In very good condition. 48 inch, 16 harness,
The entry form accommodates for two pieces to be entered.
Additional forms may be used to enter more than 2 pieces, please 2 warp beams with individual tension control, automatic cloth advance and lots of accessories, reeds etc. I still have the mechanical
staple all forms together. We also request a photo of your piece(s)
to be sent with entry forms. This is to help us know what is coming dobby head and will include that if desired. It is like the A-series,
except this loom has a built in rocker bench. It is in beautiful conin, and is a great help in conceptualizing how we will hang the
dition. Outside dimensions: 66" wide including dobby head, 65" deep
show. (Printed on home printer is fine, this does not need to be a
including bench and 70" high. The loom will need to be partially
photo of highest quality)
dismantled (I can help purchaser.) and picked up from my studio in
The drop off day for the exhibit will be Wednesday, March 20. central NJ – near enough to NY, Eastern PA, DE.
In an effort encourage and make participation accessible for those
who have moved away from the Philadelphia area, Bette McCarron I am asking $4,000, or best offer. New, this loom is selling for over
$12,000.
has graciously offered to receive shipped items and drop them off
to the Guild. She will then see to their return. UPS, FedEx and
Please call 908.328.2096 for more information or email
USPS all deliver to her address. If you plan to ship your item(s) to
Bette, PLEASE ship allowing for a delivery date by Monday, March sally.reiss@gmail.com.
18th to ensure her time to deliver items to the exhibit site. Contact 16 Harness 24” LeCLerc Diana computerized Dobby loom. Can be
her at bettemccarron@yahoo.com to make arrangements.
used as a table model or with its stand. Extra double warp beam. 3
Last year we had a record number of entries. Can we keep
SS reeds. 1000 inserted eye heddles.. Like new. The loom and stand
that level of participation, or top it? Of course we can! We all repre- weigh 55 lbs and can ship UPS from Florida. $2000.00 plus shipsent the Guild and should all proudly display our work for all to
ping . Contact Pam Pawl 215 483-7157
see.
pam@pampawltextiles.com
Please consider volunteering to help with the exhibit. We will
need individuals for the standards committee, installation committee, to check in entries, and hosts for exhibit hours. A complete
listing of volunteer needs and sign-up options will be listed in the
February issue of the Gazette.
Please refer to Page 7 for the Registration Form.
GAZETTE DEADLINE:
Submissions for the monthly Gazette is the 15th of the month. February
2013 Gazette—Information is DUE by January 15, 2013. NO EXCEPTIONS PLEASE! Thank You. After 1/15-1/17, you may check for space
availability. Please Send all submissions directly to:
pghgazette@gmail.com. Please do not send through Google+ documents. IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST be in a format
that is easily copied/pasted. Html formats are very difficult and are not very
adaptable. Please consider using Word .doc format or even Notepad format.
Thank you for your help—it will help save time in the long run.
Attention Members!
We would love to know what you are up to!
The Gazette is a great way to let the members know what you are doing. It is
fun to visit other weavers to show support as they get their work out to the public.
After all, we are a unique community of artists. So, let everyone know what you are
up to and send the information to Marianne Eshleman pghgazette@gmail.com
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about color, texture and movement. She finds that
fiber has unlimited possibilities and directly relates to
her experience and knowledge of painting, printmaking, pottery, basketry, jewelry and graphics. Carol
enjoys exploring the physical process of making felt,
as well as the materials used. Whether she is working with wool, cloth, stitches, yarn, or paint, she always feels excited watching the magical progression
from a tiny fiber of wool to a decorative fabric.
UPCOMING GUILD MEETING PROGRAMS
(All on Thursdays)
January 3, 2013
CHAIR CANING & RUSH: Nicolas Thaete
PGHW member Nicholas Thaete will discuss with us
the various weaves and the process of reweaving a
seat. He will give a historical perspective on the
time-honored tradition as well. Nick has been chair
caning and rushing for 32 years. A five-week course
on caning, taught by Nick, will be offered in our
Spring 2013 class session. Please see Page 6 of this
Gazette for more information on his upcoming class.
She makes one-of-a-kind wall hangings, items for the
home, vessels, and wearables. Carol has participated
in group fiber exhibits as well as having a solo exhibit
at Wesleyan Potters in Middletown, CT. Her work can
be seen in Chris White’s book, Uniquely Felt, and the
new book, 500 Felted Objects.
February 7, 2013
IKAT WEAVING: Marcia Weiss
Recently, the distinctive ikat look has become a
popular design motif. Find out how that unique
look is created. Join us Thursday, February 7th
when we learn about the fascinating process of ikat
weaving from Professor Marcia Weiss, Coordinator
of the Textile Design Program at Philadelphia University. Marcia, also an accomplished weaver, received the Juror’s Choice Award for her double cloth
ikat art piece “Dialogue II” at the Handweavers
Guild of America’s Small Expressions 2012 Exhibit.
Join Professor Marcia Weiss on Friday, February 8th
for her Ikat Workshop at the Guild House. During
this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the
ikat process, applicable for both warp and filling
yarns. Students will learn the process for winding
yarns, creating and marking a pattern, and wrapping using a variety of materials. Following the
wrapping, students will dye their yarns using an
immersion technique. Students will leave the workshop with ikat dyed yarn that may be used in weaving as warp or filling yarn. Additionally, samples of
contemporary and historic ikat fabrics will be available for review and discussion.
THE RETURN OF CAROL INGRAM: Last year several members exhibited at our annual “Celebration of
Fibers” the projects that they created in a Felted Vessels Workshop taught by Carol Ingram. The response
was so overwhelming that we invited her back! She
will be the guest speaker at our March Members
Meeting, as well as teaching another Felted Vessels
Workshop. The workshop will be on Friday, March
8th and Saturday, March 9th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
on each day. The cost of the workshop is $130. Registrations should go through Maryann Laverty.
Workshop registration forms can be printed from our
website under the Education Section and forwarded
to Maryann Laverty. A supply list will be forwarded
once payment is received. Don’t miss out!
Ikat Workshop will be held on 2/8/12 from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m., the cost is $55.00. Register with Amoi
Goldman at agchipster@gmail.com or 610-3484150. Registration forms can be printed from our
website. Participants will provide their own yarn for
this process. Contact Amoi for complete supply list.
March 7, 2013
FELTED VESSELS: Carol Ingram
Sculptural Vessels — classical, complex, organic vessels or hollow forms can be created several ways depending on the desired result. Students can either
bring in a sketch of a desired form or work with a basic round shape that will transform itself through individual experimentation. Discussion of felting over a
round form (inflatable ball) as well as over a resist
Carol started making felt after taking a vessel workshop in 2005 with feltmaker Chris White. Since
then, she has studied with other internationally
known feltmakers, and her pieces have appeared in
several fiber publications. Her work is primarily
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RUTH BETZ—
HONORED FOR KNITTED DONATIONS
By
Maryanne McDevitt
Dear Mrs. Betz:
In praise of good people who give of themselves, share their insights, and
make our hearts so grateful!
For many years now, talented
Guild member, Ruth Betz, has
been giving generously to outreach projects supported by
PGHW. She was one of the
top donors of Hats for Hospice for many years, while
Doris Kalan collected them
for the Wissahickon Hospice. Later, when we adopted the
Warmth in Winter project for homeless children in Philadelphia, Ruth kept right on going. Her efforts on behalf of
Warmth in Winter are unsurpassed.
Over the years, we have received thanks from Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown for our Guild’s efforts,
but I felt that it was important for her to be aware of how
much our effort is due to Ruth, so I asked for her to be recognized individually.
This year, Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown did just
that! She recognized Ruth with a beautiful letter, which
Kathy Selbst read out loud at the holiday potluck in December and I mailed to Ruth. It read:
Greetings! I want to offer my thanks and gratitude for your
overwhelming generosity in support of our Warmth in Winter
drive. Each year the Philadelphia Guild of Hand Weavers
demonstrates their craft and produces a wonderful assortment of hats, gloves, scarves and mittens for our city’s homeless youth. For the past 10 years, you have been the Guild’s
shining star, producing the majority of the knitted accessories.
I applaud the efforts of you and the Guild for your
continued demonstration of generosity. Richard L. Evans
once said: “Children will not remember you for the material
things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished
them.” You have truly shown how much you cherish our
youth.
In Service,
Blondell Reynolds-Brown
Councilwoman-At-Large
*****
I could not have wished for a better letter! Thanks, Ruth, for
continuing to be your wonderful self, and thanks for making
our Guild look so generous and talented.
NATURAL DYE STUDY GROUP
SPINNING STUDY GROUP
A study group for natural dyes is being formed with the guild’s dye garden as the centerpiece. The group will make dye samples from plants
grown in the garden, along with other collected material, using the full
range of mordants and dye additives. The results will be collected in a
binder for the library shelves. Garden maintenance will also be part of
this study group’s activities. Email Duane if you are interested at:
moral.fiber@iname.com
The daytime spinning study group continues to meet on the 3rd Friday
of the month at the Guild Bldg from 10-1. Fleece has been carded and
we are busy spinning and comparing the commercially prepared fibers
to the home processed version. We have also been sharing experiences
from different fiber related events & enjoying the month of Wovember!
Please come & share what you have been spinning or hope to spin. With
an option now for day or evening spinning, we hope everyone who
wants to gets a chance for some focused time at the wheel or spindle.
CLASSIFIED AD SPACE IN NEWSLETTERS
10% OFF FOR 3 OR MORE ADS
Have something you want to ‘advertise’ in the Gazette? Let us know! Now
20% OFF FOR AN ANNUAL AD SUBSCRIPTION (10 ISSUES)
accepting ads for the lower half of the back cover.
SEND YOUR COMMITMENT EMAIL FOR ADVERTISING STATING
WHAT SIZE AND ISSUE QUANTITY TO:
Items (announcements/ads) must be fiber arts related services, events, etc
Pghgazette@gmail.com (Marianne Eshleman)
Space for ad is the back cover (mailer side)
Ads print black & white (grayscale) in print version; color in .pdf for eGazette
Fee: 1/2 page $50; 1/4 page $30
♥DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISING:♥
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Submit your classified ad; you will then receive a bill from our Treasurer.
WINTER 2013 CLASSES & SCHEDULES 215-646-3009
10am - 4pm - only one day needed, choose another
day..
I hope you enJOY the vast selection of fun, fiberous
Class Offerings our Guild teachers will be bringing to You've always wanted to weave but it may have
seemed beyond you, or you've tried weaving with
you in the months ahead. Rather than just
primitive off-loom techniques, but want to take the
“preaching to the choir,” maybe you may consider
process further. Here's your chance to weave a scarf
inviting an office-mate, relative or pal to join you in
discovering a new fiber-technique together. We are in one day! Using looms which have already been
a gem, let’s shine with others as our fingers manipu- warped for you, you will learn how to weave and
complete the scarf in a day. You will walk out with a
late fibers and our soul feels warm & fuzzy!
beautiful scarf to wear (or gift - if you can bear to
Feel free to call me with info, further classes or
part with it!) Choose either Friday, Feb 1 or Saturideas...
day, Feb 2. but hurry, class size is limited. Go to our
See you in class!”
Caroline Maw-Deis website and download the class registration form so
you can be assured of your place.
Education Coordinator for Guild Classes
♥WEAVING on a RIGID HEDDLE LOOM♥
Mondays; February 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18
♥CHAIR-CANING / SEAT WEAVING♥
6:30 - 9:30 PM
5 Wednesdays: January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6,
Instructor: Maryanne McDe2013
vitt, Mctiggs@verizon.net 215-646-3009
6:30 - 8:30
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Nick Thaete, 215 438-2799
$95 member, $110 non-member
Learn the craft of the 7 steps of caning. Bring chair
You don’t have to invest a lot of money in weaving
first night. Materials will be available.
equipment to start weaving. A rigid heddle loom is a
Course Fee: $110 members; $125 non-members
simple frame loom that allows you to weave anything
from wall hangings to scarves. It is sometimes called
a Knitters loom because it can accommodate bulky
♥KNITTING SOCKS♥
or novelty yarns. This type of loom folds and takes
Saturday, January 12, 2013
up very little space. See the Flip loom and Cricket
12:00 - 4:00
looms at www.schachtspindle.com.
Instructor: Sara McLaughThere are many projects to choose from and one
lin
sara.mclaughlin@gmail.com 917-816-4883
project can be completed in 2 weeks.
Course fee: $50 members/$65 non-members
Looms are available for rent or you are also welcome
Materials fee to instructor = $12 or contact instructor
to bring your own.
for details
257 Woodlawn Terrace
Collingswood, NJ 08108
♥WEAVING 1♥
Socks aren't as scary as you may think! You'll learn
Tuesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5 & 12, 2013
sock terminology (instep, gusset, etc.) and we'll
6:00-9:00pm
work on a pair of simple baby socks. You'll be able
Instructor: Nancy Shiffrin; 610-649-6209
to finish a sock, if not a pair in our four hours toCourse Fee: $195 members; $210 non-members
gether and the skills are easily translatable to adult
socks - you just do it bigger! This is open to anyone Experience the joy of making cloth. During this
with basic knitting skills and the knowledge of how to course, you’ll learn how to wind a warp, dress a
loom, read instructions, and weave a sampler of variknit in the round.
Sara McLaughlin has been involved with knitting and ous weave structures. By your last class, you’ll understand how a loom works and be able to begin
fiber for over ten years. While, professionally she
your own projects. All
works as an Architectural Historian, she moonlights
equipment and materials supplied.
as a knitting instructor to feed her love for the
color and design due to its warp faced structure comarts! Sara has been teaching knitting for over 7
bined with the use of thick and thin yarns. Learn to
years in both New York City (Knit New York) and
design a Rep Weave Hanging or runner of your own
Philadelphia (Rosie's Yarn Cellar and Philly Art Cenoriginal creation. We will review block drafting to creter), has designed her own patterns, and has knit
ate a colorful warp and a weaving plan, and then imsweaters for Barney's New York.
plement our design from start to finish. The first sessions will be for planning our projects and the
♥WALK IN & WEAVE♥
teacher will help you order the yarns to be used for
Friday, Feb 1 or Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013 Instructor:
the rest of the class.
Maryanne McDevitt, mctiggs@verizon.net
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♥HAND LOOM-KNITTING CLASS ♥
Donna Streets, 215-844-2712
cell 267-970-7473, donmarie@fast.net
♥WARP REP PROJECT CLASS♥
Tuesdays, March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, & 23
6:00-9:00pm
Instructor: Nancy Shiffrin; 610-649-6209
4 Days: March 16, April 13, 20, 21—2013
Course Fee: $195 members; $210 non-members
Do you own a knitting machine? Is it tucked under
Warp Rep, or Ripsmatta, allows for large areas of
your bed or packed away because you’re not sure
color and design due to its warp faced structure comhow to work it? Then this is your opportunity to learn
bined with the use of thick and thin yarns. Learn to
how it works. In this class we will review the features
design a Rep Weave Hanging or runner of your own
of a knitting machine, learn how to make a gauge
swatch, read a machine knit pattern and change the original creation. We will review block drafting to
create a colorful warp and a weaving plan, and then
pattern so it can be knit on your machine as we
implement our design from start to finish. The first
make a baby sweater. Class size 5 students maximum with their own knitting machines. Arrangesessions will be for planning our projects and the
ments can be made to rent a machine for a fee for
teacher will help you order the yarns to be used for
those who want to learn, but do not own a machine. the rest of the class.
Lesson 1: Review the features of a knitting machine,
learn machine knitting terminology,
learn to read a machine knit pattern
MOVIE NIGHT AT THE GUILD?
Lesson 2. Knit a gauge swatch, convert stitches and
It's been suggested that we have occasional "movie
rows to knit on your machine.
nights" at the Guild - movies on art, artists, art techLessons 3 and 4. Learn the techniques needed to knit
niques, or just artful movies! Come when you can, ena baby sweater, knit the sweater
joy a great film, share an evening of fun and
and if time permits, begin a second project of the
conversation with fellow Guild members. Is this an
student’s choice.
activity that would interest you? Please let us know
Cost: $100 members, $115 non-members
your thoughts Contact Maris Krasnegor
(mariskra@gmail.com)
projects, you will learn to adapt weaving
patterns such as those found in the Davison Pattern
Book, or on www.handweaving.net.
The teacher will demonstrate weaving software on
her laptop, and any student who has
one can also bring it to class.
♥DRAFTING WEAVE STRUCTURES, Levels 1 & 2♥
Two sessions of 4 Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 pm
Sign up for each class separately:
Level 1, April 4, 11, 18, & 25
Level 2, May 2, 9, 16, & 23
Instructor: Nancy Shiffrin, nancyshiffrin@gmail.com,
610-649-6209
Course Fee: $99 members, $115 non-members
Suggested Text: The Complete Book of Drafting for
Handweavers by Madelyn Van Der Hoogt
Level 1: Improve your knowledge of Weaving Structures by learning how to
draft and
manipulate weave designs. You will start with
the basics by working
on graph paper to
learn about the different
parts of a weave draft
and how to create a
drawdown. You will
draft a variety of
weaves with the three
primary weave classifications; those based on
plain weave such basket and rib weaves, twills
and satins, and then move on to color
drafting. With the aim of designing your own
Level 2: In the second session of Drafting Weave
Structures, we will cover Block
drafting, also known as Profile Drafting. We will learn
to create Profile Drafts, which
are overall design plans for a weave. From there we
will create thread-by-thread drafts
of many weave structures to fit into our profile
drafts. Some of the many weaves that
we might discuss are Summer and Winter, Lace
Weaves, Turned Twill and Damask. An
understanding of profile drafting
will expand your design ability
and free you to create
your own original weavings. The
teacher will demonstrate weaving
software on her
laptop, and any student who has
one can also bring it to class.
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PGHW Gazette
c/o Marianne Eshleman
137 Timberwood Drive
Mountain Top, PA 18707
To:
Have a prosperous, safe, & noble journey through
your New Year.
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