Friday, December 4, 2015

Fall into Winter

Its December and we are turning our thoughts from the colourful Fall season to Winter activities.  Cooler weather and the upcoming Christmas season usually means, more weaving, spinning and other crafts.

The DCWS Guild members recognized the Fall season with a 'surprise challenge'.  Groups were given a brown bag containing items relating to the colours of fall and were asked to collaborate on creating something from the contents. Most brown bags contained fabric and below are some pictures of the fabulous results.

Isabel modelling her Group's Vest
The fabric basket in the background is a another group project from the Fall Challenge
Dave with his Group's Hand Bag


Marion and her delightful tea cozy

Fran showing true Canadian spirit
Christmas Inspiration

The Show & Tell table at the December 1st meeting was full of inspirational projects.  Here are a few for your interest and delight.
Colourful Towels
Bounty from a shopping spree at Chaotic Fibres
Continuous Weaving Mania Continues!

Jo Anne's Amazing Shawl











Thursday, November 19, 2015

Swish of the Kilt


The Deep Cove Weavers and Spinners were pleased to have Steve Ashton from Freedom Kilts attend our November 17th meeting.  Steve is a designer and maker of contemporary kilts in Victoria.  He shared his knowledge about the history of tartan fabric and the making of kilts.  His stories and sense of humour made for a very interesting talk.  As he explained, after all is said and done its all about the 'swish' of the Kilt!

Steve Ashton 


Details of Construction of a hand sewn kilt.

Contemporary Kilt made by Steve Ashton


Of course you must have the proper socks to go with a Kilt.  Steve brought along his sock knitting machine.  

Portable work bench for sock knitting machine
Overview of sock knitting machine

Sara - how does this work?


Mobbed by the ladies - must be the swish of the Kilt!







Thursday, November 12, 2015

Funny Faces and Fancy Things


The DCWS Guild was pleased to have Patty Wilson as our guest last Tuesday (Nov. 10th).  Patty is a fibre artist with a great sense of whimsy and humour as evidenced in her needle felted character creations. As Patty demonstrated her art, we all marvelled at her ability to bring such life to her characters.  We enjoyed meeting Vinnie, Rose, Wilbur and a cast of others each; with individual personalities.



Patty paying close attention to details as she begins the process of bringing her character head to life.









Wilbur and friend





Roxy and Vinnie

A cast of characters


Patty clearly enjoys her creative art and we are thankful for the smiles she brought to our faces.






Fancy Things from our November 3rd Show & Tell
Cathy's sweater - is it straight?
Just Right
Elaine's Clasp Weave Rug

JoAnne's Sweater
Colourful Tea Towels

Anita's beautiful Christmas Runner







Judy's Shawl
Johanne's Table Runners
Fancy Yarns

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Tri-Loom Weaving

Ever wondered about weaving on a triangle loom?  Some of us were certainly curious after seeing a demonstration at Fibrations this past summer.   Our Programs Committee were right on this suggestion and invited Darlene Rogers of Still Night Studio to a Guild meeting.

Darlene arrived with a bundle of shawls, equipment and about 30 miniature tri-looms. Darlene outlined the benefits of weaving on a tri-loom or 'the continuous strand method of weaving'.  Here are a few points from her notes:

  • The tri-loom is the only loom that dresses itself; warp and weft are made simultaneously.
  • Minimal equipment is required (no reeds or shuttles); just the loom, yarn and a locker hook and you are ready to weave.
  • No restrictions to the type of yarns you can use and very little wastage.
  • As you weave from the outside to the middle, colour changes are simple and the pattern is automatically symmetrical.
  • The whole project is always in full view; see your fabric evolve as you weave.


After the introduction and a show and tell of some beautiful shawls she has woven on her large tri-loom; we set to work with a hands on demonstration on our miniature 9" looms.

Halloween  Favourites

Beyond Triangles
A beautiful work in progress
Darlene was very patient and generous with her time/knowledge to help us complete tiny 'prayer shawls' on the miniature looms.




If you are interested in learning more about Tri-Loom:  The Continuous Strand Method of Weaving contact Darlene at:  STILLNIGHTSTUDIO.com












Saturday, October 3, 2015

Cloth is Looming; Fibre is Spun

The Deep Cove Weavers and Spinners Guild invite you to visit our exhibition:

" Cloth is Looming; Fibre is Spun"

at the  Sidney Museum
2423 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC

Showcasing our Works
the entire month of October
10 - 4:00 daily

We will be demonstrating weaving, spinning and other fibre related arts
during ArtSea Festival week:  October 16-25
or contact us at: dcwsweavers@gmail.com to arrange a demonstration
for your group.


Here's a sample of what you will see at the museum exhibition ......and much more!











Thursday, September 24, 2015

Crafting at the Guild

DCWS members were kept busy with a card making project at the September 22nd Guild meeting.
Cards were crafted using bits of weaving samples and embellishments.  Thanks to Elaine and her sister-in-law Merrilee White for coordinating this fun event.

Choosing the samples and embellishments
Social time is an important part of the creative process


Marrilee assisting with making the Envelopes





Finished cards will be on display at our Sidney Museum Exhibition in October, after which they will be presented for use by the Guild.