December 2013 Minutes

Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers Guild

December 14, 2013 Minutes

Sharie L. Jones and Maxene Harlow, Co-Presidents

The meeting was held at Bartley Ranch and was called to order at 11:00 am.

The November minutes were approved by general consent.

Members welcomed back Carol Lopez.

Treasurer’s Report: Doris reported we sold 4 spindle kits ($26) and received $20 in donations. She has reserved the Davis Creek Park location for our September 12-13, 2014 retreat for $350. She purchased gallon plastic bags for $8.01. The treasury has $3400.93 with 50 paid members. Dues ($25 a year) are due in January to Doris. There was discussion of the guild’s annual donation to Heifer International. It was decided to go ahead with that donation for this year but do some research into other possibilities for next year.

Library Report: Heidi reported the guild has purchased four DVDs: “Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom”, “Life After Warping”, “Tablet Weaving Made Easy”, and “Dyeing in the Kitchen”. The library also has “The Gentle Art of Plying” and “Three Bags Full” by Judith McKenzie. Heidi also has several Cotton Spinning DVDs. Please contact her to check out a DVD for 30 days. If you want any other DVDs, let Heidi know. Nancy Pryor donated a book, “Primary Structures of Fabrics”.

Old Business:

1. Sharie reported all the reservations for our 2014 meeting dates have been completed.
2. Max reported the arboretum group that Marilynn belongs to wants to partner with us for the Fashion Show in June or July 2014. The theme will be “The Queen’s Tea Party” and will be a fundraiser for the arboretum. Guild members can make things to sell/raffle at the event.
3. Max asked if members want to participate in the Carson Rendezvous at Mills Park in Carson City the second weekend in June 2014 (Fri, Sat, Sun). We could have our meeting there. It is the same weekend as the Tahoe Renaissance Fair. We’ll vote on this at the next meeting.
4. Max asked members if the guild wants to purchase a brick on the walkway in front of the schoolhouse at Barley Ranch where we meet. Cost is $50 a brick. Margie seconded and the idea was approved by general consent.

New Business:

1. Members discussed the possibility of a guild Facebook page to share information. Marilyn P. moved to start a private/closed Facebook group for guild members that wished to use it. Margie seconded. The motion was approved.
2. Officers for the 2014 guild year were approved by general consent: Sharie and Max will continue as co-presidents, Virva will be Vice President, Marilyn and Kendra will share the Secretary position (surprise Kendra!), Doris will continue as Treasurer, Heidi will continue as “Keeper of the Knowledge”, and it was decided we don’t need a Raffle coordinator since we have so much money in the treasury.
3. Connie asked if the guild wanted to organize a spinning in the schools demo that we could offer to the district through the Artist in Residence program. Virva, Max, and Mim reported their efforts to do demos/teach spinning and fiber arts at various school settings. The discussion will continue at the next meeting.

Show and Tell: Max showed more of her Molly Dolls and some roving she made at a batt party. She wants to make our Batt Party an annual event. She also had a Christmas lights necklace and a Hersey’s Kiss hat. Virva showed her Free Lace scarf that she put through the washer to felt. She showed a two-ply blue yarn she made from her batt party efforts and will make it into a vest. She made a hackle from combs after seeing Sharie’s at the party. Rhonda showed some ornaments she made felting wool with chopsticks using cookies cutters to shape the fiber. Judy W. showed a green scarf she made and some gorgeous wooden knitting bowls her husband made. She had several for sale and took orders for more at $45 each. Mim showed some kitchen concoctions including a sourdough starter she’s willing to share. Myna showed an elaborate green dragon stuffed animal she knitted, complete with wings. Heidi hosted a batt party recently and is donating 3 batts for the spindle kits. Carol showed a cashmere afghan she’s been working on in a ripple pattern. Mary S. showed some arm warmers with a thumbhole she made in a light mint green. Robin bought a used drum carder for $200, got fleece from Doris, watched the “Three Bags Full” DVD, and showed the resulting batts. Nancy Pryor reported the guild’s electric spinner now has a foot peddle to control the speed better. She has some dyed Romney braid for sale. She also showed a lovely woven jacket she made. Janet S. showed a recycled yarn sweater she’s knitting for her grandson from his great grandma’s sweater. She also showed some yarn she made from strips of old t-shirts. Sheila showed some crocodile slippers she made. Marilyn P. showed a nice travel bag Myna made for her to carry the rigid heddle loom they both bid on (but Myna got) at the retreat in September. Myna has generously gifted the loom, bag, and accompanying book to Marilyn. Mary B. is happy to be knitting. She reports Jimmy Bean’s has core-spinning yarn for sale at $35 for a small skein. Jessi showed kitty and octopus ornaments she made and is selling in her Etsy shop online. Judy A. made ornaments on wooden spools from leftover batts that she needle-felted. She also showed a lovely dyed silk scarf she made and then added felt accents done with wet felting.

In Attendance: Marilyn Pearson, Bev Perkins, Mary B., Jessi Casey, Judy Applegarth, Sharie L. Jones, Maxene Harlow, Virva Porcelli, Barbara Hunt, Connie Vann, Sue Gottsacker, Alfred Hingiss (guest), Judy Wells, Rhonda La Fountaine, Margery McConaghy, Mimi Bullard, Myna Giannotti, Heidi Ericson, Christine Lopez, Carol Lopez, Mary Sherman, Eileen Jacobs, Janet Drozd, Toni Strassburg, Robin Gallagher, Nancy Pryor, Janet Schueller, Sheila Young.

Next Meeting: January 11, 2014, 11:00 at Bartley Ranch Schoolhouse

Minutes November 2013

Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers Guild
November 9, 2013 Minutes
Sharie L. Jones and Maxene Harlow, Co-Presidents

The meeting was held at Bartley Ranch and was called to order at 10:50 am. 

The October minutes were approved by general consent.

Treasurer’s Report:  Doris reported the guild sold 13 spindle kits for $77 at the Celtic Fair plus an addition 3 for $13.  The Celtic Fair association refunded our $200 entrance fee to thank us for attending!  We also got our $100 deposit back from the Davis Creek retreat.  The treasury has $3712.94 with 50 paid members.  Annual membership dues of $25 are due . . .soon!  January 1st.  Doris will use some funds to purchase more gallon bags and print more information sheets.

Library Report: Heidi reported she has some new DVDs in the library: “Three Bags Full” by Judith Mackenzie, “Tablet Weaving Made Easy”, and Rigid Heddle, Beyond the Basics”.  She will purchase the last two soon.  Heidi suggested we could show DVDs as a Learning Tree if we had a screen.  Marilynn offered to let the guild use hers.  Nancy suggested we purchase “Spinning Cotton”.  Virva said she would watch for it on the Interweave sales.  Heidi is working on getting a list of library items online for members to check out resources.

Old Business:

1. Nancy made and brought nametags for everyone.  Thank you Nancy!!  There’s a box by the door at each meeting for retrieving and then leaving your nametags.
2. Sharie’s email has been down due to rodents chewing the wires.  If you’ve been having trouble reaching her, that’s why.  All is fixed now.
3. Doris’s ancient answering machine is dead.  If you need to contact her, please call her in the evening. 
4. Doris is still working on a members list to mail out.  She does have some paper copies if you need one soon.
5. The Fashion Show idea is still looking for a home. Virva will ask Bartley Ranch if we could have it here.  Max is looking for people to be on the committee to organize it.

New Business:

1. Sharie discussed locations for next year’s meeting since we need to make reservations soon.  Virva moved we use the same meeting places we did this year including having the October meeting at the Celtic Fair.  Max seconded.  The motion passed by general consent.  Virva will make reservations for the Bartley Ranch schoolhouse for January, February, March, April, November, and December.  Doris will reserve Davis Creek for next year’s retreat in September.
2. Max discussed the need to nominate/volunteer officers for the next club year.  Max and Sharie offered to continue being co-presidents.  Connie declined to be vice president again.  Virva offered to be VP.  Marilyn P. nominated Kendra to be co-secretary with her next year since she did such a nice job filling in for Marilyn one month last summer.
3. The guild Potluck Christmas Party is next month on December 14.  There will also be an ornament exchange and a silent auction.  Bring items for the auction if you have them.  All auction proceeds go to the guild.  Sharie suggested putting your name in your wrapped ornament bag if it’s homemade. 
4. After discussion, it was decided to donate a large book on tapestry, leftover from the retreat, to the guild library rather than selling it.

Show and Tell: 
Max showed yarn she made at the Celtic Fair and announced she’s now a doll maker!  She showed a doll she made that looked just like her and surprised Heidi with a doll which wore a purple sweater and held a drop spindle.  Sharie showed a Mary Jane’s Magazine article with needle-felted animal patterns and suggested that as a Learning Tree.  Virva suggested we do needle felting at the next retreat.  She showed her new Pocket Wheel spinning wheel ordered 1 ½ years ago.  It works well, is very portable, and works with a wooly winder. Jimmie showed some socks she made with Kool-Aid dyed yarn. Susannah showed some yarn she made since being introduced to spinning at the Celtic Fair!  Robyn showed some green and yellow yarn she spun and announced her new business, Paisley Fiber.  Gina showed a cloth tea cozy that doubles as a hat, some silk scarves, and some silk noil she dyed.  Kendra showed a hat and her Free Lacy scarf.  Mim showed a swan-like gourd she grew from Margery’s seeds.  She also showed some felted dryer balls she made with leftover wool yarn.  She may sell them on Etsy for $5 each.  Mim also showed some pendants she made from smashed spoons.  Marilyn P.  showed some self-striping socks she made.  Pam showed some of her washed and carded wool from the Icelandic fleece she purchased.  Susan is going to the Panama Canal and is looking forward to seeing the textile market in Guatemala.  Nancy showed some core-spun yarn she made.  Heidi reported she spun 15 skeins of yarn in 1½ weeks recently.  Her cat has developed a ”fiber fetish” so she can’t display yarn on her walls anymore.  Max reported she purchased a used Ashford Traveler spinning wheel for $200 at a thrift shop.  She needs help setting it up.

The meeting was adjourned and the Mad Hatter’s Batt Party learning tree was a big success.

In Attendance:  Pam Sutton, Susan Palwick, Nancy Pryor, Heidi Ericson, Mary B. Jessi Casey, Judy Applegarth, Maxene Harlow, Sharie Jones, Virva Porcelli, Jimmie Upham, Barbara Hunt, Tiffany H.  Connie Vann, Marilynn Clarke, Doris Woloszyn, Margery McConaghy, Jo Van Winkle, Susannah Coates, Robin Gallagher, Mimi Bullard, Myna Giannotti, Gina Iwahashi, Kendra Iwahashi, Bev Perkins, Marilyn Pearson

Next Meeting: 

Christmas Potluck, Ornament Exchange, and Silent Auction
Saturday December 14 at Bartley Ranch.

October Minutes 2013

Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers Guild
October 5, 2013 Minutes
Sharie L. Jones and Maxene Harlow, Co-Presidents

The meeting was held at Bartley Ranch as part of the Celtic Fair.  The meeting was called to order at 11:07 am.

The September minutes were approved by general consent.

Treasurer’s Report:  Doris reported the guild made $149 in sales at the September retreat.  Mim sold some spindle kits.  The guild paid $58.15 for the green flyers, $52.01 for the free lace workshop supplies, and $28 to cover the cost of Marilynn’s dye workshop.  The guild has $3322.94 with 50 paid memberships.

Library Report: Heidi reported “Nothing new” for the library.

Old Business:
1. Heidi reported Carol Lopez is recovering after breaking her femur in 4 places.  She can walk with a walker now.  She is at Rosewood Rehab Center on Sullivan Lane, room 24.  Sharon Campbell broke her neck in a fall, had surgery, and is back home and ready for visitors.
2. Sharie thanked Marilynn for her dye workshop calling it a “huge success”.
3. Nancy brought in a bin of names tags.  See her to find yours or get supplies to make your own.
4. Heidi reports we now have 1200 business cards.  See her if you’d like some to hand out.
5. Doris sent around the master member list for update.  Please contact her ASAP to make sure your info is current.  She will email the list out in the next several weeks.
6. Sharie reported Bob the Ranger called to say the Harvest Festival was cancelled.  We don’t know when or if it will be rescheduled.
7. Sharie asked if anyone registered for the Spinzilla event.  None of the members present had signed up.
8. Sharie had further info on the NV Waldorf school request:  they need donations of supplies, not a demo.
9. Doris confirmed the Black Sheep Festival is June 20-22 next summer.
10. Max reported we couldn’t do a Fashion Show at the Arboretum as previously thought.  She is looking for another venue.

New Business:
1. Max proposed having a “Mad Hatters Batt Party” as a Learning Tree at the     November meeting.  Members approved.  Wear your favorite hat, bring your carders, and bring fiber to share.  Marilynn will bring her picker.
2. Max reported on the National Button Show she attended with her mother here in Reno recently.  She spoke with an official there who said our guild could be involved when the event is held again in two years.  Buttons are the third most collectible items in the world, after coins and stamps.
3. Virva reported Linda Lindsay, one of our new members, competed in the bagpipe competition here at the fair today.

Show and Tell:
New member Jan Mayberry and her daughter Kyra reported on their trip to the Oregon Flock and Fiber event they attended in Portland recently.  They literally pulled a rabbit out of their bag to introduce a beautiful Satin Angora rabbit they purchased at the event.  Virva showed a ball of mustard colored wool she dyed with lichen which is self-mordanting.  She also showed several fibers she dyed with Jacquard acid dye in various shades of yellow.  Connie showed her table runner from the free lace class.  She used tulle to back it and added paper flowers.  Lovely!  Sharie showed her bunch of color samples from Marilynn’s natural dye class, some teal colored art yarn she made, and her free lace shawl after a second rinsing.  Marilynn showed fiber samples from her indigo dye class.

In Attendance:
Connie Vann, Pam Sutton, Marilynn Clarke, Heidi Ericson, Maxene Harlow, Sharie L. Jones, Mimi Bullard, Doris Woloszyn, Robin Gallagher, Virva Porcelli, Nancy Pryor, Margi McConaghy, Jo Van Winkle, Jan and Kyra Mayberry, Marilyn Pearson

Next Meeting:  Saturday November 9th at Bartley Ranch
We will be making fun batts of fiber after the meeting. Bring your drum carders if you have one and lots of colored fiber, Firestar, silk or anything to make a one of a kind batt!

Minutes September 2013

Madder Root

Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers Guild
September 14, 2013 Minutes
Sharie L. Jones and Maxene Harlow, Co-Presidents

The meeting was the guild’s annual retreat and was held at Davis Creek Park.  The meeting was called to order at 11:15 am. 

The August minutes were approved by general consent.

Treasurer’s Report:  Doris reported she has received 3 more paid dues for $75 and 3 more dye workshop signups for $195.  The guild reimbursed $19.48 for the spindles kits and $20 for other supplies.  Currently, the guild has $3482.10 with 50 members.  Toni moved that the guild reimburse Max for the Free Lace shawl supplies, Janet D. seconded and the motion was approved.  The check will be reported next month and will be $40-50. 

Library Report: Heidi reported “Nothing new”.

Old Business:
1. Sharie thanked Mim for all the emails she sent out for retreat planning.
2. Members will get name tags blanks from Nancy Pryor at the next meeting and can make their own nametags. 
3. Doris passed around a member info sheet for editing.  Please contact Doris to update your info if you weren’t at today’s meeting.
4. Marilynn’s dye class is next weekend.  The materials sheet was sent around for members who’ve signed up for the class.  Marilynn still needs stainless steel pots and burners/camp stoves, if you can bring them.
5. Virva, Mim, and Doris attended the Plumas County Fair in Quincy at the invitation of Anna Harvey.  They were part of a group of 8 demonstrating fiber arts in an air-conditioned building.  They highly recommend more members attend next year.
6. Anna also invited the guild to attend Discovery Days near Graeagle next July.  Doris attended this year.
7. Our October meeting will be on a different day, Saturday, Oct 5th, at the Celtic Fair at Bartley Ranch, on level grass.  Doris will submit a member list so you should be able to get in for free at the entrance.  Bring your spinning wheel/spinning supplies and dress in costume, if you wish. Nancy will set up our area at 3:00 on Friday.  Contact her if you can help.
8. Marilyn and Mim finished the card stock flyers and passed them out at the meeting today.  Marilyn will store the flyers and bring them to the next few meetings.  Contact her if you need some before then.

New Business:
1. Bob, the ranger at Rancho San Rafael Park, invited the guild to participate in Harvest Days at the park on Sept 21st, from 10 to mid-afternoon.  Shari will get more info and Mim will email it to everyone.
2. Max announced the Woolery online store is doing a “Spinzilla”, Oct 7-13.  Spinners can register, be placed on a team, and compete for the most yarn produced over that week.  Yarn goes to charity.  Contact Max if you need more information or checkout the Woolery shop online.
3. Virva and Robin both have Ashford Traveler wheels they’re selling.  $400 or make an offer.
4. The Nevada Waldorf School, 953 West Pecham Lane, Reno, is looking for fiber artists to give demonstrations to their students.  Mim emailed this request to guild members several weeks ago.
5. Heidi sent around a card for Carol Lopez who fell and broke her hip and femur this past week.
6. Doris announced the Black Sheep Gathering dates for next year might be different than printed in their newsletter.  She thinks the dates are June 20-22 but will check and let us know.

Show and Tell:

Janet S.  had some mystery fiber she asked member to identify.  The consensus was soy or some sort of vegetable fiber.  Marilyn showed a skein of nylon eyelash yarn which looked and felt like fur along with info about the Harry Potter knits magazine she purchased and downloaded from the Interweave online store.  Heidi showed her Turkish bed socks she knit for Max to thank her for letting her stay in her “princess bedroom” recently.  She also showed a dusty blue, cabled vest she made but is too big for her.  It needs a home.  Connie tried it on and a deal was done.  Ashley showed a lovely skein of blue Merino/bamboo/silk, 2 ply, she spun from some of Mim’s fiber.  Myna showed a hank of newly spun fiber saying, “I finally finished a skein!”  Kendra showed some fiber Gina dyed “and only felted a little” along with a gorgeous three-dimensional granny square shawl made with variegated acrylic yarn.  Robin show a book, North American Dye Plants she’s using to experiment with dyeing and some samples:  Alpaca/Corriedale/silk fiber dyed with rabbitbrush in shades of yellow and an unknown fiber dyed with purple flowers that turned out a muted green.  Robin uses tin as a mordant but reuses it and has heard that people never throw it out.  Sharie showed a floppy tam she made out of ribbon yarn and a novelty yarn.  She went to a bat party and showed several bats she made, suggesting this would be a fun Learning Tree activity for on of the guild’s winter indoor meeting.  Sharie also showed her Free Lace shawl and members watched as she washed out the stabilizer.  Max showed a bat she made from an inspiration photo of Emerald Bay “with the color pumped up”.  She also showed a “Max Doll” she made from a pattern in the British magazine, Molly Magazine, and commented on the tensioning info in the latest Spin Off magazine.  Doris commended on an article in Heifer Magazine, “How to make cheese like a Romanian Grandma”.  She had fun at the 2013 Ram Sale at Rafter Seven Ranch and read some comments about her win at Black Sheep Gathering from their newsletter.  Doris recently sent 10 fleeces to a wool and fleece auction in Monterey and won 10 ribbons!  Nine of the fleeces sold for a total of $883.  Congratulations Doris!  Robin showed her new, one-of-a-kind Majacraft Pioneer wheel in chartreuse.  She’s looking for someone to paint designs on the wheel. 

In Attendance:  Janet Schueller, Janet Drozd, Eileen Jacobs, Jo Van Winkle, Toni Strassburg, Doris Woloszyn, Maxene Harlow, Sharie L. Jones, Robin Gallagher, Mimi Bullard, Margery McConaghy, Virva Porcelli, Kendra Iwahashi, Myna Giannotti, Ashley Thibedeau, Heidi Ericson, Connie Vann, and Marilyn Pearson.

Next Meeting:  Saturday Oct 5th at the Celtic Fair at Bartley Ranch
They will have a list of our members so when you enter the park drive down to the check in spot for the Fair. You will then take a left and a right and park down at the end of the park. As you drive to the parking area you will see a covered patio on your right. We will be on the grass down from the patio.

August 2013 Minutes

Smoky August

Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers Guild
August 10, 2013 Minutes
Sharie L. Jones and Maxene Harlow, Co-Presidents

The meeting was held at the Rancho San Rafael Arboretum and was called to order at 10:55 am. 

The July minutes were approved by general consent.

Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Doris announced money is being collected for Marilynn’s dye workshop, 8 dues were paid for a total of $225, and the guild received a $20 donation for books.  Sharie was reimbursed for the 2 books she purchased for the guild library ($42.75), and the guild paid $179.69 for the wood for the spindle project.  The treasury has $3251.58 (which includes $765 for the dye workshop) and the guild has 47 members.

Library Report:  Librarian Heidi had “nothing new” to report.

Old Business:
1. President Sharie thanked Nancy Pryor for making the spindles for the spindle kits.  Mim would like some to take to her local farmers’ market.  The guild has 4 different spindle wheels and Mary moved to charge $5 for the small spindles and $8 for the larger spindles.  Margie seconded the motion.  The motion was approved.
2. President Sharie reminded members that our next meeting is the annual guild retreat at Davis Creek Park on September 14.  The Learning Tree will be the Free Lace Scarf she has been showing at the past couple of meetings.  Max will have one kit per person available, no charge, at the retreat.  If you want more scarf kits or need a shawl or table runner kit, Max needs to know.  You will be charged for those.  Mim will send out an email to all members with this info.  Suggestions for what to bring to make the scarf include pins to pin items in place and tissue paper to roll up the scarf for transporting.  Please bring extra tables and pop-ups if you have them.
3. Marilynn’s dye workshop is September 21-22.  Fifteen people have signed up so far.  Marilynn passed around instructions for participants today.  Check with her if you weren’t there today. She needs some stainless steel pots and burners (like a camp stove) for the workshop. 
4. Sharie briefly discussed the signups for the Party in the Garden Fashion Show Max has proposed for next year.  It was decided to wait until next meeting when Max could give further details. 
5. Our October meeting place has changed. Nicole Kelly will be out of town so can’t offer her home.  The members voted to have our meeting at the Celtic Fair at Bartley Ranch on October 5th.  Admission is free if you bring a wheel.
6. The new guild flyer was discussed.  Marilyn P. sent around a draft of text submitted by Mim with different fonts.  Members made a selection and voted to have the 250 pages of flyers, three per page, printed on light green card stock.  Sharie moved to reimburse Marilyn for the expense of printing, Virva seconded, and the motion passed by general consent.  Mim and Marilyn will have the flyers ready for the September meeting.
7. Doris and Virva are planning on going to the Plumas County Fair next week and the Quincy fairgrounds.  Anna Hardy has offered them space inside the building with the quilt displays.

New Business:
1. Amy Shannon invited guild members to demonstrate fiber arts at Main Station Farm for Farm Days, the same Saturday as our retreat.  Several members announced they plan to attend both events.
2. Marilyn P. asked if the members could have nametags.  Nancy Pryor has the supplies and will bring them to the next meeting so each member can make up their own.
3. Leslie Godbe asked for a learning tree on ratios on spinning wheels.  Basic spinning techniques was also suggested.  Sharie is keeping a list of ideas for learning trees for our indoor meetings.

Show and Tell:

Amy showed her yarn dyed with wolf lichen, a wool and mohair blend. She also had a lovely garter stitched shawl from Lorna’s Lace, a wool and silk, with mitered squares.  “It took me year to finish!”  Sharon showed her socks, a Truckee Shawl, an Age of Brass shawl and several others.  Susan was working on some striped socks, knitting both at the same time, use a magic loop method.  Sharie showed her indigo dyed fiber she’ll use to make slippers and her beautiful core spun, many colored mohair fiber that’s so pretty she decided to wear it as a necklace rather than make it into something.  Kendra showed the yarn she dyed at Marilynn’s house at our last meeting and announced she has a new wheel.  Leslie finally spun her silk noil.  Marilyn P. showed a baby sweater she knit for her new grandson, due in November.  Carolyn had flyers for the Reno Open Studio she’s participating in.  Nancy showed scarves she’s woven to show the differences achieved with washing and pressing.  Mim showed her felted “noodle” necklaces and how cute they are as tassels on hats.  Jean’s sister visiting from England showed a purple sweater she’s making for her great niece out of sport weight yarn.  Toni showed a Ken Ledbetter drop spindle she wants to sell.  She paid $45.  Make an offer if you’re interested.  Robin has an Ashford Traveler spinning wheel for sale for $350. 

In Attendance:  Nicole Kelly, Pat Thomas, Colette Coleman, Doris Woloszyn, Eileen Jacobs, Toni Strassburg, Robin Gallagher, Mimi Bullard, Amy Shannon, Susan Palwick, Heidi Ericson, Virva Porcelli, Sharie Jones, Marilynn Clarke, Kendra Iwahashi, Mary B., Leslie Godbe, Nancy Pryor, Sheila Young, Margerie McConaghy, Judy Wells, Malinda Parks, Gary Parks, Carolyn Thompson, Janet Schueller, Marilyn Pearson.

Next Meeting:  Saturday, September 14, Davis Creek Park

July 2013 Minutes

Color from the Indigo Dye Vat

Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers Guild
July 13, 2012 Meeting Minutes
Sharie L. Jones and Maxene Harlow, Co-Presidents

The meeting was held at Mim’s lovely ranch in the shade of several of her many trees.  Thank you Mim for hosting!  The meeting was called to order at 11:15

The June minutes were approved by general consent.  Thank you to Kendra Iwahashi for taking the minutes while Secretary Marilyn was away.  Several members commented on how professional her minutes were.

Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Doris said her report is a repeat of last month except that we have we have $3332 in the guild treasury at the moment.  Dues are $25 for the year.

Library Report:  Librarian Heidi accepted two books from Shari to add to the library:  The Carding Book, and Linen Handspinning and Weaving.  After learning how, Shari plans to do a Learning Tree on how to make linen from flax.  The members voted to reimburse Shari for the books.

Old Business:
1.  Shari reported Nancy Pryor and others made 2 sizes and 2 styles of spindles with the materials purchased recently.  These will be used over several events including a farmer’s market. 
2.  Max reminded members to attend our September CSSW retreat at Davis Creek Campground on September 14.  The project is the scarf made of odds and ends.  Please bring your stash and Max will have additional items for use.  The first scarf kit is free.  $10 for the second, if you wish to make another, and $20 for the wrap sized project.  Max will have the kits and a list of materials to bring at the August guild meeting.  Plan to bring a popup tent/shade cover for the retreat, if you have one.  The projects can’t get wet before they’re finished.
3.  Marilynn’s dye class is set for September 21 and 22. Today was the deadline to pay and signup.  Members pay $65, nonmembers $90.  Mim moved that the guild pay any extra costs if there were too few participants in order to keep the cost below $100.  Sheila seconded and the members approved the motion.  So far 12-14 people will attend the class.
4.  The proposed guild fashion show at the arboretum’s Party in the Garden next year was discussed.  A planning committee will be formed at the next meeting.  Marilynn will know the dates for next year’s event sometime in September.
5.  Our October meeting will be at Nicole Kelly’s home in Blairsden, California near Graeagle.  Directions will be provided.
6.  Shari reminded members that the guild has lots of books, DVDs, and equipment for use by members.  Just let her know if you need to borrow anything.  Contact Heidi for library items. 


Dates to Remember:
1.  Gold Discovery Days at the Plumas-Eureka State Park are next weekend, July 20 and 21st.  You can attend and demo your skills.
2. The Celtic Fair is October 5th and 6th at Bartley Ranch.  Nancy Pryor will have info at the next meeting. 
3.  The Plumas Sierra County Fair is August 14-18 in Quincy.  Our guild went last year and demonstrated fiber arts.
4.  The Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene, Oregon will be held June 27-29 next year.  Plan to attend!
5.  Sharon Campbell will be at the Nevada County Fair August 7-11 to demonstrate fiber arts.  She recommends watching the “cow agility” event. 
6.  The Reno Fiber Guild has invited CSSW to participate in their event at the south Valleys Library on March 22, 2014.  Details to follow. 

New Business:
1.  Virva suggested the guild make up an information flyer, similar to a bookmark in size and in card stock, to hand out at events to interested people.  Doris remarked that the guild already has a business card with some info for that use.  Heidi will see if she can get more of those cards printed and disbursed to members.  Mim and Marilyn P.  will draft a flyer for members to review at the August meeting.

Show and Tell:  Doris got to “show” first because she won a “big honk’n trophy” at Black Sheep with her five fleeces entry in a competition judged by Judith MacKenzie.  Doris also shared comments from Judith as she judged other events throughout the event.  Virva and Sharie surprised Doris with a book of photos of her time at Black Sheep including a photo of the moment she won the trophy.  Congratulations Doris!!  Jo showed a woolen shawl from Italy that had a similar construction to one of Max’s creations. Susan showed a purple scarf with clasped weft weaving, a “beautiful job”. Sheila showed a green lacy sock she’s working on from a Cookie A pattern.  Virva showed things she bought at Black Sheep: a basket, lots of fiber, a t-shirt, and a pin. Becky showed some Cormo wool she spun ($50 a pound) along with several unusual types of natural colored fibers she’s been experimenting with including a hard-to-find champagne color.  Mim showed how she’s made felt bracelets out of leftovers from her dyeing and compression disks from the hardware store.  Ashley showed a beautiful wine-colored shawl from her own handspun yarn.  Sharie told how she attended an art yarn class last year at Black Sheep, made a scarf using those techniques, and won a first place ribbon at this year’s event. Her teacher was there and was so impressed, she took a photo of Sharie and her scarf.  Sharie took a pin weaving class and now can’t stop!  Heidi could only spend 3 hours at Black Sheep but managed to buy a new Lazy Kate made by Will Taylor with design tips from Judith MacKenzie.  She also bought a Judith MacKenzie batt in a rose colorway and will use it to make a scarf for her husband, at his request.  Heidi is also working on a toe-up sock with a gusset.  Max also went to Black Sheep and showed a yellow travel bag for projects she got there.  She plied her indigo dyed yarn from the last meeting with some yarn she bought.  Max is also working on pin weaving on a Zoom Loom.  She’ll make a chenille-type jacket with her little woven squares.  Marilyn showed several small reversible toys she’s making for her granddaughter from the book Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Knit Toys.  Her granddaughter’s favorite is the doghouse that turns into a dog.  Margie told about her Rottweiler dog who is an organic gardener because he picks tomato worms from her plants on command. Sharon told about a Lazy Kate she bought from Ken Ledbetter specifically for spindles.  It can hold up to 3 spindles at a time.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 and Marilynn gave an indigo dye Learning Tree after the meeting.

In Attendance: Mimi Bullard, Sharie Jones, Heidi Ericson, Maxene Harlow, Eileen Jacobs, Marilynn Clarke, Jo and Noelle Van Winkle, Doris Woloszyn, Margie McConaghy, Susan Palwick, Sheila Young, Linda Ryssman, Ashley Thibedeau, Becky Pennington, Sharon Campbell, Virva Porcelli, Judy Well, Marilyn Pearson.

Next Meeting:  August 10th at the Rancho San Rafael Arboretum. We will have a tour of the gardens after the meeting for the Learning Tree.  Wear your walking shoes if you’d like to come along. 

June 2013 Minutes

June 8, 2013 in Marilynn’s garden

Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers Guild

Meeting called to order at 11:10 am.

Introductions

Correction to May meeting minutes:  The June 8th meeting is listed for June 15th not June 8th.
May meeting minutes: motioned for approval with correction by Nancy and seconded by Max.

Treasurers Report: (Sharie substituting for Doris who is out of town) Two members paid their dues for a total of $50.  Four spindle kits were sold for a total of $20.  The Guild received a donation from Eileen of $15.  Eileen made a sold cell phone cases.  Paid Virva $28 for CDs for the library. 

The CSSW Retreat is Friday, September 13th to Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at the group campsite at Davis creek. 

Library Report: Librarian was absent.  Sherie is looking for a book on drum carding. 

Old business:

Making more drop spindle kits: Sherie looking at a company called Bare Wood for wagon wheels to use as spindle whorls.  The wagon wheels would be more expensive then the solid originals (which sell for $5 per kit), but would be lighter and still have a good size.  Nancy volunteered to assemble spindles and will get dowels and hooks for the project.  Sharie will order approximately 30 or 40 wagon wheels to make into spindles.

Marilynn’s Natural Dye Class is scheduled for September 21 and 22, 2013.  Payment for the class needs to be made by July 13th.  For members, the cost of the class will be approximately $60 to $75.  Payment can be made at the CSSW meeting on July 13th or by mail to Doris.  Marilynn’s Natural Dye Class will teach participants to dye with all sorts of plants.  At the end of the class, each student will leave with samples and instructions.  All materials are included in the fee.  Marilynn is in need of stainless steel pots and burners for the class.

CNCH at Squaw Valley Report: So much stuff was donated that the silent auction became a raffle to raise money for scholarships and to put the conference on.  The keynote speaker was Anita Mayer.  The parking lot sale turned out well.

The June meeting weekend was also the Spindle Retreat.

Blacksheep will be June 21 to 23 in Eugene, Oregon.

Freelace Update: Max did a workshop to work out glitches.  The plan is to do freelace at the CSSW Retreat in September.  Will need to bring tissue paper to put over the lace pieces and a paper towel roll (minus the paper towels) to roll up the project for transport.

Fashion Show of garments we’ve made (knit, crochet, weave, freelace, etc.) will be during the May Arboritum Society’s Party in the Garden in 2014.  After August 17th, a committee to organize and plan will be formed.  Marilynn will give an update on how this year’s party goes.  The plan is to get kids from local school involved to sell tickets and model. 

The library is not available for CSSW to use for the October meeting.  Nicole Kelly offered her house in Blairston near Greagle, weather permitting.  There were concerns are how far away it is.  Nicole offers a room for a few overnight guests.  Vote taken and approved October’s meeting location at Nicole’s house. 

Celtic Fair is the first weekend in October at Bartley Ranch.  This is a big event for us.  We set up for demonstrations and sales.  Dress up if you want. 

New business:

Mim reminds everyone that the guild has a lot of equipment, books, DVDs, etc.  If you would like to borrow something, just ask.  Check your spam filter for emails from CSSW.  And if you have changed for contact information (email, phone number, etc.) since joining the guild, please update your information. 

Leslie brought a lot of donated yarn and requests that everyone looks through and takes what they want.  She doesn’t want to have to take it home again.

Marilynn has books and small looms for sale.

Sharie read a letter of thanks for participating in Farm Days in Carson City.  They hope that we will participate next year.

Nancy recently visited Reno High School to help demonstrate the whole process of raw fleece to yarn including dying.  The teacher had made spindle out of pencils and used dog brushes as combs.  The students made ceramic whorls.  The art and science students involved were excited about the project.  It is wonderful that the teachers are willing to teach the process and the students are interested. 

Show and Tell:
Susan – recently took a trip in Kona, Hawaii where she watched a man making tapa.  After a conversation with her, he gave her a piece to show the guild.  Susan also shared a knit picks needle holder which is two interlocking tubes with a slot in them so the project sticks out and the needles are protected and stitches don’t run away.
Mim – shared her beaded spiders.  She saw the project on Pintrest and just had to make them.
Nancy – shared a drawplate with progressively smaller holes made out of plexiglass.  The drawplate is helpful in turning a bat of fiber (like from a carder) into something easier to spin from.  Nancy explains it is also good for predrafting and animal disturbed roving.  She sells them for $10 each.
Gina – has dyed more tencell roving in shades of blue.  It is nice and soft and apparently tries to float away during rinse out.  She also dyed some hemp roving as an experiment.  The color took well. 
Kendra – showed her 880 yards of single yarn that she spun on her drop spindle.  She also dyed the roving with instant indigo.
Max – is working on a Peaks and Valleys skirt.  She changed the waist band to a drawstring.  Max will be teaching a class at Jimmy Beans at the end of June.  She is also working on a jacket from a pattern from Interweave Knits Spring 1997 magazine.  She is almost done with the jacket front and has been spinning the yarn for it as she goes.  Max changed the pattern a little from the published version.  Max is also working on a slip for a crocheted skirt.
Sharie – showed a fluffy baby blanket she made for a friend.
Marilynn – shared that there is ice and water in the ice chest and ice tea on the tray.
In Attendence:
Sharie Jones, Maxene Harlow, Marilynn Clarke, Jan Mayberry, Eileen Cornwell, Kiera Mayberry,
Kendra Iwahashi, Gina Iwahashi, Nicole Kelly, Nancy Peyor, Judy Wells, Mimi Bullard,
Margie McConaghy, Leslie Godbe, Linda Ryssman, Susan Palwick.

Next Month: Indigo vat at Mim’s house

 Driving Directions:

Mim Bullard is in Rancho Haven:  From Reno, drive north on Hwy 395 to the first Red Rock exit #78, after the Stead Blvd exit.  Drive 20 miles to the Sierra Ranchos Valley, and take the first left (after Jeanette Miller’s alpaca ranch ) onto Arabian.  It’s a dirt road but has a county sign.  Drive up into the valley and turn left on Rancho, then continue several hundred yards and turn right on Thoroughbred.  Mim is about two miles up and on the right – 455 Thoroughbred Circle.  If you are coming in from California, the north Red Rock exit is 13 miles past the exit for Hwy 70 at Hallelujah Junction and only turns right.  Continue four miles from the State line, past the volunteer fire house and turn right on Rancho, at mail box central.  There is a cell signal at the mail boxes.  Mim’s number is 775-969-3249.  You must use 775.  Drive to first right and turn right on Rancho a second time,  then continue several hundred yards and turn right on Thoroughbred.  Mim is about two miles up and on the right – 455 Thoroughbred Circle.