This Saturday (22nd March 2008) we have the first of two dyeing workshops with our in-house dyeing guru Debbie Tomkies.
If you plan to take part in the workshop (free to members, small charge for non-members) please bring the following items:
A selection of undyed natural animal (protein ) fibres, preferably white but pale colours may be dyed too.
Luggage tags/ labels/ plant labels on string to identify your fibres when they are soaking in the buckets.
Net washing bags to hold unspun fibres.
Apron
Gloves
Pen and notebook
Small plastic bags to carry home damp fibre samples (sandwich/ freezer bags)
Old towel to dry your hands
Large old towel to protect the floor from dye stains!
Yarn sample packs containing a selection of protein-based yarns will be available on the day at £3.00 per pack from Debbie.
An accessory pack including isposable apron, gloves and small bags will also be available for 50p.
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Antique Textile Fair
Thank you to Flo, Jill and Pat who expertly maned (or wo-maned to be more accurate) the guild stand at the recent Antique Textile Fair in Manchester.
Saturday, 8 March 2008
Buttons in February
Guest blogger- Christina Craig
Workshop- Hand Made Buttons by Jethrotex Braidmakers
A fine time was had by all on our February workshop at the Guild when we learnt all about decorative buttons and made some beautiful examples. The day started with a talk from the Jethrotex Braidmakers who explained some of the history of decorative buttons, the bling of days gone by and an incredible status system for the wearer, mostly men! We were shown a variety of types of buttons including Leek (usually formed over a wooden circle), Dorset and Yorkshire which we attempted later in the day.
We began by using crochet cotton to form the spokes of a wheel on our plastic templates (see pic.) and then stitched round and round in circles to fill in the gaps until we had a pretty circle which was then taken off the template, stuffed and gathered to produce a cute round button.
I thought the finished buttons were extremely pretty and it was interesting to see how variegated yarns added an extra dimension to the piece. I’m not showing you mine though, perhaps pristine white thread wasn’t the best choice for a trial piece, it was pretty enough but not quite white when I’d finished, especially with fibres from my jumper mixed in! Even so, it was a lovely day and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.
As a new member of the guild, I have really enjoyed the warmth and friendliness of this group and am really looking forward to next month’s dyeing workshop. Watch this space!
(Thank you Christina for great photographs and an excellent write up :) Ali)
Workshop- Hand Made Buttons by Jethrotex Braidmakers
A fine time was had by all on our February workshop at the Guild when we learnt all about decorative buttons and made some beautiful examples. The day started with a talk from the Jethrotex Braidmakers who explained some of the history of decorative buttons, the bling of days gone by and an incredible status system for the wearer, mostly men! We were shown a variety of types of buttons including Leek (usually formed over a wooden circle), Dorset and Yorkshire which we attempted later in the day.
We began by using crochet cotton to form the spokes of a wheel on our plastic templates (see pic.) and then stitched round and round in circles to fill in the gaps until we had a pretty circle which was then taken off the template, stuffed and gathered to produce a cute round button.
I thought the finished buttons were extremely pretty and it was interesting to see how variegated yarns added an extra dimension to the piece. I’m not showing you mine though, perhaps pristine white thread wasn’t the best choice for a trial piece, it was pretty enough but not quite white when I’d finished, especially with fibres from my jumper mixed in! Even so, it was a lovely day and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.
As a new member of the guild, I have really enjoyed the warmth and friendliness of this group and am really looking forward to next month’s dyeing workshop. Watch this space!
(Thank you Christina for great photographs and an excellent write up :) Ali)
Longdraw January
Our first meeting of 2008 was almost full to the brim as you can see. It's just as well that we have now hired the largest of the two halls at Croft Village Hall otherwise we would have been spinning on each other's laps!The theme for this meeting was Longdraw spinning and we had our resident expert Val Bryant on hand to run our workshop and give her advice on how best to master this important method of spinning.
By the end of the day there were certainly a few converts. Thank you Val for a very enjoyable day.Monday, 3 March 2008
Programme 2008
Our programme of meetings for 2008:
January 26th:
Spinning long draw with Val Bryant
February 23rd:
Yorkshire Buttons
March 22nd:
Kool Aid and Procion dyeing with Debbie Tomkies
April 12/13th:
Workshop: Earthue Dyes with Debbie Tomkies (bookable)
April 26th:
Members day
May 24th:
Members’ day, silk paper with Judy Jones
June 28th:
Members day (Woolfest Weekend)
July 26th:
Water, Ice and Snow talk with Val Hughes
September 27th:
Members’ Day, Weaving with colour, Janet Philips
October 25/ 26th:
Bookable workshop with Jane Feltham (South American textiles)
November 23rd:
AGM/ Competition/ Christmas party
January 26th:
Spinning long draw with Val Bryant
February 23rd:
Yorkshire Buttons
March 22nd:
Kool Aid and Procion dyeing with Debbie Tomkies
April 12/13th:
Workshop: Earthue Dyes with Debbie Tomkies (bookable)
April 26th:
Members day
May 24th:
Members’ day, silk paper with Judy Jones
June 28th:
Members day (Woolfest Weekend)
July 26th:
Water, Ice and Snow talk with Val Hughes
September 27th:
Members’ Day, Weaving with colour, Janet Philips
October 25/ 26th:
Bookable workshop with Jane Feltham (South American textiles)
November 23rd:
AGM/ Competition/ Christmas party
Spinning and Weaving Demonstrations 2008
The North Cheshire Guild of Spinners Weavers and Dyers will be demonstrating spinning and weaving at the following events in 2008:
March 9th Antique Textile Fair Manchester
May 17th & May 18th Arley Horse Trials
May 31st & June 1st Tabley Country Fair
June TBA Knutsford Heritage Centre
June 17th & June 18th Cheshire Show
August 17th Peover Country Fair
September 28th Home Farm Tatton
(Guild weekend)
March 9th Antique Textile Fair Manchester
May 17th & May 18th Arley Horse Trials
May 31st & June 1st Tabley Country Fair
June TBA Knutsford Heritage Centre
June 17th & June 18th Cheshire Show
August 17th Peover Country Fair
September 28th Home Farm Tatton
(Guild weekend)
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