Abergele WSD at Pensychnant

A day' s workshop on spinning, crocheting and knitting at Pensychnant

Nature Conservation Centre. Led brilliantly by Jenni, Bryn came in

round the edges. A group of 6 students encountered spinning  for the first

time on a variety of wheels. We had a Joy, several Traditionals, a Haldane,

and a castle-style wheel. Thanks to all who lent their wheels. We appreciated

what a wrench it is to part with this favourite piece of equipment – almost like

handing over the family pet. 

However, they have been reherded and will be returned this coming

Wednesday afternoon.  It was more an AGWSD outreach event, but earned

some money for the Guild to put towards our own workshops. Thank you,

Pensychnant for having us, and that lovely log fire.  http://www.pensychnant.co.uk

(by Bryn)

Annual General Meeting, 2010

Tonight we held our AGM in our regular evening meeting slot.  Thanks to all who attended and helped to make it a really good session.  Lots of ideas were considered with lively discussion from all members, long standing and more recent.  (Official minutes to follow, when I get round to typing them up).
We now have a new Chairman/person - welcome to her, and thanks for her moving tribute to her late predecessor, who will be greatly missed.  We also have a new Treasurer and a new Librarian:  good luck to them both!
Just for a change, we had tea and cake......and sausages.  There was a lot of constructive talk, but not much spinning done.  We eventually drifted home into the starry, starry night with the knowledge of an evening well spent, and the next year to look forward to.

Crafts at Trefriw Woollen Mills 2010

Hand spinning demonstations:-

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m until end September

Sunday 19th September and Saturday 25th September (http://www.helfagelf.co.uk/)

Wednesdays (Wendy Docksey) throughout October 10 a.m . 5 p.m.

Felt making demonstrations with Anne Campbell:-

Tuesdays throughout October 10 a.m .- 4.30 p.m.

Rag Rug making demonstrations with Christine Birch:-

Thursdays throughout October 10 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Textile Market Saturday 4th December and Sunday 5th December 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.:-

Handmade Christmas gifts plus materials and equipment for textile makers.

Demonstrations on Sunday morning:- hand spinning with hand spindle and spinning wheel, rag rug making, peg loom weaving, weaving on triangular loom, aran knitting, basket making, felt making,

Exhibitors:- Anne Campbell, Gwendolyn Docksey, Helen Melvin, Christine Birch, Mandy Coates, Maggie Oliver, Ann Hughes, Serentex, Gwen Owen, Margaret Hiorns, The Crafty Ladies

Thank you...

...to Rosie who has suggested lots of suppliers of textile related stuff.   She also mentioned Sheila Dixon, "who writes a blog" and sells equipment including drum carders.  Unfortunately I haven't been able to track down Ms. Dixon on the internet - although I did find an ex-Mayor of Alabama.  Presumably not the same person.

Beginning Spinning

 A few minutes instruction....

...and away we go!

We have all been pleased, over the last few months, to welcome new spinners to our group.  It's amazing how quickly people pick up the technique when they're keen and interested.  And we're always intrigued to see new designs of spinning wheel.
Yesterday there was a lot of chat about suppliers of spinning materials, so I have added links to a few of the UK-based companies at the side of the blog.
AC

Thirteen moons in Canada

In case anyone happens to be in Canada during August and September:

I have received this flyer by email, but as the message is a bit big for some people's Internet connections, I post the information here.

"Moon Rain Centre presents the international textile arts event, When Thirteen Moons Entwine, which takes place from August 15 to October 10, 2010 in the Gatineau Hills.

When Thirteen Moons Entwine is a professional textile arts event, inspired by the thirteen moons of the lunar calendar. It is an outdoor laboratory that links professional textile artists with emerging artists in the creation of textile arts installations along a scenic walking path at Moon Rain Centre.

 

Throughout this unique and festive event, workshops in textile arts for all ages and levels will be given at Moon Rain Centre, and textile arts exhibitions will be presented in collaboration with major exhibition centres in the Gatineau/Ottawa  region.

 

Moon Rain Centre, directed by professional artist-weaver Thoma Ewen, specializes in community weaving projects and «artists-in-the-schools» projects. Its vision is to share the beauty and mystery of weave. Weaving is a global contemporary metaphor for the interconnections between all living systems of our biosphere.

 

For further information on participating artists, installations in situ, workshops, exhibitions, and for the calendar of events, visit the website at  www.moonrain.ca 

 

www.moonraincentrefortapestryarts.blogspot.com "

(Chance would be a fine thing, methinks)