RISGonline

Hearthwise Spindle Review

2011-11-14T11:43:00.002-05:00

The Hearthwise Spindle: Incredibly beautiful, pleasingly functional
I had occasion at the Fiber Festival of New England to come into possession of one of the breathtakingly beautiful spindles made by Charles Arnold, owner of Hearthwise in Morrisville, PA. The Hearthwise slogan is “Tools for a simpler life” and that fits their product line perfectly. An amiable and apparently very practical man, Charlie makes hand turned drop and supported spindles that are decidedly eye catching and quite affordable. Made of laminated wood, turned on the lathe to smooth and sensuous curves, and finished to perfection, each spindle is an individual work of art. These babies look and feel fabulous.
Still, I confess it took me some time to warm up to spinning on mine. My first impression was that it was a bit too light and I had some difficulty getting the fiber back into the hook between drops. However, you have to consider that I’d spent most of the day standing up and demonstrating DK spinning on heavier, large whorled and notched spindles for beginners at the festival. I simply wasn’t prepared for this little beauty. It really is something radically different. Now that I’ve used it a bit, and gotten to know it better, I’ve come to see it in a much more favorable light. This is a relatively small, close whorl, high speed spindle. It’s definitely made for spinning fine yarns rather than the heavy stuff. It’s also perfectly tuned for spinning in a sitting position. Heavier spindles, like my large Golding, are designed to keep on spinning for five or six feet of draft and to handle yarns up to worsted and bulky weights. They’re a bit heavy for lace weight or “frogs hair” yarns and you really have to be standing to take full advantage of their weight and symmetry.
This particular Hearthwise, in contrast, is very lightweight. It doesn’t have the power to spin heavy or bulky yarns. That’s what put me off at first, but it’s also what makes it ideal for fine and very fine spinning. Because it’s so light, it won’t break fine singles. It also uses up its momentum in three or four feet of draft. That’s too short if you’re standing up, but it’s just about right for spinning in a chair, a car seat, on a bus, or even on an airplane. That’s where this spindle can really shine. In addition, the smooth shiny finish on the bulb, while spectacular, made it difficult to get the yarn into the hook between drafts at first. I finally solved that problem by starting a draft on the hook without a leader and then pulling the first bit of single down from the hook to wrap it around the shaft. Keeping a standing loop on the side of the bulb provides a stopping point for spun single and makes it much easier to hook up between drafts.
After working with it for awhile, I’ve become quite fond of this spindle and come to regard it as an important adjunct to my collection. I’m not sure I’d recommend this particular model to beginners, but then it doesn’t seem to have been designed for them. Instead, it’s a carefully crafted tool designed to optimize performance for the experienced spinner who wants to make fine yarn from a comfortably seated position. Viewed from that perspective, it’s actually quite a masterful design. That also could be why Charlie decided this particular model would be right for me. I’m sure other Hearthwise models are designed for different purposes and, now that I understand a little more about them, I look forward to the opportunity to try some of them as well.
You can check Hearthwise drop spindles out on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hearthwise-Drop-Spindles-Nosterpinnes/216156715080835. Charlie will also be at Coggeshall Farm this spring for the Rhode Island Wool and Fiber festival with a full collection of these drop spindles, supported spindles, and his nostepinnes, along with a line of Brittany American made birch knitting needles, magazines and other publications. Look for him there, introduce yourself, and try out a few spindles to see if there isn’t one that might be just right for your collection!

BLOCK ISLAND FIELD TRIP April 10, 2011

2011-04-12T17:18:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, April 10th, a group of 17 RISG members and guests took a field trip to Block Island to visit North Light Fibers, the region’s newest fiber mill and Block Island’s only yarn and fiber shop. Everyone was quite impressed with the very high quality of processing being done at the mill. We were also delighted by the softness of the rare blends that the owners, Sven and Laura Risom are producing from the finest alpaca, merino, soy, camel and other special fibers at their mill. Their fiber bumps are a delight to spin and most of us were very excited to return home with North Light Fiber tucked into our bags and backpacks. We look forward to many happy hours of spinning, knitting and weaving with these special blends.
Sven, Laura, and their assistant Page are running the mill themselves and are also putting together the new yarn and fiber arts shop on the first floor. Since it’s the only yarn shop on the island, it’s bound to be a local success. However, based on our initial inspection of the as-yet-incomplete shop, we think it also has the potential for a much wider appeal, with not only a variety of lovely fiber bumps, but also a range of colored yarns, and many knit, crocheted, woven and felted items for those who don’t care to spin their own.
Between tours, we were made welcome across the street at the 1661 Inn by Rita Draper; the owner and operator of the Inn and the nearby Manisses Hotel. The 1661 made the perfect headquarters for our island touring. Rita turned her dining room over to us so we could have a place to eat lunch and sit and spin for a while. We found it a very comfortable space, enjoyed the refreshments Rita provided and soaked up the splendid view of the marsh, the shore, and Block Island Sound out the large front windows.
After lunch, Rita’s dad, Justin Abrams gave us a personal tour of his exotic animal farm. The Abrams farm is landlord to North Light Fibers, but is also famous on-island and off for the large collection of rare animals that the Abrams have acquired. We got to meet all the animals, were entertained by the kangaroos and tortoise, and thrilled to see the farm’s brand new baby lemur. For many of us, this was a first chance to see fiber animals such as yak and llama up close. It was great to actually touch them and scratch behind their ears. The bravest of us even had a chance to get a big wet kiss on the cheek from Nyla, one of two resident camels!
In the afternoon we returned to the 1661 Inn where we snacked on crackers and cheese and demonstrated spindle and wheel spinning for interested residents who were invited to drop by for that purpose. We shared our craft with several local fiber enthusiasts, entertained the reporter for the Block Island Times and helped local school teachers learn how to teach spinning to elementary and middle school students. All in all it was a very eventful day and more than one of us took the occasion for a late afternoon nap as we sailed home on the 5:30 Ferry. Thanks to Sven Risom and Iris Westcott for arranging this wonderful field trip and making sure that everyone had such a great time.

Famous Demonstrators from the Rhode Island Spinners Guild...

2010-11-16T15:28:00.005-05:00

Most of you know our own Dave and Iris demonstrated at a fiber show in Massachusetts two weekends ago...but now you can see for yourself how famous Iris is in this article.

ARTICLE ON THE INAUGURAL FIBER FESTIVAL OF NEW ENGLAND

There was even a picture, check it out, and wish them congrats!
Thanks to Iris and Dave for your good press for the Rhode Island Spinners Guild, and fiber arts in general!

**(edited to add) Iris says thanks to Peggy for all her demonstrating help on Saturday...and Dave and Iris thank everyone who stopped by and visited.

November 2010 Rhode Island Spinners Guild Meeting...

2010-11-15T11:18:00.003-05:00

Saturday was an excellent day for spinning at Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI!
We had a business meeting, lots of spinning, and some excellent baked treats were shared.
In addition, 4 new members attended the meeting. Welcome to all of you!!

*Thanks to Katy for providing this great picture of our view out the window.

RISG at the Gathering

2010-11-10T20:47:00.001-05:00

Inspiration, good friends, great food!

Doing the Horizontal (Draw)

2010-06-26T08:54:00.002-05:00

I was cruising the web for spindle spinning videos and happened upon this one on the Horizontal Draw. I was impressed with the technique since it relieves stress on the neck and shoulders.

Since I am currently spinning several fibers from the fold on my spindles, I thought this technique was a winner. View the video and comment below the post about your thoughts on the video.

Also check out Fiberbeat for more fiber news and videos.

February Meeting

2010-02-08T14:00:00.001-05:00



Date:		Saturday February 13, 2010
Time:		1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:		Slater Mill, Jencks Education Center, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI
Notes:		Business Meeting 1:30-2:00 Program: Demonstration of core spun plying. If you'd like to try it bring: 1) A bobbin of something spun with a high degree of twist (this will be the "core" and can even be a commercial yarn or strong thread). 2) Another fiber to go over it for plying (this can be a single on a bobbin, or even something like a pencil roving or combed locks). 3) An empty bobbin for plying. 4) A kate if there is none on board your wheel.

Dues are Due!

2009-12-29T09:36:00.001-05:00

The January meeting is at Slater Mill on January 9th (2nd Saturday), from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Don't forget. Dues ($15 single, $25 household) are due and payable to RI Spinners Guild at that meeting.

You can also mail your dues to our treasurer, Donna. Her info is available on our yahoo list.

Spinning at Casey Farm

2009-08-15T12:54:00.004-05:00

As the guild membership knows a trip to the Farmers' Market is always a wonderful time. Several guild members arrived to spin, eat and talk.

Hope to see some of you there in September..............

2009-06-28T08:18:00.002-05:00

The remainder of 2009 is a busy one for the guild. Check out our schedule in the sidebar. Here is a preview to help you plan.

August 15 Washington County Fair.

As for Washington County Fair this year due to the number of members we have we will be doing things a bit different this year. We will be scheduling people, there are people who would like to attend during the week and there are some who would like to attend during the weekend. You will need to let Sharon know in advance what days you can attend. Also you will need to be a member in standing with the Rhode Island Spinning Guild and a current member by July's meeting in order to receive a ticket. This year we will be inviting the CT Nutmeg Spinning Guild and the BayBerry Guild.

September will be at Casey Farm in the AM and Slater Mill in the afternoon.

October will be a extended metting it will be held from 12:00 to 5:00 and we will be doing another carding day since the last one was very successful.

November will be another extended meeting from 12:00 to 5:00 and we will be have members demonstrating different plying techniques. If you know of a plying technique please let me know, we would love for you to demonstrate it.

Marva, Sharon, Sandi

The Third Annual RI Sheep and Wool Festival

2009-05-28T10:47:00.003-05:00

The RI Spinning Guild was out in full force for the 3rd Annual Sheep and Wool Festival. Many, many thanks to Linda R and her committee for all their hard work to put R I on the fiber map.

Here are some pictures of the day...........................

Carol, our weaver, and Beth works diligently to finish the shawl:

Here's a better shot of the weaving pattern:

David demonstrates the ins and outs of flax preparation:

RISG at Sachuest

2009-03-29T14:33:00.005-05:00

If you get a chance take a ride up to Sachuest Wildlife Refuge. RISG members volunteered to spend the day spinning and demonstrating for the public. We also had the opportunity to take a nature walk as well as view an exhibit by nature photographer David Farmer. My personal favorite was his Blue Heron.

The nature walk along the ocean was beautiful.

2009-03-21T11:30:00.003-05:00

Looks like there has been a bit of confusion as to where and when we are meeting in April.

Here's where will meet:
Coventry Historical Society
April 18th, 12 -4 pm

The Weekend That Keeps Giving

2008-11-15T11:18:00.004-05:00

Joy is the best word to describe The Gathering. Every two years we gather with other fiber enthusiasts and indulge ourselves in pure fiber and workshops to our heart's desire.

The workshops are numerous and all of us wish we could take every one of them. I very much enjoyed my workshops with Myrna Stahman and Abby Franquemont. I learned something new from both. Visit Abby's blog and here's a link to Mryna Stahman's Seaman's Scarf pattern. Visit my blog for more details.

A Spinning Podcast

2008-10-15T17:48:00.002-05:00

I have discovered a wonderful podcast about spinning. The name is Yarnspinners Tales and can be downloaded directly into a file on your computer for your listening pleasure whenever you wish. You can also download the pod cast to an iPod and take it with you. There is also an accompanying blog.The host has a very soft soothing voice well suited to this medium. I find her very relaxing to listen to.

In some episodes the host will talk about different techniques including how to comb, card, wash and prepare fleece. There are dyeing episodes and a couple on cotton preparation.

Every month, she tries to have a “spin in” episode. In these episodes, you will learn about different sheep breeds, including their history of origin, how they became available in the United States and what part of the country they are most common to. She goes on to give information on the micron count, staple length, how they respond to combing and carding, and several other things. If you enjoy the technical side of spinning I think you will like this part of her pod cast the most.

It’s not necessary to start with the first episode. Sometimes there are stories about her life and the farm, or readings from a literary works from the 1800s. You do hear the spinning wheel in the background as she talks, which makes you feel right at home as you spin on yours, or move your needles along.

I also especially enjoy the open song “Spinning Wheel” by Clare Dowling, and the “Baa Baa Black Sheep” song by Wren Ross. Usually there is some other music as well.

I hope you check this enjoyable recording out when you have a moment. Debbie R.

Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival

2008-08-30T19:46:00.005-05:00

Here in the north country, the leaves are starting to turn. It is a sure sign that fall is right around the corner and with it the first of the fall fairs. The Vermont Sheep & Wool festival is next weekend, Sept 6-7th, 2008. For anyone wishing to attend, it is once again being held at the Champlain Valley Expo, in Essex Junction, just outside of Burlington. There is a $1.00 off coupon on the website.

Shawl for Gilbert Stuart Homestead

2008-06-29T09:06:00.004-05:00

It has been a while since we all worked on the shawl for Gilbert Stuart Homestead. Richard completed the piece which was unfinished when we packed up after demonstrating at the Homestead. Iris Westcott kindly drove Richard and me to present it to the museum director. We have suggested that it be auctioned off at their next fundraiser. This donation of the shawl was made in the name of the Guild.
The piece was woven from a commercial wool warp and a suffolk hoggett fleece that Richard and I received from Peckham Farm, URI. Guild members combed and spun the weft yarn and Richard wove it in a huck-lace pattern.
Thanks to all who participated and it is great to help this beautiful historic site as a group.

June Meeting and CVM Fleece

2008-06-15T06:33:00.003-05:00

Yesterday's meeting was wonderful. Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to put it together. And a big thank you to the members who gathered up and skirted all of that fleece. What a huge job! And in the heat, too.

I'm posting some information on how to wash fleece and about CVM sheep.
Click here for information on the CVM breed. After reading this, I can easily see why they are named California Variagated Mutant.

Here's a little bit of information on the fleece quoted directly form the CVM site:

Fleece: CVM color patterns vary widely, especially in the darkness of body wool. Unlike many sheep, the CVM will not fade with age, but rather darkens from birth to their first year. With the wide variety of color patterns, including dark grey, black, brown, moorit and spotted, not excluding the barred face badger pattern typical to the original CVM's a breed description has been difficult. Fleece should be bright, uniform and dense, of high yielding, long staple, fine wool. Sheep will average about 8lbs of wool yearly with spinning counts from 60-62's quality. 12 month staple length averages 3-6 inches. Wool should have a well defined crimp from base to tip, be pliable to the touch and free from kemp or objectionable fibers.

Now, for the washing. I do my fleece in the machine. These directions are from a site on alpacas, but I do the same for all my wool fleece. Because I'm in a hurry this morning, I will give you the link. It goes through all the steps and tells you how to wash small batches using a salad spinner or larger ones in your washing machine. Click here.

I hope someone else will write a post about the weaving demonstration. It certainly caught my attention. I think I have found a great way to use up some of my wool.

RI Sheep and Wool Festival 2008

2008-06-12T12:16:00.004-05:00

Much fun was had by all at the second annual R.I. Sheep and Wool Festival at Coggeshall Farm in Bristol, R.I. this year on May 17th. The RISG participated in a Sheep to Shawl demonstration as well as other in other areas.

June's meeting is this Saturday at the Coventry Historical Society. Directions are here. Hope to see you all there for the meeting where you can view a tapestry demonstration by Janet Austin.

Here are some tapestry links:
American Tapestry Alliance
All Fiber Arts

Traditional Way of Processing Wool

2008-03-03T18:41:00.003-05:00

I first saw this video on Riverrim's blog .This video of fiber processing and spinning in rural Serbia is delightful.I enjoyed watching the women's spinning technique.Make sure you enlarge the video so you can see the bird in the house.....Cindy

January and February Guild Meetings

2008-03-02T18:03:00.005-05:00

A hearty thank you goes out to our January and February guild meeting hosts.

January's meeting was hosted by David and Richard. Richard demonstrated spinning and fiber preparation.Beth wore her singing attire. She made all of her clothing including her wonderful shawl!

February's Guild Meeting was hosted by Jennifer. It was a special afternoon complete with spinning and food and a view of falling snow......not to mention Jennifer's new lambs.

Holiday Spin In

2008-01-13T13:22:00.001-05:00

What a delightful time was had by all at the holiday guild party last month. Many members helped to create such a festive atmosphere. Sandy C set up and decorated a lovely tree for us. David W serenaded us with holiday music with his guitar playing. Many others brought delicious goodies for our traditional buffet.

We also participated in a handmade ornament exchange which provided excitement. Here are some pictures that Judy J took of our afternoon.

October Guild Meeting

2007-10-10T20:46:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder that the Guild Meeting is this Saturday, October 13th at Jean L's house. If you need directions contact Cindy.

Remember the fleece from Barbara T's sheep that we all received to process and spin. Saturday is the day of reckoning. Bring what you have done...............finished or unfinished so we can share your results.

Looking forward to seeing what singles, yarn or finished item you have for show and tell!

September's Guild Meeting is on Third Saturday

2007-08-31T10:51:00.000-05:00

The next guild meeting is at the Harvest Fair at Coggeshall farm on
September 15th. Jean mentioned that "normally we do bring goodies but this one is optional as there will be food vendors there. The farm is located in Bristol off Rt 119S."

Spin Guild Meeting Stars

2007-06-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

Our June meeting was a wet one weatherwise, but we had a good time as always. Carol R was spinnning on her Schacht. Jenny P is spinning the fiber challenge fleece using her Golding spindle. Rebecca is also spinning some colorful roving on her Golding. She also has been making socks on a sock making machine. Renay is carding her challenge fleece. Beth is spinnning some gorgeous wool roving as well.

Thanks for the rhubarb, Marie...................I made a delicious rhubarb crisp on Sunday and ate half of it!!!

First Annual RI Sheep and Wool Festival

2007-05-20T19:23:00.000-05:00

What a special day indeed!Thanks to all who made it happen......

Watson Farm Sheep Shearing

2007-05-14T08:10:00.000-05:00

A great day was had by all at Watson Farm last weekend. The farm was teaming with fellow fleece lovers and families strolling through the farm enjoying the baby chicks ,lambs and sheep shearing. I was very happy to note that they now own two Jacob sheep.

Several guild members Carol R, Beth,Renay, Marva, Marie, and Sandy and myself demonstrated spinning with wheels and spindles. Beth demonstrated carding. Another woman demonstrated spinning flax. Jean had a table full of felted figures on display.

Check out the video of me trying to decide which fleece to buy.Thankfully I resisted the purchase; I have several fleeces already as you may know!

REMINDER: This Saturday,May 19th is the RI Sheep and Wool Festival at Coggeshall Farm in Bristol RI.

Demonstrate at Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum

2007-04-16T08:28:00.000-05:00

Members of the Rhode Island Spinners Guild are invited to demonstrate on the Opening Day at the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum. Last year a group of us organized a mini- fleece to scarf demo. Many people stopped to watch and ask questions and the guild was well-received by the attendees. This year's event will feature the operation of the Hammond Gristmill for the first time in 100 years. There will be fisheries biologists on hand to explain the herring migration and the fish ladder on the property, tours, the nature trail will be open, Woodworkers Guild of RI will be selling items and jonnycakes for sale!! The date of the event will be Sunday, May 6 between 1pm and 4pm. (Set-up will probably happen earlier). Period costume is welcome but not required. For more details contact David or Richard.

April Meeting Notes

2007-04-15T11:30:00.000-05:00

Our thanks go to Sandy for arranging the meeting. I think everyone agreed that we had a good meeting and a wonderful afternoon.

For those of you who missed the meeting, here are Beth's notes:

Meeting RISGuild

April 14, 2007

1. Thank you to Sandy for finding meeting place

2. Treasurer report

a. 23 paid members (more added at meeting)

b. $1,+ in account

c. Pay Sandy for hall use

3. Newsletter will have paid through year on labels

a. Continue to run newsletter and blog site for 1 year. May phase out newsletter.

4. Marie working on hand out for events

a. She came in later in meeting and copies will be made to be used at events. To include internet info as well.

5. Heather’s sheep shearing is May 12 and we will have next meeting there

6. Guilbert Stuart spin demo is May 6 1-4 PM

7. Coggeshall farm is May 29 with lots to do

8. Privacy issues discussed in relation to blog and internet use. What is posted is open to the public so no last names and be respectful of privacy. No addresses etc.

9. Board was decided on for organization

a. Treasurer is Renay

b. Secretary/newsletter is Beth

c. Cindy D board member 1 year

d. Sandy C board member 2 years

e. Sharon S board member 3 years

Board members will be rotated yearly and term will be 3 years (calendar years start Jan 1 and end Dec 31). Business meetings shall be arranged as needed.

10. Fiber direction. Judy orchestrated a fiber challenge. We each received a bag a raw fleece from Barbara T’s. We have until Sept to prepare, spin and make something from the fiber. We should be able to share our techniques and thoughts on the fiber.

11. Meeting list

a. May 12^th Watson farm shearing day

b. June 12^th Coventry historical society

c. July 14^th Casey Farm (may be able to sell products)

d. August 15-19^th Washington County Fair

Saturday's Meeting!!

2007-04-13T10:55:00.000-05:00

Don't forget tomorrow's meeting. Tuesday night I picked up two beautiful Border Leicester fleeces from Barbara Thompson. One is white, the other black. I've got them packaged up so that each of our members can take some home to process and spin. There are nearly 5 ounces in every bag. It will be interesting to see what each person does with it. I wonder how many have spun BL before, who will spin it in the grease, from the locks, card it together? What will we learn from one another? Let's use this as a jumping board to get some new ideas.

Also, please remember to bring any old cd's that you may have to use to make spindles.

For directions to the meeting, click here. See you!

Sheep Shearing Watson Farm May 12th

2007-04-04T08:29:00.000-05:00

Heather M is having her shearing day at WatsonFarm with fun and frolic on Sat. May 12,from 12 to 4 PM. She welcomes any spinners interested in coming.

A visit to Watson Farm on shearing day is great fun. Sheep are plentiful as well as fine fleeces, roving and yarn. We pack a lunch, bring a chair and spinning equipment to enjoy the day.

RI Wool And Fiber Festival Meeting March 26th

2007-03-26T08:12:00.000-05:00

RI Wool and Fiber Festival Meeting
March 26, 2007
Coggeshall Farm Museum Office

1. Sign in
2. Updates from Chair
   Flyer and vendor mailing- Linda R
   Post card- Linda R
   Vendors- Linda R
   Publicity

3. Action items:
For those groups who were going to meet between meetings - please be prepared to report out on your groups
Kids tent/activities- Joyce Barton, Chris, Polly and Sandy
Spinning/knitty noddy contest- Heidi
2nd Hand Fiber tool sale- Leslie and Lisa
Animal Health Issues rules and regs- Ann (to forward info to Linda R)
Rhody Warm- Polly?/Barbara
Cravero's- Quilting
Others

4. What do people need for their components
       a. # volunteers
       b. supplies
       c.What is the process?- linda
5. Concerns, questions

6. Next steps- what are the deliverables.

7. Comfirmation of next meeting dates

Adjourn


Contact Linda R for Excel Worksheet of things to do

April Meeting & RI wool and fiber festival

2007-03-20T19:34:00.000-05:00

this note from Sandy regarding April's meeting:

Saturday, April 14 from 1-4 p.m.

Directions to Coventry Historical Society

From North

go 102 South through Coventry to four way intersection of 117 and 102. Bear right and immediate left.There

is an old Summit General sign on your right. Go around the bend and you'll see and old white church. The

guild sign will be in the lot.

From South

go 102 North through Coventry to the four way intersection of 117 and 102. Bear left and another immediate

left. Then follow the above.

You can follow 117 from Warwick as well into Coventry and keep going straight until you hit 102, then

cross over 102 and take immediate left.

Bring a goody to share. Tea and coffee will be there.

There will, also, be a swap table for anyone wishing to thin out their stash or add to it!

If anyone has any unwanted CD's, please bring them. We will be assembling spindles for the Coggeshall

fair. I will bring the grommets, dowels and hooks.

We would like to make as many as we can, so those at the fair, who are interested in making a small donation to the farm, may take them home with a little roving.

Also:
Meeting reminder and confirmation for RI wool and fiber festival committee for March 26th 7pm at the Coggeshall Farm Museum.

Meetings scheduled for March 26th at 7pm at the Coggeshall Farm Museum.

Under the weather

2007-03-17T13:40:00.000-05:00

The Guild has sent Get Well Soon flowers to member Carole Finger and her beloved Max. We hope to see her at meetings again soon!

URI Textile Visit Was a Success

2007-03-16T11:31:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday about 12 guild members enjoyed Margaret Ordonez's URI TextileTour. We began the visit with information about URI's textile program. Magaret told us about the conservation work that is done in her department and showed us samples of the work. Next we visited some of the classrooms which contained looms, fabric samples, and large quantities of textiles. The pictures say much more then I can about the wonderful examples of textiles from the 17th 18th and 19th centuries as well as the recent past. I welcome other members to post about their experiences.

URI Textile Tour Saturday March 10th Another Update

2007-03-09T08:34:00.000-05:00

Hello all.....I spoke to Margaret Ordonez last night. She said along with touring the textile collection she will be showing us some special textiles. She suggested we bring a textile, yarn or fiber we might like to view under the microscope. I told her we would be there for 1pm.

Margaret also thought that there may *not *be a booth attendant at the Information center so find the closest parking lot next to Ranger Rd and walk to the Quinn Building, 3rd floor, Rm 306

We will also be able to knit or spin in a room that will be available that day. Feel free to take your fiber tools if you so desire.

Directions
Hope to see you there..................Cindy

Directions to Coggshall Farm Meeting 7pm March 5th

2007-03-05T07:16:00.000-05:00

Here are the directions from Linda to Coggeshell Farm if you plan to attend the 7pm meeting tonight for the RI sheep and Wool Festival...Cindy

From Rt 195. Take the route 114 south exit towards Barrington.. Follow 114 south thru Barrington and Warren heading towards Bristol.(Main Street in Warren becomes Hope Street in Bristol). Key land marks for when you are getting close.... Major intersection with stores on left (Seabra market- Newport Bank-Dunkin donuts). Cont straight thru that traffic light con't on Rt 114 S . You will come to another traffic light at the entrance to Colt state park- Con't to go straight. The next traffic light is at Chestnut street. Cont to go Straight. A mile or less down the road you will see a sign for Coggeshall Farm on the Rt hand side of the road. Take this right- this is Poppasquash Rd. Follow the road around the harbor. Landmarks that you will pass...Bristol Marina/OSA Kayaks on left- con't around the bend.. Bristol Yacht Club will be on your left. Go slow as you con't down the road- you will see a break in the rock wall with a small sign that says Coggeshall Farm.. Drive down this lane (very dark) until you see the Farm house on the left- there is a large street light. There is a small parking area on the right.. Please make certain that the road is passible when you park- Cars use that road to get to Poppasquash Rd.

RI Wool & Fiber Festival

2007-02-26T09:54:00.000-05:00

RI Wool & Fiber Festival meeting canceled for tonight. Date changed to March 5th.

RI Wool And Fiber Festival Meeting

2007-02-22T11:08:00.000-05:00

Linda R., one of our RISG members is part of an  effort to create a RI Wool and Fiber Festival for next year. See this link for earlier posts on this blog concerning the festival.

Interested in attending the meeting? See details below:

RI Wool And Fiber Festival Meeting Reminder- Coggeshall Farm-
there will be a meeting at Coggeshall Farm Museum on Monday evening at 7 pm on Feb 26th.. we'll have the fire going. BRING A FRIEND.. (it helps in keeping warm  ;-).
You will need some files if you are attending.Please email Cindy D for those documents.

Civil War Shawl Knitalong
Interested in a Civil War Shawl Knitalong? Go to this site for details. The pattern is in the Cast On Winter /Spring issue 2001 or you can purchase the pattern from its creator:

Suzanne Pufpaff at:
feltlady@yurtboutique.com

or send $6.00 in US funds to:
Suzanne Pufpaff
5038 E. M79 Hwy
Nashville, MI 49073

March 10thTextile Collection Tour Update

2007-02-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

Hello Spinsisters and brothers......We are looking forward to our visit to URI on March 10th from 1-4pm. Margaret Ordonez will be giving us a short tour of the collection.

We will also be able to knit or spin in a room that will be available that day. Feel free to take your fiber tools if you so desire. I'm thinking that taking a spindle and knitting is a good idea.

Directions to URI:
From the north, take I-95 South to Exit 9 (Route 4 South) in RHODE ISLAND, follow Route 4 to Route 1 South. Stay on Route 1 until the intersection of Route 138 West. Take a right onto Route 138 West which will bring you to the University.

From the south, take I-95 North to Exit 3A (Route 138 East). Continue east on Route 138 to the University.

Travel to Upper College Rd. Stop at the Information Center which will be on the right . The booth attendant will give you a parking pass and direct you to the closest parking lot next to Ranger Rd. There is handicapped parking in that area as well.

The collection is in Quinn Hall on the 3rd floor in Rm 306. There is an elevator that is handicapped accessible.

Food and beverages will be available at the Memorial Union across from Quinn Hall from 10-5pm. It was suggested that we should eat before 1pm so that we can enjoy the collection. A Walking Emporium near the parking lot is also open on Saturday.

Get Well Soon Wishes

2007-02-18T11:07:00.000-05:00

The Guild has sent floral arrangements to Sue Dinola and Jean Lavoie, along with wishes for speedy recoveries. May their wheels be spinning and their needles clicking together again soon!

February 10th Guild Meeting At Sharon's House

2007-02-05T07:20:00.000-05:00

Jean called me and asked to find another site for Sat. I volunteered. E-mail Cindy D or Judy risgonline@yahoo.com for directions if you need them.

Give me any information you have on Spring activities or road trips for ourselves and the NHA newsletter.

Give your dues to anyone coming to the meeting so we can get caught up. (I am guilty
also!) ................Sharon

Gilbert Stuart Old Mill Day

2007-02-03T18:00:00.000-05:00

Greetings, Rhode Island Fiberists:

I received an e-mail from Peg O'Connor at the Gilbert Stuart Homestead inviting us to participate in their upcoming Old Mill Day on Sunday, May 6 - 1pm to 4pm. This is an updated version of their annual opening day which usually celebrated the annual herring run in the stream flowing through the property. This year's event celebration will focus on the newly renovated mill.

Last year's event was a lot of fun. Sandy Chatelle, Richard and I demonstrated spinning while Jan Doyle wove our yarn. The folks who stopped by were genuinely interested, asking questions about the crafts and we even had a knitting "clinic" when someone pulled out a project which needed a bit of help.

In addition to our demo there were tours of the grounds and buildings, vendors and a johnnycake concession.

That weekend most likely will also be the Maryland Sheep & Wool weekend so I know that some folks will want to go there, but if you aren't, please consider this opportunity to participate in this event, support this great organization and have some fiber fun!

Going forward.. let's energize!

2007-01-29T08:53:00.001-05:00

After reading Renay's post, and her suggestion that we might want to have a workshop or something, I have been thinking about what I would like to see and do in a guild. Cindy used the word "energize". What simple, inexpensive thing can we do as a group, to generate some interest in our spinning and in our guild? Here's a thought.

Several of our members have fiber animals... sheep, llamas, alpacas, anyone have rabbits? Why don't we buy a pound or two of roving or fiber (raw or processed) from them, one at a time. Every member of the guild would be given an ounce or two of the same fiber with the instructions to spin it anyway they wished and produce a small product. We can give ourselves a time frame, a month or two. Then, we do it allover again with another type of fiber. Just a thought. We might even make a photo gallery of our finished products, online at the blog, so that we can all see them and use them for inspiration on a future project.

There is a wonderful new site called the Yarn Museum. Anyone can submit entries. It's a great place to go online to get spinning ideas. There are lots of "fun" yarns in the "Anything Goes" show, presently on display. Check it out.
Cindy, David, Renay and I have posted on the blog. If anyone is interested in writing something, please email me so that I can send you an authorship invitation. If you want me to post it for you, just write it in an email to me (ballandskein@yahoo.comt)and I will cut and paste it into the blog. Also, don't forget that you can always "comment" at the end of any post by simply clicking on the comment link. You will have to fill out a short form creating an identity the first time you use Blogger. It's easy.

Join R I Spinning Guild Discussion List at Yahoo

2007-01-24T10:47:00.000-05:00

Greetings Spin Sisters and Brothers!!!

In an attempt to energize the guild Judy has created this blog for us. Thank you so much, Judy! She has attempted to notify many present and former members about this blog. Please share this blog address with members who may not yet be aware of it. Keep in mind that you can read past postings by scrolling down the page or clicking on the archives for much earlier postings.

You can comment on this posting or others by clicking on the comments link at the end of this posting. You will have to fill in some information ( certainly not your whole name or other personal info.) In short the comments link can provide us with a dialogue about guild issues.

I am attempting to energize the guild by encouraging members to join the Yahoo RISG online discussion list or listserv. I have sent out many invitations via email to enable members to join the list, but I have not received responses. If you wish to join you can go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RISpinningGuild/ now and click on Join This Group! You need to fill in some information. Don't feel you have to fill in any personal information.

I will be posting parking directions for the URI for the textile collection visit scheduled for March 10th 1-4pm as soon as I get them from Margaret Ordonez's secretary.

Message from Sharon:

Anyone interested in going to RISD this Sat. January 24th? They have an exhibit on textiles from Uzbekistan It should have nice ethnic designs. This is the FREE Saturday to view the collection. I will be at Jean's at 10:30 am then on to the Museum at 11. Let us know if you are going......Sharon

2007-01-23T20:07:00.000-05:00

It's 2007 and time to send in dues! $15.00 per year. Please make the check payable to "Rhode Island Spinners Guild" and send it to Renay McLeish, 1026 Hill Rd., Pascoag, RI 02859. If you're not sure if you're paid up for 2007, drop me an email and I'd be happy to let you know.

We've built up some funds over the past couple of years - would anyone like to plan a workshop for the Guild?

1st Annual Coggeshall Wool Gathering Day

2007-01-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

Just a thought for anyone interested in going to the meeting; the line up for the spring Sheep & Wool shows is pretty hectic in May.  Every weekend, beginning the last one in April (28th) until Memorial Day weekend, has a show if RI plans to take May 19th.  In the fall, the schedule is lighter.  VT has September 8-9, NY (Rhinebeck) Oct. 20-21st.  RI might have a better turnout, particularly vendors and exhibitors, if a show was planned for the fall.
                                                   Judy

Harriet sent this via email:

Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 2:32:21 PM
Subject: Informational Meeting for 1st Annual Coggeshall Farm "Wool
Gathering" Day- We need you!


What- Meeting to Discuss the plans for our Wool Gathering and Sheep Shearing
Day to be held May 19th at Coggeshall Farm Museum.

Why- RI is the only state in New England that does not hold some type of
Wool event.. We will be having our annual sheep shearing event on this same
day- 

When- Meeting to be held Monday January 29th at 6 pm at Coggeshall Farm
Museum, Bristol RI.. 

Agenda
1. How do we reach all the RI "fiber farms"?  
        RI sheep co-operative
        Individual farms (have several alpaca farms expressing interest as
well as a goat)
2. What type of vendor would be appropriate?
            a. sheep
            b. camelids
            c. Goats
            d. Yarn/fiber
            e. Weaving/Spinning (wheels, looms, tools and toys)
            f.  quilting
            g. basket weaving
            h.  food vendor
            i. other appropriate crafts--- what am i missing
            j. music
3. Sheep to Shawl contest
            ? appropriate teams
            ? qualified judges
4. other contests
            Spinning
            Hand spindles
            knitty noddy winding. 
5. demonstrations
            Felting
            dying
            ??? what other
6. VOLUNTEERS
   Resource pool--- 
            membership
            previous event volunteers
            new blood
            guilds
What we need them for
            set up
            runners
            gate/parking
            contests
            judges
            take down
            ad hoc. 
            volunteer co ordinator

I realize that not everyone can make a meeting during the week (on a
winter's nite in january.). but if you can make it and are interested-
please let us know.. If you are interested and CAN NOT make it- or if you
have information that will assist us on any of the line items noted above-
also please let me know.. I am in the process of putting together a formal
"outreach sheet" that can be posted and shared - i will include you in on
the distribution.. I am really excited about this opportunity... I hope you
are too.. 

Contact info.. 

Linda Rhynard
cell phone- 401-258-7577
Farm phone- 401-253-9062  - Joe is the farm manager...

2007-01-15T21:15:00.000-05:00

Well, gang, this is my first post ever. As I just emailed to Judy, isn't ironic that something as old as handspinning has led me to learn something so 21st century as blogging! Looking forward to the experience. Renay

January Meeting at Jean's

2007-01-15T09:58:00.000-05:00

This is my first post - a sort of test into the new world of blogging! Thanks to Judy for introducing us into the world of 21st Century Communication.
The January meeting was held at Jean LaVoie's home. Those present were Beth, Marva, Marie, Richard, myself and, of course, Jean. (I think I "got" everybody). We were surprised by the attendance of a past guild member, Stan, and his friend Ernie. We should look forward to seeing them at future guild functions. Lively conversation, some spinning, some knitting and the required food moments occurred. Beth has volunteered to contact Harriet Eiter about learning the newsletter formats. The not-too-often-used guild library will eventually migrate to Richard's and my house in the next few months. Jean has offered to host the next (February) meeting. So, I am hoping to see you there!

March meeting: URI Textile Collection & RISD Museum show

2007-01-14T08:24:00.000-05:00

Hello Spin sisters and brothers....

....This week I was finally able to
get a date for our guild visit to the URI Textile collection. We will be
able to visit on Saturday,March 10th, from 1-4 pm. Mark your calendars accordingly.

For those of you interested in the exhibit at the RISD museum, it is a small exhibit of very beautiful contemporary ikats and embroidered cloths from Uzbekistan. You could easily see it on any Sunday during the "free" hours before 1pm. It doesn't take long. Sundays are a great time to get a parking space, too.
This is the blurb from the Museum's site describing the exhibit.

TURN LEFT AT THE CAMEL
A Curator’s Tale of Uzbekistan

October 13-February 11, 2006

Curator of Costume + Textiles Madelyn Shaw and five others visited Uzbekistan in Spring 2006, a trip sponsored by the Institute for Trade and Development (Amherst, MA) and funded by the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The group spent a week in the historic city of Khiva — where two workshops are being developed as sustainable craft businesses — and passed another week in Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent. This exhibition presents contemporary textiles acquired by Shaw for RISD’s collection, including examples executed in traditional embroidery and ikat (tie-dye) techniques and a very modern evening gown designed by Nodira Subkhanova that uses a new but traditional silk ikat fabric. Also on display are photographs of their experiences taken by group members.

December Meeting

2006-12-13T19:41:00.000-05:00

Thanks once again to Sandy for hosting the December meeting. It was a lovely relaxing afternoon. No business was conducted. Cindy and I arrived around noon. Sandy had her home decorated for the holidays and a lovely table set up for our luncheon. The kitchen smelled of warming cider and the wood stove was going in the livingroom. Before long, Carol, Sharon and Beth arrived. We ate, visited, spun and knitted and swapped ornaments.