NAV Centre, 1950 Montreal Road, Cornwall

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2 Conference Overview NAV Centre, 1950 Montreal Road, Cornwall Full-service accommodation, featuring hotel-style rooms with indoor pool, gym and full-service spa, free wi-fi, free parking, on-site pub and nearby outdoor recreation. Registration includes room and a variety of meal choices in main dining room. PRE-CONFERENCE PROGRAMme Thursday-Friday, May 2-3 Two-day workshops with Kay Faulkner, Louise Lemieux Bérubé, Diane Gonthier and Jette Vandermeiden Friday, May 3 One-day workshops with Donna Lonergan, Ann McElroy and Julie Kornblum Field trip to Upper Canada Village Throughout the conference: Juried Show Guild Displays Vendors Vendors Spaces for vendors at the OHS Conference 2013 are available. Contact Ann McElroy for details ann@shepherdsspringfarm.ca CONFERENCE PROGRAMme Friday, May 3 Registration Dinner Keynote address Diane Gonthier: Dare Pursuing Your Fibre Optics! Fibre Optics Meet & Greet Saturday, May 4 Breakfast Workshops: Three full-day or ten morning and nine afternoon options Lunch Evening banquet with Fashion Show Sunday, May 5 Breakfast Closing address Louise Lemieux Bérubé: Real Images in Handweaving 20 fibre focus au t u m n 2012

3 Keynote Speakers Friday Evening, May 3, 2013 Diane Gonthier: Dare pursuing your fibre optics! French Canadian fibre artist Diane Gonthier discovered very early the blessing of a creation space. In a tangible way and drawing on her experience as a professional fibre artist and teacher, Diane will introduce the concept of the artist s statement. This can be seen as an evolving path toward personal expression which is imprinted in the artist s journey, life, and work. Every time we create, a part of ourselves is revealed. Without doubt, this fact interacts with the world and shows our personal point of view - our personal fibre optics. In addition to her keynote address, Dianne will be giving a two day preconference workshop on Spinning Felt Lace and an all day Saturday workshop on Fun Felt Lace from Leftover Yarns and Thrums. See: Sunday Morning, May 5, 2013 Louise Lemieux Bérubé: Real Images in Handweaving Born in Montreal, Louise Lemieux Bérubé has a BA in Art History from the Université du Québec à Montréal. She studied Jacquard weaving at Rhode Island School of Design. She is internationally recognised for her knowledge and her work in Jacquard weaving and computerized embroidery. The journey from the pixels of a photograph to the warp ends of a weaving has nourished Louise s passion for the craft of her life. This unique way of seeing into the image brings new ideas and new paths. In her address, Louise will share the pleasure and excitement that comes from seeing images with the eyes of a weaver, and weaving pictures by hand. In addition to her keynote address, Louise is offering a two day pre-conference workshop in Jaquard Weaving with Photoshop and a Saturday morning demonstration of Taqueté. See: OHS CONFERENCE Guild Displays Call for Entries THEME: OPTICAL ILLUSIONS Prizes for Best Guild Display and Best Individual Piece. No entry fee. Please send notice of intention to enter to: fibreoptics@ovwsg.com autumn 2012 fibre focus 21

4 Pre-Conference Workshops Thursday & Friday, May 2 & TF01 East Meets West with Kay Faulkner Skill Level: Intermediate Weaving Maximum 15 Analysis of Eastern textiles can give you fresh ideas and new techniques including warp manipulation, warp wrapping and weft patterning on warp-faced cloth. These can be combined with Western structures to achieve fascinating results. Students will design and weave a table runner using one or several techniques. Students will require a 4 or 8-shaft loom with a prepared warp. Warping instructions will be provided. Students may also bring an ethnic warp-faced cloth for inspiration. Materials fee: $5. F02 Jaquard Weaving with Photoshop with Louise Lemieux Bérubé Skill Level: Intermediate Weaving and Intermediate Computer Maximum 20 Learn all about preparing your favorite photos for weaving on a Jaquard loom using Adobe Photoshop. Students will require a laptop computer with Adobe Photoshop installed. Bring one or two of your favourite digital or scanned photos and learn integration of weave structures to the image in the Photoshop software. Students will learn how to draw and import motifs into the design in order to prepare the project for the loom. Participants may have their projects woven by the Montreal Centre for Contemporary Textiles after the workshop by paying $25 for their first project and $50 for their second one. TF03 Spinning Felt Lace with Diane Gonthier Skill Level: Intermediate Spinning and some Basic Felting Maximum 15 Conventional fabric constructions with yarn involve looping, stitching or intertwining as a structure. What about felting? Felt lace is a more or less open fabric, made exclusively of yarn, which is held together by careful wet felting. Learn the measurable spinning parameters and techniques for a successful felt lace, including information on yarn composition, density and structure to create very different lace types. Students will require a working spinning wheel with bobbins and a few felting supplies. A materials list will be sent to students ahead of time. Samples will be spun and felted, with participants creating a small personal felt lace project. Students are encouraged to dress for the weather as a portion of this workshop will be held outside. Materials fee: $15 for spinning fibre. TF04 Lace Weaves on 4-Shafts with Jette Vandermeiden Skill Level: Basic Weaving Maximum 15 Lace weaves are a large group of very beautiful, elegant weaves that incorporate interlaced threads with open spaces to create airy, threedimensional pieces of cloth. This workshop will explore several 4-shaft lace weaves in a Round Robin format with examples of how to expand the structures to more shafts for greater versatility in patterning. The workshop discusses the characteristics, different threading units and weave structures for Swedish lace, huck, Bronson and others. Students will require a pre-warped loom, weft yarns and all materials required. A materials list and warping instructions will be provided. Materials fee: $5 for notes. One Day Pre-Conference Workshops Friday, May 3, 2013 FD01 Core Spinning to Create Art Yarn with Donna Lonergan Skill Level: Basic Spinning Maximum 20 In essence, core spinning is the introduction of miscellaneous fibres onto a pre-spun core. Thus, there can be cores of Romney, Merino, Alpaca, Nylon, Angora, Locks and even Copper Wire. The workshop covers a wide range of yarn styles and the creation of a desired effect. Even though you are creating a novelty yarn, having a core gives more stability so that when you are using the yarn in knitting, crocheting, or weaving, the yarn cannot come apart. Students will require a working spinning wheel (a large orifice and hooks or bulky flyer are also helpful but not required). Materials fee: $20 for a fibre kit. FD02 Nuno Felt Scarf with Ann McElroy Skill Level: Beginner Maximum 15 Come learn the latest in felt fashion, combining fine wool with fine silk to make a fabulous new fabric that drapes wonderfully. Participants will have a variety of hand-dyed silk to choose from as well as many colours of wool and other fibres to enhance their scarf. Each participant will complete a unique scarf while learning this exciting new way of felting. Along with hands-on learning, each participant will receive a handout with instructions. Materials fee: $20 for all supplies. FD03 Trash to Treasures: Coiled Baskets with Recycled Materials with Julie Kornblum Skill Level: Beginner Maximum 15 Students will learn to start, form and build a small coiled basket using disposable materials such as plastic shopping bags and left over yarn. There will be photos and examples to inspire you in the creation of a completely unique piece of art. Use of colour, choice of materials and three-dimensional composition will also be discussed. Bring along your scissors and some scraps and learn all about artwork made from discarded materials - a suggested materials list will be provided. Materials fee: $15 for waxed linen thread and wire. 22 fibre focus au t u m n 2012

5 Special Events Friday, May Field Trip to Upper Canada Village Friday May 3, a.m. 3 p.m. Minimum 20 Although Upper Canada Village will not be open for the season, the Village staff promise to give us a memorable experience. On arrival, we will tour the Village with a costumed guide. A box lunch will be provided through NavCentre for participants registered to stay overnight on Thursday. Participants will then have two Meet a Villager sessions - each a 45 minute behind the scenes seminar. Potential options include: Collections a chance to see some of UCV s priceless artifacts; Asselstine Woollen Mill a working water-powered 1860s mill; Handwork a discussion on the various handwork reproductions made by the staff; Weaving & Spinning an in-depth look at the McDiarmid House; Costumes using the products of the Woollen Mill and McDiarmid House on-site. Options subject to change depending on availability of staff. Registrants will be contacted in March 2013 to indicate preferences. Registration money will be refunded if there is insufficient registration. Group transportation is being explored but cannot be guaranteed and would come with an extra cost; otherwise, participants will be encouraged to car pool to and from the site, a half hour drive from the NAV Centre. Fibre Optics Meet & Greet Friday May 3, 2013, following dinner and the Keynote address We are having a FIBRE OPTICS party! This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet our workshop presenters and speakers face-to-face in an informal setting. Get inspired, share some of your new work and new ideas, and have a great time all in one place. Upstairs in the lounge at the NAV Centre, a special area will be set aside for working on small projects, so bring your spindles, needles, hooks and small weaving. Nearby, the vendor area will be open so you can always find more inspiration if you need it. Refreshments will be served and a cash bar will be available. Your full conference registration includes this special event. Let s celebrate! Your Accommodations at the NAV Centre Include: luxurious hotel-style rooms; free wireless internet; indoor swimming pool/lap pool, large fitness centre, gym, sauna, tennis and volleyball courts; all meals in the main dining room and a variety of meal choices; pub on-site; outdoor recreation including nearby bike & walking trails; situated on 28 hectares of parkland; continuous refreshments in meeting room area; full service spa on-site - additional fee. See for photos and more information. Rodin and Claudel #1, 2012, cotton and linen. Jacquard handwoven and dyed after weaving by Louise Lemieux Bérubé. Photo credit: Jean Éric Lemieux autumn 2012 fibre focus 23

6 Conference Half Day Workshops Saturday Morning May 4, 2013 SM01 Introduction to Taqueté with Louise Lemieux Bérubé Taqueté is a weft colour-effect structure where motifs and designs are created by the use of different weft colours. In this seminar, participants will learn how a small multicoloured pattern can be woven with Taqueté weaves. An audiovisual presentation will cover the practical preparations for a weaving project in Taqueté and participants will be given handouts to be used as a design exercise. SM02 Felted Vessels with Maggie Glossop Skill Level: Basic Wet Felting Maximum 15 Using wet felting techniques, participants will be introduced to a method which is used to create a seamless felt container by wrapping the fibre around a template and creating the felt with the resist inside. The template is removed before the final fulling stage and shaping of the felt which results in a threedimensional vessel: a bag, a vase, a pot or a tea cosy. Materials fee: $10 for all supplies. SM03 Talking Trash: Working with Recycled Materials with Julie Kornblum This is the down and dirty story of making art with trash. Talking Trash is a story of a personal journey into making art with discarded and found objects and materials. Learn where my inspiration to use only surplus and scrap materials comes from and where that path can lead. I will share some lessons and ideas about harvesting trash from the urban and suburban environment and the latest research into plastic pollution of the world s oceans. Does this kind of artwork actually have an environmental impact and does it get the message out? SM04 Scottish Highland Cattle with Sabine Wieczorek How exotic does an exotic fibre have to be? In this seminar, Sabine will share all her enthusiasm about life on the farm, the welfare of animals and the harvesting of their wool and hair. Learn all about this warm and soft fibre from animal through the processing to some of the possible finished products - such as Sabine s unique cow hair hats. Since she cannot bring one of her beloved pet cows, she will bring some freshly combed hair for spinners to try. Bring spinning equipment if you are interested in a small sample. Materials fee: TBA for fibre. SM05 Linen Weaving with Jette Vandermeiden Skill Level: Beginner Maximum 20 Linen is a fibre so beautiful when woven and finished properly. Yet many weavers shy away from trying linen, having heard it is difficult to work with. This seminar outlines linen characteristics, gives suggestions for simple methods of weaving with linen and a discussion of finishing techniques that will make your linen shine. Come and fall in love with linen all over again. Conference Full Day Workshops All Day Saturday May 4, 2013 SD01 Bringing Overshot into the 21st Century with Shirley Browsky Skill Level: must be able to warp a loom and read a draft Maximum 12 There is a lot of room for experimentation to create new fabrics from old threadings. This workshop will lead weavers through the mysteries of weaving four blocks on 4-shafts known as Overshot and modern interpretations by rearranging the blocks using unorthodox treadlings, changing materials, use of colour and weave effects and more. We will break ALL the rules in this workshop! Students will bring a dressed 4-shaft loom and a selection of yarns to share. Drafts will be sent out in advance. See what fun you can have in creating beautifully unique fabrics. Materials fee: $5 for handouts. 24 fibre focus au t u m n 2012 SD02 The 100-mile Spinner with Cindy O Gorman Skill Level: Basic Spinning Maximum 15 Expand your spinning horizons by supporting locally produced fibre. In this workshop we will sample a variety of locally produced fibres from various breeds of sheep, goats, camelids, angora rabbits and more. By examining the fibre s properties, we will design yarns to enhance its attributes. Each fibre sampled will combine a different fibre preparation method with a particular spinning technique to produce a yarn for a specific finished project. Break out of your comfort zone and see the kind of yarns you can create, all while supporting the hardworking fibre producers in your own backyard. Students will require a working spinning wheel with bobbins. Fibre preparation tools are also an asset. Materials fee: TBA. SD03 Fun Felt Lace with Leftover Yarns and Thrums with Diane Gonthier Skill Level: Beginner with some basic felting Maximum 15 Starting with bits and pieces or small skeins of wool leftover yarns, we will look for the ones that show ideal parameters and would be good candidates for a successful felt lace since each yarn brings its own character and limits. These bits and pieces will be used to create an open fabric held together by careful wet felting. This festive and colourful exploration will culminate in new types of doilies, ribbons, collars or hair decorations - and each student will be inspired by every other. Students should bring a variety of scraps and leftovers. Dress for the weather, as a portion of this workshop will take place outside. Materials fee: tba for felting supplies.

7 SM06 Working with Hair with Margot Dixon While participating in a discussion about the history of hair work, participants will prepare strands of horse hair, set up a hair work table and learn braiding technique as described in the 1860s. A second table will be set up with cotton thread in order to experiment with several braids. If time allows there will also be an exercise in creating twisted hair coils such as are seen in commemorative hair wreaths. Participants are encouraged to bring their own kumihimo marudai or lace making bobbins if possible. Materials fee: TBA for horse hair. SM07 Viking Knit Necklace with Russ Mason For All Levels Maximum 15 While not a commonly used material for fibre artists, copper wire may open doors for exploration into new techniques. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to manipulate copper wire to form a knitted bracelet or necklace. The technique of Viking Knitting is done without knitting needles and can be used to produce a simple cord or more elaborate metalwork. Materials Fee: $10 for all supplies. SM08 Establishing Time-saving Disciplines in Weaving with Susi Reinink Skill Level: All Weaving Maximum 20 Have you ever wished you could make more time for weaving? In this enlightening presentation, we will discuss how to organise your workplace, maintain your equipment in good working order and keep records of your finished projects. With proper management you will not only save time and materials but also ensure superior results. A demonstration will be given on dressing the loom by yourself in the most efficient way with many shortcuts and helpful suggestions. SM09 Not Just Real Velvet with Kay Faulkner Skill Level: Students Must be able to Read a Draft Maximum 20 Renaissance velvet and their kind equate in my mind with real velvet. This seminar will initially explore traditional velvet with reference to structure, application and production. As a handweaver, why weave velvet? What can be done with this structure? The main focus of the seminar will be explorations in combining velvet with other structures and away from real velvet. The process and philosophy of combining structures can be applied not just to weaving velvet but to wider weaving applications, as well. SM10 The Dos and Don ts of Successful Grant Writing with Marianne Heggtveit The aim of this seminar is to demystify the grant writing process and to provide grant applicants - both individuals and organisations - with practical and technical advice on how they can improve their grant writing skills. Learn when to apply for a grant, how to find grants, how to read an application form, how to select support material, how to interpret your assessment result and more. Participants are asked to bring samples of application proposals to discuss during the workshop, if available. Saturday Afternoon May 4, 2013 SA01 Felted Flirts with Wendo Van Essen Skill Level: Beginner Needle Felting Maximum 20 What is a felted flirt? Whatever you want it to be! Learn three-dimensional needle felting while making these little flying goddesses. Participants will use coloured wool and felting needles to create and shape a little something to make you smile. Add detail and embellishments and just let your imagination soar. Materials fee: $10 for all supplies. SA02 Painting with Fibres with Maggie Glossop Skill Level: Basic Felting Maximum 15 Create a unique piece of artwork using felting techniques. During the production of the piece, participants will become familiar with the laying out of the base fibres, the arranging of coloured fibre to create a design, the wetting of the stack of fibre and the pressing of the wet wool to make a soft felt followed by the fulling of the felt to achieve the desired strength and size. Students with more experience with felting will be able to try some additional techniques to show finer details. Materials fee: $10 for all supplies. SA03 Exploring Twills with Julie Kornblum Skill Level: Basic 4 and 8- Shaft Weaving Maximum 20 Twill is a versatile weaving structure with many variations. In this seminar on 4 and 8-shaft twill variations, a slide presentation will be given on making changes to threading, treadling, colour and texture to create different twill designs. We will view pictorial samples of different fabrics possible from the same warp. The programme will include a brief demonstration on using software to assist in drafting and design. SA04 Take a Walk with a Great Wheel with Gordon Moat Skill Level: Some Basic Spinning Maximum 10 Participants will explore spindle spinning using a great wheel, also known as a walking wheel or wool wheel. These wheels were commonly used in eastern Ontario during the 19th century. We will begin by looking at the parts of typical wheels, their construction and assembly. Care and troubleshooting will be discussed. Working wheels and fleece will be provided so that everyone may experience spindle spinning on a great wheel. Wear comfortable shoes as you will literally be walking while you spin. Materials fee: $10 for fleece. SA05 The Noble Napkin with Jette Vandermeiden The way a table napkin was folded used to indicate your position in society. Table textiles and their presentation had a great cultural significance in the earlier centuries. We will seriously study that and also have lots of fun learning to fold napkins into various shapes and patterns, so we can send our own messages when the table is set for dinner. SA06 Eye on the Masters with Laurie Harkin-Chiasson Using a selection of the OHS In-Depth Studies autumn 2012 fibre focus 25

8 - Master Spinner & Master Weaver final projects for accreditation - participants will learn interesting tidbits of information from a sampling of some extremely interesting studies. Subjects chosen will be very unique in their subject matter, studies that are stunning in their presentation or from a selection of authors from eastern Ontario. The object is to have fun while learning, using a game type format. YES, there will be prizes, too. You do not need a working knowledge of spinning or weaving to participate. SA07 Grandma s Rocks with Russ Mason For All Levels Maximum 15 In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to manipulate copper wire into netting to surround a threedimensional object. You do not need an excuse to learn this fascinating and versatile wirework technique but here is one anyway: create a knotless netting carrier for the special rocks and/ or found objects that the special children in your life give to you. The finished product is suitable for a small pendant for you to wear with pride or attach to a key ring. Materials fee: $5 for all supplies. SA08 Entering an Exhibition with Susi Reinink Are you ready to take your art to another level? Entering an exhibition requires that extra step if you want to have a chance for a prize or even to garner recognition for placement in a show. In this seminar there will be myriad suggestions and guidelines for participants to successfully enter an exhibition or effectively set up a display. Also covered will be marketing, giving presentations, assembling a portfolio and generally striving for professionalism. SA09 Woven Shibori: Colour and Pattern with Kay Faulkner Skill Level: Students must be able to read a draft Maximum 20 This seminar provides an in-depth look at the process of obtaining loom controlled resist dye pattern on handwoven fabric. Explore both warp and weft Shibori and its many faceted interpretations in combining both dye pattern and fabric structures. Additional applications will also be covered including discharge, devore, differential dyeing, etc. Methods of drafting and evaluating existing weave patterns for their suitability will be covered. The primary focus will be on 4 and 8-shaft looms, but additional reference will be made to pick-up on simple looms, multi-shaft, drawloom and Jacquard applications. Want to take a workshop, but you do not have the equipment or have the equipment, but do not want to carry it? Dorothy looms and spinning wheels may be available to rent for a small fee. Contact fibreoptics@ovwsg.com to inquire. OHS 2013 Shirley Browsky is a weaver and dyer who creates her fibre art literally from the ground up. Using the fibres from her flock of Polwarth sheep as well as silks, mohairs, novelty yarns, and with her sound knowledge of yarns, weave structures and her personal dye palette, she creates unique fashion fabrics. Her work has been exhibited in Ottawa, Kingston, Guelph, Toronto, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. She is a recipient of an OHS Master Spinners Certificate and is currently completing the OHS Master Weavers Certificate. She teaches a variety of spinning, weaving and dyeing workshops. Shirley is a former president of the Ottawa Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild; her farm and studio are located near Ottawa. See: Margot Dixon took her first weaving course in 1985 and several more followed including the OHS Weaving Certificate course offered through St. Lawrence College. She is a spinner and has convened the Chesterville and District Historical Society s annual Spin-In for ten years as well as the 2003 St Distaff Day celebrations. She is an historian and certified archivist who has worked as living history at Upper Canada Village for more than 25 years as the on-site Dressmaker and, since 2010, as the Training and Research Officer. She gives workshops and lectures on a variety of topics to local craft guilds, historical societies and community groups including three presentations to the Association for Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museums Conference. Kay Faulkner has been a full-time professional handweaver since the 1980s and has been working, studying and playing in the textile field all her life. From this life-long commitment she draws on her experiences to design and handweave fabrics that excite. My philosophy is to weave beautiful cloth and unique textiles which industry is unable to achieve. I consider myself to be both a textile artist and an exacting craft worker with both roles being of equal importance in my practice. Kay has gained an OHS Weaving Certificate with distinction and was the first graduate of the Francis Forstner Homestudy programme in She also has an OHS Master Weavers accreditation with distinction (2000). She lives in Queensland, Australia. Maggie Glossop is a self-taught artist. While in England training as a psychiatric nurse, she was also introduced to textile arts. On returning home to Canada, she pursued that path instead. She learned spinning and weaving first, but 25 years ago she joined the vanguard of textile artists exploring the use of feltmaking as a medium for fine art. Maggie uses this natural medium to create textured landscapes and sculptural wall pieces. Maggie is based in Ottawa and has taught feltmaking in most provinces and in as many states. She has received many awards and grants to support her work which is displayed in public, corporate and private spaces. Diane Gonthier creates large-scale felt textiles from raw regional wools using complimentary techniques such as dyeing, handspinning and boiled wools. A fulltime professional artist, she has been exploring the highly sculptural potential of felt. The ultimate coming together of wool fibres parallels a theme she finds inspiring strengthening the links we as humans have to ourselves, to others and to our environment. Many of her pieces are displayed as rugs and play with our relationship to the ground beneath our feet. She has taught and shown her work in Canada, the U.S. and Switzerland. Laurie Harkin-Chiasson started basket weaving over 30 years ago. She branched out into loom weaving in 2000, followed by spinning, felting, dyeing, tatting, inkle and Kumihimo. Laurie has been an instructor with the Ottawa Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild for many years and is a past president of the guild. Presently, she is 26 fibre focus au t u m n 2012

9 Workshop Presenters the OHS librarian in charge of the OHS In-Depth study collection, spearheading a two year project to repair and perform restorations on part of the collection. She is a past recipient of the OHS s Madeleine Smith award for excellence in weaving. Marianne (Mandy) Heggtveit has been weaving for 40 years and specialises in creating functional fashion items, home accessories and custom yardage for apparel and interiors. In collaboration with Dini Moes, Mandy co-authored No Common Thread, a handweaving sample book that sold around the world from North and South America to Japan and Australia, which has since become a collector s item. In addition to her weaving background, Mandy worked for 27 years in a variety of positions at the Canada Council for the Arts. During that time she chaired a large number of peer assessment committees (juries) and gave grant writing workshops across Canada. Julie Kornblum earned her BA in Art, with a concentration in fibre and fabric art, at California State University Northridge, but being a fibre artist was hereditary. She learned sewing, knitting and crocheting from her mother and grandmother. She attended fashion design school at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, worked as a patternmaker in the garment industry and taught at Otis College of Art and Design. Julie exhibits nationally and is based in Woodland Hills, California. Julie has won numerous awards for her woven wall pieces and sculptural basketry. Louise Lemieux Bérubé is recognised as a pioneer through her innovative use of Jacquard techniques in weaving. Louise graduated in Art History from the Université du Québec in Montreal. She studied Jacquard weaving in the United States at the Rhode Island School of Design as well as in France with Olivier Masson and François Roussel, the inventors of the Pointcarré software program. Louise Lemieux Bérubé has exhibited her work across Canada and the United States as well as in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, China, Korea, Argentina, China and Spain. She lives in Montreal. Donna Lonergan is a retired registered nurse who started spinning over 40 years ago as a stress release from Emergency nursing. During her career, she served for 13 years as leader, trainer and assistant District Commissioner for Guides and Scouts Canada. Since retiring, she has taught workshops in spinning, dyeing, felting, drop and support spindle spinning and weaving. She demonstrates spinning in period costume at museums and fairs. In 2010, Donna organised the OHS Central Region Seminar in Lindsay. She works as an instructor with the Ontario College of Art and Design to reintroduce the craft of spinning back into the textile programme, a responsibility she relishes as the craft cannot survive without the youth. Russ Mason has been a weaver and dyer for over 35 years. He loves to experiment with new fibres and techniques. A past president of OHS, Russ has taught at many conferences in Ontario and in Michigan. He has presented workshops in India at the National Institute of Design as well as at Kalaraksha Design School. His interest in jewellery techniques has been spurred by his own experiments and with instruction from local jewellers. Travel to India has continued to intrigue him with the possibilities. Ann McElroy is a felt maker and felt teacher. Using ancient and modern techniques, she creates the fibre and the form at the same time. She uses wool and silk to craft one-of-a-kind vessels and hats. Her vessels are often embellished with cut work and beads. Ann also uses nuno-felting and Japanese-dye techniques to make unique scarves and wraps for indoor and outdoor use. She also uses needle felting - the newest felting technique - to create flower and animal pins, and felt balls for our feline friends. See: Gordon Moat has been a member of the Ottawa Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild for over a decade. He has a special interest in early Ontario spinning wheels and looms. Each year he participates in community demonstrations with his great wheel striving to preserve, share and extend the knowledge of spindle spinning, a technique that was once prevalent in eastern Ontario. Cindy O Gorman was inspired to learn to spin over 10 years ago when she first met alpacas. As a member of the Ottawa Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild, she has been involved in demonstrating and teaching her love of fibre. In 2009, Cindy graduated with distinction from the OHS Spinning Certificate programme, completing six years of study at the Haliburton School of Arts. She lives on Hill Grove Farm in Dunrobin, Ontario, with her husband and children where they are raising a variety of fibre animals including a flock of Shetland sheep. Susi Reinink is a Master Weaver well-known for her meticulously finished creations that range from the practical to the whimsical, from the traditional to her own innovative designs. She is a graduate of Fibre Arts at St. Lawrence College. Her traditional work includes the reproduction of coverlets, floor coverings and window dressings. Last year, she was honoured by staging a month-long exhibition at the Lennox & Addington County Museum in Napanee, Ontario. Susi has been teaching extensively over three decades and formerly held the Weaving Education Chair with the OHS. Jette Vandermeiden has been weaving for 30 years and teaching for almost as many. She delves deeply into the hows and whys of understanding weave structure. Jette teaches across Canada, the U.S.A. and England, and has taught many college weaving courses, Master Weaver diploma courses and at national and international conferences as well as guilds and her own studio. She writes a quarterly column for the OHS Fibre Focus magazine, is a former Fibre Focus Editor and she served as the Chair of Weaving Education for OHS. Jette demonstrates and weaves on an 1865 Jacquard loom at the Ontario Science Centre and in her spare time weaves damask on her drawlooms. See: www. huroniahandweavers.org/teanaustaye.html Wendo Van Essen spent 30 years travelling the world in her career in animation. During this time, she gleaned an acute awareness of the tactile nature of fine art and craft. After learning silk embroidery, raku clay and dyed saris, she found the art of felt making in Berlin. Her earlier career in animation is a large influence on her work. She uses needle felting to shape wool fibres and wire into whimsical sculptures. Sabine Wieczorek describes herself as German born, yarn addict, farming entrepreneur, nature lover and an artist who wants to save the world with whimsy. At her farm in the St. John River valley of New Brunswick, she keeps a herd of Scottish Highland Cattle. She uses their fibre and other fibres to construct crocheted hats that are wearable works of art inspired by the nature around her farm. She has shown her work at several venues in the Maritimes, including the CTV Live at Five programme. autumn 2012 fibre focus 27

10 We challenge ALL members and member guilds to show us their skills. This is a chance to experiment with your fibre medium, incorporate something entirely new into your work and just have fun. We are looking for any and all of the following techniques: spinning, weaving, felting, basketry, dyeing if it works with fibre we want to see it. TRY: A fibre/method you have never USED Not sure what to make? LOOK: THINK: OHS CONFERENCE FASHION SHOW MAY 4, 2013 Call for Entries THEME: FIBRE OPTICS at your fibres iridescence shine glitz pizzaz futuristic or crazy CHOOSE: your style your technique CREATE: something wearable Be Seen - Help light up the Runway! Approximate size (if applicable) Never entered a fashion show before and feel a bit hesitant? Ask guild members and friends for help and suggestions. Description of item: (include technique, pattern, fibre, Work with a friend. inspiration, etc. use separate sheet if necessary) Make it your guild challenge. NO ENTRY FEE Not coming to the conference? While we want to see EVERYONE at the conference in 2013, Please send or the entry form or information you can still put items in the show if you cannot attend. (not the garments) by April 1, 2013 to: There will also be models available so you do Esther Grav, P.O. Box 1236, Belleville, ON K8N 5E9 not have to model your item yourself. or e_grav@sympatico.ca We would love to hear from you! If you have questions or want further information, please contact: Esther Grav or Colleen Thomson Fashion Show Coordinators e_grav@sympatico.ca or thomsoncolleen53@gmail.com 28 fibre focus au t u m n 2012 This information must accompany each entry. Name Phone Address Garment - e.g. coat, top, hat, etc. Garment is for a man, woman, girl, boy I can model my own work Please provide a model Garments may be handed in at the registration desk. Times will be posted on the website. Entry form may also be downloaded from the website: THE SHOW WILL BE HELD AFTER THE BANQUET ON SATURDAY EVENING - JOIN US AND STRUT YOUR STUFF

11 OHS CONFERENCE JURIED SHOW Call for Entries THEME: BEYOND THE FRINGE Each entry should reflect a personal interpretation of this theme. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: The juried show is open to ALL members of OHS including the OHS Board of Directors and its Committees. You do not have to attend the conference to participate in the Juried Show. If you wish to become a member of OHS, make a payment of $55 (cheque or money order) payable to: ONTARIO HANDWEAVERS & SPINNERS. DIMENSIONS: Maximum dimensions of each piece, when suitably packed for shipping, must not exceed 330 cm (130 inches) in girth (i.e. width x 2 + height x 2 + length x 2). SPECIFICATIONS: Entries must be original and executed after January 1, Each OHS member may submit up to 3 entries. An ensemble or set is considered one entry. ENTRY FEE: The non-refundable entry fee of $15 for one item and $30 for up to 3 items must be paid by each entrant. Entry form and fee must be received by February 28 th A SHORT DESCRIPTION of about 100 words must accompany each piece submitted. This should include the technique used, number of shafts used if woven, fibre content of materials used and a brief note as to how the piece reflects the theme. this information to beyondthefringe@ovwsg.com THE ENTRANT will be recognised as the designer. Any assistance in creating the piece must be acknowledged. JUDGING AND DISPLAY: Entries will be judged on excellence of design and technical skill including construction and finishing details, as well as how well they reflect the theme of the competition. Beyond the Fringe Entry Form Entry form and fee must be received by February 28, Name: Address: Phone: Item 1 Title: Item 2 Title: Item 3 Title: Enclosed is $15 for 1 item or $30 for 2 or 3. P ayment to be made by cheque or money order, payable to: ONTARIO HANDWEAVERS & SPINNERS. Do not send cash in the mail. Send payment along with this form to: Claudette Voët, 5621 Pinestone Drive, Williamstown, ON, K0C 2J0. Make duplicate copies of this form (also available at and submit one copy with each entry. I have read the conditions of the entry and agree to submit my work under these conditions. I agree to the use of my name, photographs, story and/or entries for publicity purposes. Signature: Date: Accepted entries will be displayed at the NAVCentre in Cornwall, Ontario during the Conference. Entries must be exhibition ready and include proper hanging devices. No identifying names are to be on the items for judging. The decision of the judges in selecting entries for exhibition, awarding prizes, and resolving any matters of dispute will be final. Awards to be announced. Shipping and liability: Entrants are responsible for insuring their own entries. All items, whether accepted for the Juried Show or not, must be picked up at the end of the Conference on Sunday, May 5, Entries will be released to a third party only with ID and a letter of authorisation. Entries not picked up at the end of the conference will be returned by mail at entrants expense. Submissions, instructions and short descriptions need to arrive between April 19 and 26, Send to: Claudette Voët, 5621 Pinestone Drive, Williamstown, ON, K0C 2J0. Publicity: All entrants agree that their name, photographs, story, and/or entries may be used for publicity purposes. autumn 2012 fibre focus 29

12 FIBRE OPTICS REGISTRATION FORM OPENS: OCTOBER 31, 2012 CLOSES: FEBRUARY 20, 2013 Now that you have examined the glorious array of workshops offered, please indicate your preferences. Early registration provides better options. NAME: PRE-CONFERENCE: THURSDAY MAY 2 & FRIDAY MAY 3 2 DAY workshop (Thurs. plus Fri.) Title: 1 DAY workshop (Fri. only) Title: CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS: SATURDAY MAY 4 (Please choose a first, second and third choice) FULL DAY (Sat) 1st 2nd 3rd (2 nd & 3 rd can be ½ days) MORNING (Sat) 1st 2nd 3rd AFTERNOON (Sat) 1st 2nd 3rd Last Name First Name Mailing Address City Prov./State Postal Code/Zip Phone Cell address May we use this information for notification of future conferences? yes no Please indicate food allergies, dietary requirements or accessibility needs I would like to volunteer as: Fashion Show model Workshop aide as needed For payment by Visa Mastercard Expiry Card number Name on card 30 fibre focus au t u m n 2012 PRE-CONFERENCE FEE: Wed. night accommodation $150 $ Thurs. night accommodation $150 $ 2 day workshop (Thurs & Fri) $250 $ 1 day workshop (Fri) $125 $ Field Trip to Upper Canada Village $ 30 $ Full Conference Package (all inclusive) ** Early bird Special $495 (by Jan. 20) $ Regular $515 (by Feb. 20) $ ** Full conference Package includes: Fri. Accommodation (based on single occupancy only), Dinner, Meet & Greet, Keynotespeaker #1 Sat. Accommodation, Workshops, Breakfast, Lunch, Banquet, Fashion Show, a.m. & p.m. snack breaks Sun. Breakfast, OHS Annual General Meeting, Keynote speaker #2, Lunch ALSO Vendors, Juried Show, Guild Displays, continuous refreshments, free parking, access to all other NavCentre features (pool, exercise room, pub, spa (extra), bike trails, etc.) Saturday only Saturday conference plus lunch & snacks (Note: does NOT include banquet) $195 $ Shared accommodation (non-participant) with meals (excludes conference and banquet) + $ per night $ Banquet only $75 $ OHS Membership required for attendance (if not already paid for 2013) $55 Individual $50 Senior U.S. Members, please add $10 for postage $ TOTAL SUBMISSION $ Make cheque payable to ONTARIO HANDWEAVERS & SPINNERS (No postdated cheques accepted) Your cancelled cheque is conference confirmation. For additional confirmation please provide address. Mail form with payment in full to: Ontario Handweavers and Spinners office, P.O. Box 1444, Everett, ON, L0M 1J0. Attn: Roberta Murrant, conference registrar Phone roberta@murrant.com