North Cheshire SWD

New Web Site

2011-05-23T16:16:00.004+01:00

The Guild's new web site now has all the latest information on meetings and workshops.

Magic Dyeing

2010-10-26T15:34:00.000+01:00

Our meeting this month was organised as a members’ day with the
focus on ‘magic’ dyeing led by Meryl Phillips.

Meryl explained that the procion MX dyes could be stored in
diluted form but would only remain active for a few hours once
the fixing solutions of salt and soda ash were added. Only
three primary dye colours were needed and they would progress
through the fabric at different rates, the turquoise fastest, the
gold medium and the red very slowly.

Squares of cotton fabric were concertina folded in a variety of
ways. They might be folded into squares, rectangles, triangles or
scrunched and twisted in different ways. The parcel of fabric
was secured with elastic bands before the dye was dripped on
randomly from a teaspoon. The results did not look promising at
this stage! ‘Parcels’ were then placed in plastic bags and left for
24 hours before rinsing in cold water.

Members who did not wish to join in with the focus on the day were
free to follow their own projects.

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Natural Dyeing

2010-10-04T22:22:00.013+01:00

The speaker at our September meeting was Helen Melvin (Fiery Felts) who spoke on natural dyeing. Beginning with her own early recollections of squeezing colour from crepe paper she enthralled us with the history of dyeing: from the earliest recognizable ‘dyed’ fragments from 30,000 years ago thought to be earth colours rubbed onto fabric, Queen Elizabeth the First’s remarks about ‘nasty, pernicious dye’ following poor attempts at a black to ‘modern’ colours from the other side of the world using eucalyptus.

Helen showed us vibrant examples of yarn and fabric dyed from plants in her garden which included coreopsis, cosmos, indigo, dyer’s chamomile and many others. Examples of a variety of techniques for dyeing fabrics such as silk were discussed. Sun dyeing in kilner jars, fabric rolled up with coins, rusty nails or different flower heads even burying fabric in the compost heap were among several exciting possibilities.

Helen makes wonderful landscapes of North Wales from dyed felt embellished with stitching and textiles. She displayed some of her work and sketchbooks.

New, this year, to the National Garden Scheme of gardens open for Charity Helen’s dye garden may be visited by groups. Contact Helen for details of the garden and dyeing courses at helenmelvin@fieryfelts.co.uk or find other gardens in the area through www.ngs.org.uk (North East Wales) Blaen Wern, Bodfari, Denbighshire, LL16 4BT

If you are in the ITV Wales area you may have seen Helen’s garden on ‘ Little Pieces of Paradise’ or the BBC children’s science programme ‘Nina and the Neurons’.

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Tablet Weaving

2010-07-31T16:38:00.000+01:00

Our July meeting was a talk and workshop on tablet (card) weaving by Guild members Chas Field and Sue Iddon.

Chas and Sue appeared on 'The One Show' on Friday July 23rd featuring their brave decision to have their long Viking locks cut off. The deed took place under the scissors of 'the Street Barber' at Hale Carnival in June and the money they have raised will go to the Little Princess charity who raise funds to provide young cancer sufferers with top quality wigs. If anyone else would like to sponsor them (they have raised £800..........wouldn't £1,000 be wonderful)! please get in touch with Chas or Sue.

Chas' talk provided a fascinating insight into the history of tablet weaving. Thought to date from the Iron Age, with an amazing variety of materials used to create the tablets, the craft provided decorative trimmings for garments. It was astonishing to learn that Vikings of high status had beautiful braid incorporating silk and silver.

So many intricate and colourful patterns can be created relatively easily and in no time at all Sue and Chas had us weaving stripes and chevrons on eight tablets with simple equipment.

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Celebration Day for the Life of Joan Marsland

2010-05-31T19:37:00.003+01:00

Guest Speaker: Sue Lawty

Following a eulogy about Joan’s life from Marjorie Tomsett and Joan’s niece Judette, who had come over from New Zealand, we were off on a whirling magic carpet ride through Sue Lawty’s life and work.

We visited a young Sue with her mother who taught Sue sewing skills.

We looked at some of the inspirational pieces from Bankfield Museum.

Brief touch downs in places that had inspired Sue included Wales, Nairobi, Jordan, where Sue had been commissioned to produce tapestries for the British Embassy and High Commission, Bhutan, Australia and Tasmania, Morocco, Nepal, Majorca, Italy and the Pyrenees.

We saw a fantastic piece of work made of tiny pieces of stone actually glued to the wall in the V & A and were treated to a look behind the scenes at conservation work and the reserve collections.

The way Sue’s work is developing now is fascinating: ‘stones in space’ with suspended stone ladders and their shadows are inspiring work that darts from linen, lead, stone, shadows and the negative images left behind by beaten or rubbed work.

It is well worth a look at the V&A website to see the World Beach collection of photographs gathered from around the world as a response to Sue’s ideas of creating work with stones:
www.vam.ac.uk/worldbeach and www.vam.ac.uk/suelawty
or just ‘Google’ up Sue to explore her vast body of work

The audience, which included visitors from several neighbouring guilds, were kept spellbound until lunch time when they were able to browse the trading stands set up by KCG Trading, DT Crafts and the Threshing Barn.

The day was rounded off in the traditional manner with tea and cakes!

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2010-04-25T20:09:00.001+01:00

Avril led a workshop on colour blending as part of the April meeting.
Click on the photos to enlarge:

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Ethnic Influences Intertwined

2010-04-04T17:51:00.006+01:00

Members enjoyed a talk on Ethnic Influences Intertwined from Jennie Parry on 27th March.
Click on the photos to enlarge:

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2010-03-26T23:20:00.002Z

The Association of Guilds of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers Newsletter for March 2010

2009-04-30T21:00:00.003+01:00

The Guild's April meeting had members creating ply split mats:

2009-04-20T19:38:00.001+01:00

For anyone coming to the April meeting and taking part in the workshop on the 25th, you will need to bring with you 2 or 3 colours of Aran knitting wool or rug or carpet yarn (this is 20% nylon 80% wool ). About 100-200grams will be plenty , in colours that work well together. I have some rug yarn if you are short.

You also need a notebook and pen , tape measure , scissors , a large tapestry needle and 1 inch Sellotape (25mm), (matt sellotape doesn't stick so well

March Meeting

2009-04-03T22:17:00.009+01:00

In the morning guild members were treated to a talk by Magie Relph on indigo dyeing with an opportunity to look at and be inspired by some beautiful examples.

The afternoon workshop saw members preparing and dyeing their own fabrics in the indigo bath.

Antique Textile Fair 2009

2009-03-06T21:11:00.000Z

Guild Members demonstrated their skills at the Antique Textile Fair 2009 in Fallowfield, Manchester.

February Meeting

2009-03-01T09:17:00.011Z

Members enjoyed a very busy day which included inkle loom weaving, spinning, weaving, knitting, lots of chatting and some delicious homemade cakes. Sales tables helped raise funds for the Guild.

Information for the Indigo Dyeing Talk and Workshop

2009-02-24T10:53:00.001Z

In the morning Magie will talk about the history of indigo, how it works and how to dye with it, finishing off with a selection of textiles to demonstrate the different techniques that can be used to create pattern with indigo.
In the afternoon we'll look at resist techniques based around folding and tying methods and prepare fabric ready for dyeing.

What you need to bring:

Equipment:
Rubber gloves (without holes in them!)
Overalls and/or apron worn over old clothes and shoes
A bucket and plastic bags to take things home.
Resist equipment - Pegs , Elastic bands , marbles .
Magie has a selection of other things that can be used.

Fabrics:
All of the following fabrics and yarns dye well with indigo:
Cotton, linen , viscose , wool and silk.
White or coloured fabrics can be used. Fabric does not need to be pre-washed.
You should be able to dye at least 2 or 3 Fat Quarters (about 50cm/20ins square ) of fabric.
Small hanks of yarn - just a couple of metres. Wool yarn takes up alot of dye so no large hanks
of wool please!
Magie will have a selection of Fat Quarters, mostly cotton and silk, available to purchase on the day.

Programme 2009

2009-02-21T14:31:00.008Z

The Hall opens at 10am for a 10.30 start

January 24th
Val Bryant - spinning wheel research; recording our heritage.

February 28th
Members Day
With an Inkle Weaving theme for those who are interested.

March 28th
Magie Relph - Indigo; king of colours
Talk and short workshop. Magie runs the successful African Fabric shop online and at shows. She uses African art as a source for her lovely textiles and this talk and workshop is a must. Magie's enthusiasm is sure to inspire!

April 25th
Julie Hedges - Ply split mats

Julie will talk us through her new technique which uses wool to create most attractive mats. This technique is easier on the eyes then ply split braiding!

May 23rd and 24th
Clothes for festivities, ceremonies and special occasions
A new talk by Diane and Jim Gaffney of Textiles Techniques. Glamour, glitter and gold, intricate weavings and stunning embroideries are all part of the costumes made and worn at festivals. The significance of the textiles is as fascinating as the way they are made. The Sunday will be a bookable workshop on Batik.

June 27th
Members Day
Woolfest weekend

July 25th
Members Day

August
Guild picnic

September 26th
Lynne Stein - Rag rug and needle felting workship and talk
Lynne is well known for her richly textural and vibrantly coloured textile surfaces and this workshop will stretch your creativity!

October 24th
Judith Ferns - Making books
Judith is a very talented felt and book maker. She designs the most intriguing hinges and opening methids to produce useful and attractive books. Books made in the workshop are sure to be of use later for recording our various textile explorations.

November 28th
AGM - 11am
Competition and party. Bring a plate, KFS and a plate of food.
In the afternoon there will be a show and tell. Bring a project you have made in the year - it may be still under construction and may be of any discipline.

Kool Aid and Procion dyeing with Debbie Tomkies

2008-03-15T22:16:00.003Z

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.

Antique Textile Fair

2008-03-15T22:08:00.001Z

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.

Buttons in February

2008-03-08T20:42:00.005Z

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)

Longdraw January

2008-03-08T19:50:00.007Z

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.

Programme 2008

2008-03-03T20:48:00.002Z

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

Spinning and Weaving Demonstrations 2008

2008-03-03T20:25:00.002Z

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)

Christmas in November and our AGM

2007-12-02T20:03:00.000Z

This year has literally flown hence the AGM and Christmas part on November seemed to arrived almost by surprise!

The day started with the AGM. Our Chair, Janet resigned at the end of her three year stint and there were three new appointments to the committee plus some changes in positions between existing committee members. Janice was appointed the new Chairperson at the end of the meeting by the committee.

As many members had submitted items for our exhibition there were fewer entries to the competition than usual but that certainly didn't mean a lowering of any standards.

The winners in each category were as follows:

Spinning - Joan

Dyeing - Kate

Weaving - Averil

Congratulations to all of the winners and to everyone who took part.

We then enjoyed a wonderful spread for lunch before a "show and tell" of projects and our final farewells for the year! Let's hope our next year will be as successful and 2007 and more.

Baskets in October

2007-12-02T19:40:00.000Z

(Sorry for the delay in posting but so much has been happening with our Guild I'm still playing catch up with our recent events!)

October's meeting was our busiest yet with the hall literally bursting at the seams. Our membership is now up to a record breaking level of forty members. We also had some visitors for Averil's workshop on soft basketry.

The day started with a quick exercise in making a traditional Maori friendship flower. Here you see us "swords at the ready" before starting to weave a flower and some final results. The flowers dry into a lovely golden colour.

In the afternoon Averil demonstrated the art of creating a small basket from Daffodil leaves. Skills were quickly developed and by the end of the day most participants took away their basket and some material to finish their basket at home.

A special thanks goes to Averil for her hard work in preparing such and exciting workshop.

Exhibition 2007

2007-11-21T21:21:00.000Z

Our exhibition opened at the end of October with a private view which was very well attended. It will run until the beginning of the new year at the Castle Park Arts Centre in Frodsham, Cheshire.

Weaving Warrington's Past

2007-10-02T20:21:00.000+01:00

At our meeting on September 22, Kit Heald of the Warrington Historical and Archaeological Society spoke on the links between our crafts and Warrington’s long history and really widened our knowledge of the area.
A settlement at the lowest crossing point on the River Mersey, Warrington existed as a community in the tribal era before the Romans took control from the area around what we now know as Stockton Heath. We learned that Wilderspool Causeway was exactly that – a road through the surrounding wetlands.
In this wet and marshy land flax and hemp were grown and production of linen and canvas became one of the main industries of the town. In 1686 there were 16 hempyards around the town supplying the fibre for the manufacture, locally, of sailcloth to equip the huge fleets of galleons which defended these islands. It is ironic to learn that in those days peace meant real hardship for people who produced sails.
In the eighteenth century the manufacture of fustian grew and continued along with canvas. Fustian is woven from a mixture of fibres and is a hardwearing fabric with a pile which had to be cut by hand by skilled workers. Cockhedge Mill was a spinning mill which closed in 1960.
Warrington was never a one-industry town. It was involved in wire making (of course!), tanning, soap manufacture, shipping, brewing, file making, glass manufacture, sugar refining and pin making, to name the main ones. It is good to know that our crafts of spinning, weaving and dyeing were among the earliest of Warrington’s trades and that we are continuing the history of the area.

Guild Meeting (22nd September)

2007-09-17T13:08:00.001+01:00

Our next meeting will have Kit Heald talk about Weaving Warrington's Past in the morning.

Just a quick reminder that all pieces of work for the exihibition should be brought to the Sept meeting or if there is a problem they must be with Janet, Janice, Meryl or Avril by Sept 30th at the latest.

All pieces should be in an individual bag with a label on detailing the following;

your name + telephone number
title/what the piece is e.g. handspun and crocheted etc
price/NFS

Thank you

Weave Week

2007-09-17T12:54:00.001+01:00

Our August Weave Week course was extremely successful. Guild member Judy ran the course with Janice on hand to help with the teaching.

We had eight in the beginners section who learned to warp a four shaft loom plus some basic twills etc and four advanced weavers who tackled rug weaving.

The main aim of the course was to assist members who had their own four shaft loom but had never learned to weave, and also to try to encourage more weavers in the guild.

Judy and Janice are to be congratulated on an extremely enjoyable week that certainly produced a few new weavers and increased the knowledge base of the advance weavers.

The week ended with our summer picnic although the weather was too cold and wet to actually picnic outside!

July Members Day

2007-09-17T12:47:00.000+01:00

July was one of our busiest meetings yet with 28 members squeezed into the small hall at Croft. It was cosy to say the least but everyone enjoyed the chance to chat, spin/knit/weave and generally catch up. The committee are investigating costs etc for use of the larger hall if meeting numbers continue to grow.

Summer Picnic

2007-08-14T09:18:00.001+01:00

Just a reminder that we have our summer picnic this Saturday (18th August) at the Milner Institute, Runcorn Road in the village of Moore, where you'll be able to view the results of the Weave Week course.

Hopefully it will be sunny (fingers crossed)!

Carding in June

2007-07-30T18:52:00.001+01:00

Our June meeting saw a demonstration/ workshop on different carding techniques led by our very own Averil Otiv.

A vast array of different carding equipment were available for members to try out including a few drum carders (members are reminded that the Guild drum carder is available for loan on a monthly basis for a small fee).

Thank you Shirley Turner for providing our photographs.

This Saturday (23rd June).....

2007-06-18T20:21:00.000+01:00

On behalf of Janice and Meryl may I remind everyone that Saturday is the last opportunity to submit something for the exhibition. It needn’t be a finished garment, skeins of dyed yarn/fibre or fancy spinningwould give visitors an insight into our craft.

Its a "Member's Day" meeting but we will also have a demonstration on carding so please bring some fleece and carders/ combs if you have any.

Sashiko in May

2007-06-18T19:56:00.000+01:00

We had a visit from Susan Briscoe at our May meeting, author and collector of Japanese Sashiko textiles and textile artist.

She talked through several pieces in her collection and explained the history of Sashiko (traditional decorative Japanese technique of needlework quilting to reinforce textiles) before showing us some of her own pieces.

The jacket on the left is very old and almost threadbare but this adds to its charm. It was also interesting to note how textiles were repaired time and time again.

Dressing up was a must with so many interesting garments. Below we have our very own Pat in a traditional jacket and hat posing with Susan's willing assistant.

Here we have Joan sporting a bonnet and beautiful apron and jacket. The bonnet has material to cover the neck from the effects of the weather when working in the fields.

And last but not least we have Sally wearing an outfit that would terrify any claustrophobic! It was interesting to see that textiles were used to protect the skin in the same way we would now use sunblock.

(one of Susan's quilts)

(close up of some Sashiko patterns)

Ply-split Workshop

2007-05-26T08:49:00.000+01:00

( a 3D ply-split flower by Julie Hedges)

In April we had a wonderful workshop and lecture from the very talented textile artist Julie Hedges.

Julie's lecture was fascinating which took us through the history of ply-split braiding and Julie's trip to India to work with local artisans who still carry on the tradition.

We then had a two day workshop where Julie took us through several practice pieces from her book and we learned to make cords with cord winders.

It was a very inspiring weekend and now the Guild owns its own cord winder we can continue to explore this fascinating technique.

(Samples made during the workshop)

(work in progress - using a grip fid)

(cord winding)

Flax Spinning Workshop in Pictures

2007-04-04T18:00:00.000+01:00

Sorry it's taken me so long to post these pictures. Thanks to Shirley Turner for being photographer for the day!

Flax Spinning Workshop!

2007-02-23T12:39:00.000Z

Don't forget your equipment for the flax spinning workshop on Saturday 24th February! See post below for the list of items needed.

Programme Update

2007-02-19T08:26:00.000Z

Our programme for the year has been updated with more information. Please check for changes here. I link will also be added in the side bar so you can remind yourself of dates etc at any time.

Help Needed

2007-02-03T14:40:00.000Z

Val Bryant is helping restore the fortunes of Knutsford Heritage Centre. She has a small display space she would like to fill with information and examples of the work of our Guild and the Knitting & Crochet Guild. Can anyone help out with examples of our various disciplines please?

Work will be needed from 'now' until March, nothing too precious although area will be stewarded at all times.If you can help please contact Val: val @canutesford.wanadoo.co.uk

Thanks Janet

Flax Spinning - February Meeting

2007-02-03T13:38:00.000Z

Just a reminder at this month's meeting (24th February) will be a Flax spinning workshop with our very own Val Bryant. This is open to all members and visitiors at no additional cost.

If you intend to take part in the workshop, please bring the following:
Spinning Wheel

Niddy Noddy (although if you don't have one I'm sure you can borrow from another participant)
strong brown uncreased paper
small ball of string
masking tape or sellotape
scissors
4 sheets newspaper
distaff or a broom handle to form a distaff
small piece of sponge & water pot
2 yards of ribbon
notepad and pencil
apron
any flax you may have (although there will be some for sale).

Exhibition

2007-02-03T13:09:00.000Z

(left - weaving on an Ashford "Knitter's Loom" at our January meeting)

As promised here are some more details about our planned exhibition later this year:

Venue: Castle Park Art Centre, Frodsham, Cheshire.

We have Gallery 3 which also includes the staircase.

Date: 23rd October - Christmas 2007

Private view will be held on Friday 26th October from 7.30pm - 9pm (wine to be provided!!)

Work to be submitted:

It is hoped that all members will submit work. If any selection is made it will be on the basis of available space and what is needed to make the exhibition work as a whole.

Pieces to be exhibited can include:

work form our workshops (excluding the Colette Gilmartin workshop)

felt which has an element of hand dyeing incorporated in it

hand spun fibres

knitted and crochet items which use yarns that are hand spun and/or hand dyed

weaving

baskets

All work submitted must have been completed in the last three years and not previously exhibited outside our guild.

Please note that as the room will be in use for other activities during the week (i.e. yoga class) all items must be hung on the wall, although there may be the chance of using a mannequin to display clothing.

Commission: the Gallery commission on items sold during the exhibition is 25% so bear this in mind when pricing items should you choose to sell.

Timetable:

February meeting - forms will be available for members to take and complete giving details of the pieces of work to be submitted.

May meeting - submission forms to be returned by 26th May or posted to Meryl, Janice, Janet or Averil.

September meeting - work to be completed and delivery.

Publicity, insurance, hanging arrangements etc are all being checked and dealt with. There will be updates at each meeting and on this blog.

New Beginnings

2007-01-31T21:18:00.000Z

At our first meeting of 2007 it was standing room only. Old and new members, as well as visitiors and budding spinners squeezed into the hall for a members day full of news, chat and a bit of spinning in between.

We had a several visitors keen to learn to spin including one brave Girl Guild who also managed to learn a bit of crochet too.

Heather (in the middle picture) is looking particularly pleased after finishing her first ever piece of spinning (she's the one holding up a "L" plate).

There were several announcements including information about our exhibition to be held in the Castle Park Arts Centre in Frodsham from October to December. More information about this plus other items will be added to this blog over the next few days.

Colour Workshop - A Note from our Chairwoman

2007-01-22T16:02:00.000Z

Hello
My friend Janet Major from the Alsager Guild has contacted me about a workshop at their Guild with Angharad Thomas (lecturer in Design and Knitwear) on Feb. 17th. Full day, £20 plus plate of food for shared lunch. Please contact Kath Alan 01782 782181 kath.jokallen.@btinternet.com if interested.See notes below for details.
Hope to see you on Saturday. It's a members' day.
Janet

Using colourWorkshop with Angharad Thomas
Date: 17th February 2007 For the Alsager Guild
The workshop aims to give you the chance to explore using colour and to develop your understanding of it, so that you can use it more effectively in your textile work.Topics to be covered:

Looking at colours: quality of colour: how colour works: making colour work for your projects

Timetable - 10.30 am start, 3.30 finish

The day will alternate hands on activities with colour with input from me talking about colour and showing some of my own design work.

10.30 am Introduction and Exercise 1 What is your favourite colour?
11 am Exercise 2 Looking at colour (coffee too?)
12 noon Looking at colour in my own work (AT talk)
12.30 Exercise 3 Quality of colour
Lunch
1.30 pm How colour works (AT talk)
2pm Exercise 4 Making colour work for you
3pm Review and feedback
3.30 pm Workshop close

Materials:So participants will need to bring a collection of postcards and pictures, LOTS of BITS of yarns, coloured pencils, crayons, wax crayons, scraps of paper (wrapping paper, sweet papers, paint colour cards, etc) and glue. Also usual scissors, sellotape etc. Sheets of drawing quality white paper AT LEAST A4 size, preferably A3, can be a pad (I will bring some too). A piece of white or grey card - part of a cereal box or similar will be fine.Be prepared to pool drawing materials and yarn and paper scraps. Make sure that you bring samples of anything that you want to use in future work.

Who are we?

2007-01-12T17:49:00.000Z

(left: hand-dyed fibre drying in the breeze at Rainbow Dyeing workshop run by Debbie Tomkies 2006)

Who are we?
We are a group of all ages and experience from complete beginners to accomplished practitioners/ artists who all share a passion for the fibre arts.

Where and when do we meet?
At the Croft Memorial Hall, Croft near Culcheth, Warrington. Meetings are 4th Saturday of every month and cost £3.00 for visitors. Meetings start at 10.30am (although the hall is open from 10am for early arrivals) and runs until 4pm although you don't have to stay all day if you have other commitments. We break for lunch at around 12.30pm (please bring your own packed lunch). Tea coffee and more importantly CAKE is available throughout the day for a small donation!

What do we do??
Check out our programme of events for 2007. On Members Days we bring our own projects to work on. Meetings are informal events where members can share ideas and there is always someone there to offer help and advice if you have a problem on a particular project.

Who do I contact for more information?
Our Secretary, Averil Otiv will be happy to help with any more questions (contact@averilotiv.com).

Workshops

2007-01-12T10:33:00.000Z

One of the exciting aspects of attending a Guild is the opportunity to attend workshops with practitioners who are expert in their field at a very reasonable rate. For more information on some of this year's guest speakers/ practitioners follow the links added to the side bar.

(left - samples from last year's felting workshop run by Janet Gleave)

Welcome to 2007

2007-01-11T12:23:00.000Z

The purpose of this blog is to provide information and record events of the North Cheshire Guild of Spinners Weavers and Dyers.

Programme for 2007

27th Jan Members’ Day - Bring your own project to work on

24th Feb Flax Spinning - Val Bryant.
All day workshop. Equipment list: -
Spinning Wheel, Niddy Noddy, strong brown uncreased paper, small ball string, masking tape or sellotape, scissors, 4 sheets Newspaper, broom handle or distaff, small piece of sponge & water pot, 2 yds ribbon, notepad and pencil, apron, any flax you have. (There will be some for sale)

24th Mar Warriors & Weavers a.m. Ian Uzzell. Viking Living History

28th April Ply-split braiding – An Introduction – Julie Hedges
Talk a.m.followed by 28/29th April Bookable Workshop starts p.m. 28th and all day 29th
If you do not want to attend the course on Sat then you are welcome to bring your own work and watch the workshop. See separate sheet for booking workshop and equipment list.

26th May Sashiko & Japanese Country Textiles – Susan Briscoe
Talk 11a.m.
There will be Japanese Textile books for Sale.

23rd Jun Members’ Day Bring your own project
( we hope to be working on woolcombing, drum carding, and hackling)

28th July Members’ Day Bring your own project

Aug Picnic TBA

22nd Sept Weaving Warrington’s Past – Kit Heald.
Repeat of the talk that was given at the AGM 2006

27th Oct Soft Basketry – Averil Otiv.
All day workshop. Equipment list: -
Spray bottle, scissors, bodkin, old T towel, Dried plant material of interest: - e.g. daffodil leaves, ornamental grasses, day lily, sisyrinchium, sweet corn husks, etc. These can be dried and stored well in advance of the workshop.

24th Nov AGM 11am Competition/ Party.
Bring plate, KFS and plate of food.
p.m. Bring a craft project you have completed in the year, preferably a spun, woven or dyed article. No restrictions as to when the project has been started!