Morgantown
Fiber Guild

The object of the Guild shall be to provide encouragement and education to those persons interested in pber arts, especially spinning and weaving; and to heighten public awareness of both historical and contemporary uses of fiber arts. 

Officers
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lori Wall ~ 304-735-6413 - 703-628-2176 ~ lori.wall@edocorp.com
Vice President  . . . . . . . . Susan Slider ~ 304-216-1172 ~ sslider@wvu.edu
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paula Bomhoff ~ 304-622-5358 ~ pbomhoff@iolinc.net
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betsy Viola ~ 304-735-5481 ~ betsyviola@mountain.net
Member Liaison . . . . . . . Shari Wilson ~ 304-594-2917 ~ shariwspin@comcast.net
Newsletter Editor. . . . . . . Carol Lagodish ~ 304-291-0947 ~ caroll13@verizon.net
Distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . Lori Wall ~ 304-735-6413 ~ lori.wall@edocorp.com

General Guild Information 
Unless otherwise noted, the meetings will start promptly @ 7:30 PM with guild business, with the program to follow.  Refreshments and "visiting" will start at 7:00 PM. 

Membership dues are $10.00 and due in January ($5.00 if joining after July).

Dues can be sent to Paula Bomhoff at Rt. 2, Box 333C, Mount Clare, WV  26408.

Some guild activities (such as participating in Mountaineer Week) require active membership status.  Active membership status requires participation in at least one guild function per year such as hosting a meeting, writing an article for the newsletter, offering a program, etc.

Deadlines for Future Newsletters:
Spring Newsletter 
Submission Deadline - March 15, 2008
Distributon Deadline - April 1, 2008
Submit news, ads, articles, etc. to: Carol Logodich or Lori Wall

Programs ~ Fall 2007

Directions: From 705E, turn onto Van Voorhis Rd. Travel past BP station until you see Bakers Point apartments & make a sharp right onto Baker's Ridge Rd. Then take the first left which takes you past Baker's Manor. Turn left onto Poplar Dr. Take the first right. The house is brown and on the left. Fire locator # 20PD 145; 145 Poplar Dr. You can park along the street.) Phone: 304-599-9075.

Program: Susie Slider - Knitting Q&A - Guild members should bring size 8 or 9 needles and worsted weight yarn to the meeting. Possible topics are increasing, decreasing, circular and double pointed needles, cables, and changing flat work to circular needles.

Directions: 107 High Street, Morgantown. Phone: 304-292-3325

Program: All – New fibers (and books) – Guild members should bring any new fibers (e.g. soy, bamboo, quiviet, etc.) and projects they have made with them, or any new favorite books to share with the group.

Directions: 107 High Street, Morgantown. Phone: 304-292-3325

Program: Susan Elkin – Comparison of cotton and protein fibers with both commercial and natural dyes

New Hours for the MAC
  Effective 4 September 2007, the MAC will be changing their hours of operation.  The new hours will be 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday.  If Guild members plan to access the Weaving Room earlier than 11:00 AM, they need to call MAC a day ahead of coming so we can advise Leo who will be at MAC to allow them access

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From
the President

Lori Wall

The
Welcome
Wheel

The Morgantown Fiber Guild would like to welcome the following new member:

David Moran of Eglon, West Virginia. David raises Suri alpaca and Wensleydale sheep in Eglon, WV at his Crimson Shamrock Ranch. He is a weaver, spinner and Kumihimo braider.

Welcome David!

Fall 2008 Highlights

In September, the Guild held its 2nd weekend fiber retreat at Dorsey’s Knob. The monthly meeting was held in conjunction with the retreat. There was an update on the sheep to shawl demonstration and raffle at Arthurdale; the Guild received $46 from their share of the raffle. There was discussion about the Guild participation in the holiday sale at the MAC and an announcement that the upstairs gallery at the MAC is now open. Susie Slider volunteered to coordinate changes to the Guild brochure. The Guild began making plans for Mountaineer Week. Lori Flood showed a very entertaining DVD on felt maker Judit Pocs of Hungary.

The October meeting was held at the home of Lou Ann Mohrman. Plans were made to sell the Arthurdale shawl at Mountaineer Week. There was much discussion about plans for Mountaineer Week, with Elizabeth Falkenstein and Joyce Potter volunteering to take charge of setup. Elizabeth also volunteered to make new table covers for the booth. Lou Ann Morhman provided everyone with a starter kit and showed how to braid a pad for a chair seat. Also in October, both Lori Wall and Sarah Beamer traveled to Rhinebeck, NY for the NY State Sheep and Wool Festival. While there, Lori attended the MAFA representatives meeting.

The Guild participated in the Mountaineer Week Craft Show in November. The total sales that were paid out were $1615.50, which is more than last year, but not as much as some previous years. The monthly Guild meeting was held at the MAC. There was a discussion of how things went at Mountaineer Week and some suggestions were made for next year. John from the MAC was present at the meeting and discussed some new marketing and communications ideas, including ways to expand Guild involvement in MAC activities. Guild members decided to have the Arthurdale shawl on display during the MAC’s Gallery of Gifts sale, since it was not sold during Mountaineer Week. The Guild approved the donation of $200 to the MAC. There was a discussion regarding payment of dues for 2008 and a potential change to the by-laws. David Moran gave a demonstration on Kumihimo Braiding on the Takadai.

In December, the Guild held its annual Christmas ornament and cookie exchange meeting at Lou Ann Morhman’s home. Susie Slider reported that she had the package of preemie caps that Guild members had made ready to mail. There was a report that the Arthurdale shawl was on display at the MAC. There was further discussion regarding dues for 2008. There was discussion about the January program. Everyone enjoyed the annual cookie and ornament exchange.

The January 2008, the Guild meeting was held at the home of Mary Head. Susie Slider reported that she is still working with John at the MAC on the new Guild brochure. The GuildBy-Laws were reviewed and modified (the 2nd and 3rd sentence of para III.B. were deleted) to reflect changes in the payment of dues. Elections were held and a few new officers were chosen: President – Lori Wall, VP – Susie Slider, Secretary – Betsy Viola, Treasurer – Paula Bomhoff, and New Member Liaison – Shari Wilson. There was a suggestion for the February program and location. Susie Slider provided some nice handouts and fielded questions on common knitting problems.

Retreat Recipes

(from the Kitchen of Paula Bomhoff)

Breakfast Casserole

1lb. ground sausage

5 large eggs

1 Cup Shredded Cheddar cheese

2 Cups milk or half and half

6 slices thick bread

½ T. dry mustard

Brown and drain sausage.

Butter bread and cube it. Place bread in bottom of casserole dish.

Beat eggs; stir in milk and mustard. Beat well. Pour mixture over bread.

Sprinkle sausage over mixture.

Top with cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

May be prepared the night before.

Mini Cheesecakes

2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened

¾ cup sugar

2 eggs

16 “Sunshine” vanilla wafers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and eggs

until smooth. Fill muffin tins with paper liners. In each paper liner place one (1) “Sunshine”

vanilla wafer. Pour filling over vanilla wafers, filling paper liner ¾‘s full. Bake at 350 degrees

for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow muffin tins to stand on a cooling rack for 45

minutes. Cover, and refrigerate or freeze, as desired.

HINT: “Sunshine” vanilla wafers must be used for this recipe because other brands become

too soggy. HINT: Recipe must be done ahead of time and can also be doubled.

Freezes well Yield: 16 mini cheesecakes.

Spinning "Dexter"

Wouldn’t it be a great experience having something made from your dog’s beautiful long hair? I read somewhere that “It is like holding your kids.” “Native Americans used dog hair to weave blankets and make clothing, long before sheep were introduced to North America.” Saving your pets hair can be spun into beautiful yarn for keepsake treasures. Treasure you will have long after your pet has left this world...things like scarves, mittens, hats, ornaments, and much more. I’ve discovered that there is an interest among dog owners to have useful things from their pup’s hair. Not excluding cats, of course.

My husband and I bought a 9 weeks old Newfoundland dog last March. We named him “Dexter”. He is 1 year old now at 130 pounds. The vet said he could easily go 160 by the time he is 3. Also, he sheds an enormous amount of hair, leaving it all over the house. Dexter, being a house prince, gets brushed and groomed daily. And this is an exciting opportunity for me to spin something new other than wool, angora, or alpaca. Resulting in something special made from Dexter’s hair will be comforting, beautiful, and a useful treasure for life, along with being an attribute to his life.

I have been told that Dog hair (called chiengora) is warmer than wool, easy to care for, and has an angora-like fluffy texture. The yarn is cleaned so the oils and dust are removed. No doggie odor!! The process I follow is the same as for spinning wool, angora, alpac and other animal fibers. It spins very easily and Newfoundland is a great felting yarn.

Samples of Dexter’s hair will be available if anyone would like to spin Newfoundland. It is a mix a top and undercoat. One disadvantage to having a dog like a Newfoundland in the house is he continually sheds his coat all year. Whereas dogs that fends the winter outside acquire a large undercoat to shed in the spring.

Here are some recommended guidelines to obtaining the best and softest yarn possible from brushing your dog. Hair must be 2 inches or longer for best results. Hair should be clean and dry, with no grass or debris in it. Brush the hair from the longest, softest parts of the dog, saving only this hair. It is the undercoat you need, and not the coarse top coat. Take the hair off the brush and save it in a paper bag. Paper allows the fiber to “breathe” and not be trapped with oils in a plastic bags. It takes about 6 ounces of hair to make a scarf, mittens or hat…some projects require less, or more.

Some believe blending with merino wool is usually necessary to obtain quality yarns with Golden Retriever, Malamute, Huskie and German Shepherd hair. Top picks for spinning include Samoyed, American Eskimo, Great Pyrenees, Sheltie, and Standard Poodle. These fibers are long, soft, and luxurious. Others, such as Bearded Collie, Belgian Tervuren, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Chow, and other mixed breeds, also work very well.

A recent study indicated that Yarn and thread gives off certain Pheromones that actually hypnotize women and cause them to purchase unreasonable amounts. When stored in large quantities, in enclosed spaces, the Pheromones, (in the yarn,) cause memory loss and induce the nesting syndrome, (similar to the one squirrels have, before the onset of winter, i.e. the storing of food,) therefore, perpetuating their species and not having a population loss due to their kind being cut into pieces and mixed with others. Sound tests have also revealed that these yarns emit a very high-pitched sound, heard only by a select few, a breed of women known as “loomers.” When played backwards on an LP, the sounds are heard as chants, “buy me, loom me, and wind me into a ball.” In order to overcome the so called “feeding frenzy effect,” that these yarns cause, one must wear a face mask when entering a storage facility and use ear plugs, to avoid being pulled into their grip. (One must laugh, however, at the sight of customers in a yarn store, with WW2 army gas masks and headphones!) Studies have also indicated, that aliens have inhabited the earth, helping to spread the effects that these yarns have on the human population. They are called "YARN STORE CLERKS". It's also been experienced, that these same Pheromones, cause a pathological need, to hide these yarn purchases, when taken home (or at least blend them into the existing stash.) When asked by a significant other if the yarn is new, the reply is, "I've had it for awhile." Author Unknown

Upcoming Events

Monongalia Arts Center’s 36th Annual Antiques Show & Sale will be held at Lakeview Resort in Morgantown February 29 – March 2, 2008. Once again this year, MAC will sponsor a Gallery of Art. In order to have a nice selection of original art in assorted media, I would like for you to consider participating as one of our featured artists. The following is necessary information for your participation:

1. You may enter up to 15 pieces. There is no registration fee. All artwork should be:

● Marked with the sale price visible; MAC will charge WV sales tax on each item sold

● Tagged with your initials and a number code which corresponds with a master list of your pieces at the Show and which includes your contact information (phone/address/ email)

● Delivered to Lakeview Thursday evening, February 28, between 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

● Unsold items must be picked up on Sunday, March 2, between 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.

2. A 25% commission on total sales will go to MAC. You will receive payment on work sold no later than March 17, 2008.

3. Call Danny at MAC, 292-3325, no later than 4 pm February 23 to register.

Additionally, we will accept any antiques or collectibles from you to sell either as a donation to MAC or for a 25% commission to MAC. This is a great opportunity for you to sell an antique piece you no longer want.

Please feel free to contact MAC should you have questions or need clarification. I look forward to your participation.

Warmest regards,

Ro Brooks, Executive Director

MACknitters: This group of knitters usually meets on the third Saturday of the month from noon – 4:00 PM., at the MAC. (Note: there will be no February meeting.) Everyone is welcome from beginner to advanced. Local fiber artist Susie Slider hosts the group. This is not a class, but Susie does assist anyone who has questions or problems with their knitting projects. Please phone the MAC at 304-292-3325 the day before to confirm meeting. A $2.00 per person donation to MAC is greatly appreciated.

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival: 3-4 May 2008, Howard County Fairgrounds. For more information go to http://www.sheepandwool.org.

For Sale

Susan Elkin sells Coopworth Fleeces, Ashford and Louet spinning wheels and equipment. Hand spun yarns and fiber.

Elizabeth Falkenstein sells/special orders for Crystal Palace Yarns. http://www.crystalpalaceyarns.com/.holesale plus shipping for guild members. Phone: 304-612-393.

Lori Flood sells Norwegian Felting Batts, Merino Top and Treenway Silks fibers. She is also a distributor of felting supplies and sells Henry's Attic Yarns. You can view these fibers and her teaching schedule at www.spinsterstreadle.com.

Betsy Viola sells handspun, hand dyed wool yarns and a variety of natural soaps.

Lori Wall sells Suri Alpaca and Wensleydale fleeces and roving.

Shari Wilson has for sale: Timber top suit case wheel, 3 yr. old, new condition with basket and hook, 4 bobbins, $550.00; Ashford Traveler with walnut finish in excellent condition $250.00. New Schacht Ladybug portable spinning wheel, $500.00 (or less depending on the number of orders) (Shari hopes to have one to show at the February meeting). Louet drum carder (only used a few times), in original box with all original equipment, instructions, and wrapping, $250.00. Lantern Moon knitting needles in various sizes & lengths, circular Crystal Palace needles, and a few handmade needles. Yarns – Hand dyed and novelty, and painted warps and coned yarn for knitters and weavers.

Paula Pavlovic has a beautiful loom which was one of the original looms used at Arthurdale during the cottage industries. She hinks it is walnut and has a spool rack, lease sticks and unique shuttles. This makes a wonderful conversation piece even if you don't weave on it. $500 firm. For more information contact Elaine Burrell 594-0766

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Lori Flood - Hadmade Felt Wearables, Sculptural and Home Deco Items.
Go to www.spinsterstreadle.com to see her handmade felt as well as many
felting and handspinning fibers / supplies.

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LOOM FOR SALE!!!

Sturdy 2 harness rug loom with 40 inch weaving width.  $250

(click on image for larger view)

MISC. FOR SALE

Crystal Palace Bamboo Knitting needles, all sizes, along with Ebony knitting needles. Hand dyed silk and wool yarns. Contact Shari Wilson 594-2917 or email at shariwspin@adelphia.net

"Cobun Creek Farm" Coopworth fleece, roving, Angora rabbit, Ashford, Louet, Kromski spinning wheels, classes, accessories, pottery. Contact Susan Elkins at 292-1907.

Ashford Classic Drop Spindle Kit  ~ sale price $12.00. Contact Elizabeth Falkenstein at 363-1922 or email her at easchmidt6@msn.com