Weavers' September Meeting

It was a small weaving family that met on 16 September, many of our members being away travelling or having other commitments.  However, Chris took charge and kept us all busy.

 Chris had raided her stash of art pictures and calendars for us and also raided all the paint shops in town by the look of the colour samples she provided for us to choose from.

 Working in pairs we first chose a picture and then analysed the colour scheme and found swatches to match.

You will see the results in the next post in a few days.

National Exhibition 2013

Marlbourgh was well represented in the Exhibition with nine entries being accepted, one of them winning the Innovation award and one a Merit certificate.

This black alpaca wrap with a central cotton crochet lace panel incorporating crochet flowers was made by Win and very fittingly won the Innovation award sponsored by Kim Thittichai.  In the catalogue a different photograph shows it draped on a mannequin and it looks even better than it does here. Congratulations Win.

Chris's signature block weave mohair throw looked cosy and warm even though it is in cool colours. This photo under gallery lighting doesn't do it justice.  Below is her table runner, the end result of a group project on three-shaft petit point pick up weave. Very impressive Chris.

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 It was very satisfying to have four pieces of handwoven linen from our group on display.  June's runner is in the photo above and Win's below.

 These two runners are by Rose; the lower one was granted a Merit award from the Linen Trust.  Why that piece was singled out is a mystery because all the linen was beautifully executed. Perhaps it was because it was hemstitched.

The emphasis of the Festival was on Fashion and yardage of all varieties was asked for. This is Rose's piece in cotton, linen and silk.

The Felters were represented by Christine with this piece incorporating silver wire and mounted on perspex.  It was appropriately titled 'Every Cloud has a Silver Lining.' Note the red dot!  In fact our members had several sales to add to the satisfaction of being accepted.

Unfortunately I don't have a photo but Jan also represented the felters in the Runway Show. She entered a three-piece outfit named 'Hot Sunrise' comprised of a nuno felted pink skirt and navy top, complemented by a felt hat.  It looked great coming down the runway.

Well done everyone . . . but where were our spinners and knitters?

The Festival will be in Dunedin next year.  The time to start planning is NOW.

Congratulations!

National Adult Learners' Week was launched in Blenheim on Monday evening. Our very own Jen Smith was presented with an award for "Outstanding Adult Learner," and her tutor June McKenzie was awarded "Exceptional Adult Learning Provider." Congratulations to these two and to all who are prepared to teach or learn new skills.

Thanks to those who made an effort to join with the rest of the Guild to put up an impressive display at the Stadium on Tuesday as part of the Adult Learners' Week. It takes quite an effort, and quite a bit of weaving time, to do these community activities but it is important that we wave our creative flag and make ourselves known.

More Show and Tell

These items made it to the August meeting only as photographs as Rose was away.  The four scarves in the first photo are made from a beautiful fibre blend; 55% silk and 45% cashmere.

This is a very lightweight throw in thick brushed wool and a  very fine synthetic yarn.

Chris has added further colour variations to her collection of blankets.  Some lucky children will receive these and probably keep them as favourites for many years.

Not Weaving, but just have to share

Weavers need a break now and then. When Chris was in Christchurch recently she found this 'gap-filler' sculpture display and it's too good not to share.

Continuing the piano theme, how about this one displayed in the Museum .

Or this, from some place unknown. Maybe not weaving but it least it has a textile component.

Happy weaving. I hope the wet weather has given you an opportunity to get to your looms.

July Show and Tell Part 3

Chris shows one of her lovely generously large throws. In spite of her intention for it to be a 'stash-buster' Chris confirms there is just as much stash as ever. Stash-busting just never seems to work!

Here is a close-up of the clever colour blending and the goose-eye type twill construction.

Again, Chris goes for generous size and bold colours for this baby blanket. The crochet edge makes a good finish.

A close-up showing the huck blocks within plain weave squares with a light-coloured outline. The crossing of the colours gives a multi-hued effect.