Indigo dyed Yoruba cloth & ritual costume. Part of the Seattle Asian Art Museum exhibit, “Mood Indigo: Textiles From Around the World”

I spent part of the afternoon at the Seattle Asian Art Museum and I will be returning to spend much more time with the stunning exhibit “Mood Indigo: Textiles from Around the World“.

This exhibit has something for everyone to enjoy, including a room with 3 MASSIVE 17th century tapestries from Flanders, and associated items, including a 19th Century American overshot coverlet in the Lee’s Surrender pattern.

19th century American woven coverlet in Lee’s Surrender pattern. Part of the Seattle Asian Art Museum exhibit, “Mood Indigo: Textiles From Around the World”

Other rooms in the exhibit are filled with 18th century  kimonos, contemporary artworks, African and Southeast Asian and Indian and American traditional garments. I am sure I missed much.

Indigo dyed kimonos, part of the Seattle Asian Art Museum exhibit, “Mood Indigo: Textiles From Around the World”

Really, there is so much in this show for anyone with an interest in textiles and history, I cannot recommend it highly enough. And there are two other exhibits currently on display which also deserve more than the cursory view, I gave to them!

Silk kimono, part of the Seattle Asian Art Museum exhibit, “Gold: Japanese Art From the Collection:

Mood Indigo will be on display through October. If you do go, I also recommend you plan a bit of time to enjoy the Conservatory and Volunteer park, where the museum is located.
-Sarah

Program: Felting Wearable Art: Blocking a Felt Hat

Flora Carlilie-Kovacs, felt designer and instructor, lives and works in West Seattle. She feels felt-making is the most versatile craft she knows. Her website at http://www.floranemez.eu/ shows off her wearable art, in the form of clothing, scarves and hats. Please have a look to see the beautiful pieces she has produced. Each season, her studio is part of the West Seattle Art Walk and she has shown her work around the world. Flora loves to share the tricks of the trade and will be doing so this month as she demonstrates how to block a felt hat.

When creating your own color combination for Kumihimo, take a photo of the starting ”setup” so that you can reproduce it later. Attach your samples next to the photo print-out.

Use fusible thread when seaming – weave in a few picks – A Margaret Coe trick that she shared in 4 shaft weaving on Facebook. For more ideas on this tip see: http://joyofweaving.com/articles/weaving-tips-invisible-fusible-thread

…credit to Margaret Coe for the tip, I’m including her picture that she posted to demonstrate.

OWG’s library has a DVD “The Loom Owner’s Companion – Know and Love Your Loom!” by Tom Knisely. It is a excellent resource if you are having problems with your weaving and not sure why. Many problems with loom or other tools are described and how to repair. All parts of the loom, types of looms and tools purpose are described and how to maintain them. When was the last time you did preventive maintenance on your loom? This DVD covers what to do to keep your loom in working order. It is a must see. For a preview see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwu1pgZnXfA

In the basket study group one was observed using small bundles of sea grass and mentioned that when a large bundle is purchased the first thing that was done was to cut up the large roll into the typical length used. This was followed by comments: “Why didn’t I think of that!”. I used that tip recently and was happy with the results. If you are with a study group or with others and your hear a great idea that you want to use, write it down and drop it in the TIP JAR at the next OWG program or mail it to getrotter@comcast.net. It could be about weaving, who to travel with or maybe a great gardening tip. What are we learning?

to open the OKFiberFest tour page.For detailed information on this package, click ->here.  This link will redirect to the OKFiberFest web site.

This link is provided for information only: OKFiberFest is not endorsed by or affiliated with Olympia Weavers Guild.

EMBROIDERED SPACES
APR 4–MAY 6, 2016
The Gallery at the Kenneth J Minnaert Center for the Arts
South Puget Sound Community College
2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512

The ethereal hanging installations of Amanda McCavour employ the material of thread as metaphor for memory and how we remember the spaces we call home.

Opening reception: Mon, Apr 4, 6-8 pm
Artist Amanda McCavour will also be leading a workshop at Arbutus Folk School on Sunday, April 4th.

Embroidered Spaces
Apr 4–May 6, 2016

June 4th and 5th from 9 am until 4 pm
June 18th from 9 am until 12.30 pm
June 25th from 9 am until 4 pm

The guild offers to guild members a Beginning Weavers Course. One of our guild members teaches the course, which comprises 3 and one half days of class over a three week period. This leaves time for weaving between classes.

The cost is $125. If one doesn’t have a table loom or any of the other small equipment items needed for the class, these can be rented from the guild. Classes are scheduled when we have 3 or 4 people interested in taking the class, which generally works out to 2 or 3 times a year. Participants will learn how to warp a loom, weave 2 projects and learn how to plan projects, selecting appropriate patterns and yarns.

If interested in joining the guild and taking the course, please contact the guild website.