"Over and Under....A Thrill for a Lifetime" quote by Sarah Swett

Its been a wonderful summer as far as weaving goes. I took a group of six students (Barbara Aikman, Julia Pelenyi, Wendy Hayden, Sanya Lasica, Alena Melas and Susan Mellor) to the Fondazione Arte della Seta Lisio in Forence for a one week workshop where we studied historical jacquard woven textiles for a week. For half a day we would be studying and the other half of the day we would visit a musuem associated with woven textiles in some way. For instance, at the Uffizi, we were given a guided tour of some of the paintings that features jacquard woven garments.

This summer I (and Debbie Harris) also took a 4 day workshop with  tapestry weaver Sarah Swett. It re-invigorated my tapestry practice and I am eager to get back to weaving the ideas I have for my tapestries. I took this workshop because it happened to coincide with my being in Denver Colorado to set up the exhibition of Fate, Destiny and Self-Determination: an International Tapestry Exhibition at Regis University at the invitation of Aneesha Parrone and I thought it too great an opportunity to pass up. Rebecca Mezoff also took this workshop and it was a delight to meet her. To read more about this workshop go the link below where you will also find Sarah's website/blog.  to: http://tapestryline.blogspot.ca/2015/08/a-thrill-for-lifetime.html

Another great thing happened this summer as well. The Fate, Destiny and Self-Determination installation was featured in the Fiber Art Now magazine.

Can it be true that it is already time to think about registering for weaving classes? Alas it is! This usually means summer is approaching it's finale for the year! Please go here to register for the weaving class of your choice: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/AdultLearners/Learn4Life.aspx

Weft faced rug weaving sample woven by Jutta Polomski in a workshop taken with Tom Kniseley at the Spring Ontario Handweavers and Spinners Conference.

Industrial textiles brought to the weaving class by Hellen Skelton

Dishtowels woven by Marion Kirkwood. Instructions taken from Handwoven magazine, Atwater Bronson Lace.

Huck tablerunner by Jamileh Emdidan

CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, CLASSES

The Eastern Great Lakes Fiber Conference, October 2015. register now.  http://eglfc.org/

Material in Motion
Material in Motion
10th North American Textile Conservation Conference: November 16th – 21st, 2015
New York, New York

The tenth biennial of the North American Textile Conservation Conference(NATCC) will be held in the dynamic city of New York, November 16th to the21st, 2015, focusing on the theme: “Material in Motion.”- The keynote address will take place on the evening of November 18th atthe National Museum of American Indian (NMAI-NY).- The paper presentations, posters and exhibitors will be at the FashionInstitute of Technology (FIT) on November 19th and 20th in the Katie MurphyAmphitheatre.- Tours and workshops will take place on November 16th - 18th and the 21st.- The closing reception will be held the evening of November 20th at theMuseum of the City of New York.To register, see the list of papers, posters, workshops, and tours pleasevisit us at: www.natcconference.com
*Yadin Larochette*Principal at Larochette Textile Conservation LLC, andConservation Consultant to Tru Vue for Latin America5257 1/2 Village Green, Los Angeles, CA 90016Tel: (310) 808-7979

The Town of Richmond Hill Textile Workshops and Classes:

Weaving for Beginners #1

Weaving has a reputation for promoting serenity and a sense of accomplishment. Anyone can learn to weave in this program. You can weave a cloth table runner using a loom. An experienced instructor will guide you through the weaving process and loom setup. Elements of design will be discussed which you can apply to create one-of-a-kind items! A $10 materials fee will be collected at the first class. All equipment and materials are provided. The seniors' discount does not apply; the full fee is required.

Tues. /Thurs.: September 22, 24, 29, Oct. 1     $114.00                      Course Code: 563919

Weaving for Beginners #2

Are you a weaver ready to take on more complex projects? This program will teach you how to weave a cloth sampler by exploring a a variety of weave structures. Colour will be used as an element of design. The Level 1 course or some weaving experience is required. A $10 materials fee will be collected at the first class. All equipment and materials are provided. The seniors' discount does not apply; the full fee is required.

Fri. Oct.2, 9 - 7pm - 9:30pm                       $180.50                        Course Code: 563918                      

Sat. Oct. 3, 10 - 9am- 4pm     

Introduction to Spinning 

Learn how to turn fibre into yarn! This program will teach you how to spin using a hand spindle and a spinning wheel. A brief introduction to the history of spinning, types of fibre, fibre preparation, and carding wool is included. Participants with operating spinning wheels are welcome to bring them. Previous experience is not required. A materials fee of $15 will be collected at the first class. The seniors' discount does not apply; the full fee is required.

Tues. Oct. 6, 13          7 pm -9:30 pm            $47.50                      Course Code:  563916

Tapestry Kilim Weaving 

With their vivid colors and attractive designs, kilims (flat woven tapestry) are fascinating to study and create!  In this hands-on workshop, you can learn this traditional folk art technique and take the looms home to continue working on projects. A $25 materials fee for the loom and yarns will be collected at the beginning of the course.  The seniors' discount does not apply; the full fee is required.

Tues. /Thurs.: Nov 3, 5, 10, 12    7pm -9 pm        $76.00                         Course Code: 563917              

REGISTRATION BEGINS THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2015 for Richmond Hill residents and Thursday August 27, 2015 for non-residents

Registrants have the option of registering online, by telephone or in person  at any Community Centre or Pool. Registration forms are available at RichmondHill.ca/RecGuide or at your local community centre.

• Online: RichmondHill.ca/eReg• By Phone: 905-771-8870     • Fax: 905-771-2481

• Mail your completed Registration Form to: Community Services Department, Town of     Richmond Hill    225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill, On  L4B 3P4

*Customers need a Client Barcode and an Account PIN to register by Internet or phone. If you do not have this information, call 905-771-8870 during regular business hours

All workshops & classes take place @ Burr House Craft Gallery & Tea Room 528 Carrville Road, Richmond Hill

WEAVING AROUND THE WORLD
Jane Tucker sends this link - an Arts & Culture Tour of South Africa she took in April 2016.
http://www.africanthreads.ca/textiles/

Ro Omrow sends this very interesting link to a video of women using weaving to defy violence in the Philippines. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/06/defying-violence-weaving-philippines-150627201726164.html

You can browse the British Museum for textiles and weaving at https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/search.aspx