September Brings a New Year

Wichita Weavers, Spinners & Dyers Guild Posted on by

The front of the building – Willard Elementary opened in 1927.

A new Guild year, that is.  Our first meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 8th.  We welcome visitors, so please drop in and get acquainted!

See the map link at right for building location and directions, and hover over a date in the ‘Meetings’ calendar, also at right, for more information about a specific meeting.

Guild meetings are usually held on the first Saturday of the month from September through May.  While it officially starts at 10 am, people start arriving any time after 9 am to socialize, and will sometimes bring some light snacks to share.  There’s a large convenience store just across the overpass, which is handy for snagging your favorite morning drink to bring along.

 The Morris Street entrance, closest to our room.

We start with a business meeting, which is pretty informal, and sometimes quite brief.  Once we have covered that, it’s  on to the educational program!  They ARE educational, but are generally pretty fun, too.

Programs may be a demonstration or sharing time, or may be a hands-on project.  Some projects have a materials fee, which we’ll announce ahead of time.  Participation is completely optional, so if you’d prefer to just hang out and watch, or bring your own project to work on while watching or visiting, we’re fine with that!

If you’re interested in following our adventures, find us on Facebook, or submit a Contact Us form to request a subscription to our regular monthly email newsletter.  This is different from our Class Updates newsletter (with some overlap) – you can subscribe to that one at right, too.

Meetings are usually held in guild member Susan de Wit’s WitArt studio and classroom, across the hall from our weaving studio.  There’s always time before or after a meeting to do a bit of shopping in Susan’s room, or to step across and see the Guild’s looms and other equipment.

Whether you’re new to fiber arts or a long-time Guild member, you can be part of an exciting, creative new year!

A Generous Heart

Wichita Weavers, Spinners & Dyers Guild Posted on by

 

 

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The Guild has a long history in Wichita… it has been in existence since 1947!  Many talented people have been a part of the story; some of their names have been lost over time, but many still live in the memories of current members.  Martha Crowley is one of those.

Martha passed away in 2013, but her husband, Frank Pate, has not forgotten her dedication and years of service as a Guild officer, member and encourager.  In 2016, he donated the majority of her yarns, fiber, books, tools and equipment to the Guild, all of which we offered for sale as a fundraiser.  The sale was an unqualified success, with the items going to new homes where they are used and treasured, and the funds ultimately helping to support the opening of the Fiber Arts Center of Wichita.

We had no idea at the time that his gift would provide seed money for a new fiber education venture, but we’re pretty sure Marty would have been delighted!

And now Frank has donated some very special items to the Guild, which are on view at the Fiber Arts Center, and which will continue to educate and inspire fiber artists.  In addition to the items pictured above, her collection included mounted tapestry weavings, antique pincushions and bobbin lace tools.

We deeply appreciate Frank’s generosity and his support of the skills that Martha loved and in which she excelled.

Dye Day 2018

Wichita Weavers, Spinners & Dyers Guild Posted on by

The Guild’s last meeting of the (September – May) year is traditionally Dye Day, and 2018 was no exception.  The only instructions are for everyone to make sure their fiber/yarn/fabric already wet, and to bring whatever equipment and dyes they’d like to share – and there’s no telling what will show up!

We expect a range of natural and acid dyes; there’s usually an indigo pot (thanks to Nancy S), and this year we had cochineal and onion skins, and likely some others I missed.  There was a wide range of acid dyes ready to squirt on bamboo socks, and other pots and crock pots gently steaming.  The possibilities were endless, and we had a fun – and slightly messy – day!

And then there was lunch… Marnette somehow managed to outdo herself with delicious Irish stew, and the side dishes and desserts perfectly rounded out the meal.

But no doubt about it, the best surprise this year was a tiny ewe lamb to cuddle and bottle feed!

Oh, yes… there was a business meeting.  The current officers were re-elected, and plans for summer classes for the Fiber Arts Center were discussed.  One idea that took off immediately was to offer a one-week Fiber Camp for kids; plans are moving forward at speed, and when they are complete, we will post information here!