Interest Group Project!

Greeting unto the FIG from your new Group Head,
I have taken on the role of Group Head from Lady Melisende, who did an admiral job of getting us started! We gave already done much to make our populace and rulers proud!
As we all know February will make our elevation to Principality status and our first Prince and Princess will be chosen! I would ask that all interest group members join me in commemorating this ilkustrius event by making a contribution to a largesse basket. I would like all Group Members attending Corinet to take part in giving this largesse to Thwur Royal Highnesses, whomever that might be! please consider making something, even something very small, to help commemorate this momentous event! you can gift something that could be used personally by THes or something that could be passed on to other deserving individuals during their reign. I only ask that if you intend to add to the permanent regalia that you let me know first!
Namaste,
Jahanara

Scottish wool brokers now selling online

Greetings cousins from Genevieve,
The Shetland Wool Brokers Jamieson & Smith have upgraded their website to incorporate online shopping! Until recently, you had to phone or send them a cheque.

This is a great step forward for them, but potentially dangerous for your credit cards.

From their website: http://www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk/

"Located in Lerwick, the capital town of the Shetland Islands, Jamieson & Smith, are long established as the islands primary purchaser of the Shetland Wool clip. We annually purchase the raw fleece from over 700 local crofters and farmers.
"A 2009 trading standards investigation into all of the major raw wool purchasers of Shetland revealed that we do, in fact, purchase over 80% of the wool produced in Shetland."

and...

"THE SHETLAND is the smallest of the British breeds, found mostly in the Shetland Islands. It is believed to be of Scandinavian origin, most probably brought to these shores by the Vikings, who settled here over a thousand years ago. They may have inter-bred with primitive sheep already in the islands. This cannot be proved, but they retain many characteristics of the wild sheep. "

If you want Shetland wool for knitting projects, or shetland tops for spinning or dyeing, these are the folk to contact.

They sell a sample card for £5, very useful for identifying their colour range, and the ply of different ranges.

Most of their spun yarn is intended for knitting; I don't know how well it would serve for weaving.

A Warping Good Time-Weaving Weekend

You are invited to the "A Warping Good Time" for a 2-day intensive LoomWarping Workshop! We will begin, Friday evening, with a basic discussion of weaving including the different weaving methods and when and whereeach was used. I would like everyone to share the history behind theirfavorite weaving technique, or ask questions about techniques thatinterest them. Followed by a hands-on sessions on Saturday during whichyou will focus on the basic warping techniques. Attendees are welcometo bring looms that need warping. I also have several table looms(18-24" weaving width) that can be warped for a variety of weaves.These are student looms are available for those without looms. We willalso hold evening discussions regarding weaving/warping techniques andyou'll have the opportunity to ask your fellow weavers questions. Forthose who are brand new to weaving a Weaving Basics document will beprovided in advance to help you learn basic weaving vocabulary (pleaserequest this in your RSVP if you need it). This will allow us to getright to thehands on sessions!
When will this workshop take place you ask? 2-4 October
Proposed Schedule:
Friday Dinner and Weaving Discussion
Saturday
Project Planning
Project Implementation throughout the day.
Sunday- departures as necessary
Where? Hockwold, contact Jahanara for directions.
What should I bring? Yourself and any looms you need warped, or forwhich you need help and advice.
How many people can attend? Due to the nature of this workshop, there will be a 7 student limit. We have beds for 6, if people don't mind sharing the two double beds. We also have plenty of other crash space on couches. So please RSVP early to guarantee a bed!
Please RSVP by 20 Sept. 2009RSVP's should include the following informationApproximate Arrival TimePreferred Train Station (If traveling by train)/ Pick up arrangements.

A Warping Good Time 9-11 Oct

Hello fellow fibre junkies!
I'm gearing up for another weaving weekend, well this time warping. I'd like to host those who need help warping their looms. I'm wondering at this point, how many interested folks have the weekend of 9-11 October open?
Just let me know through a comment and I'll send out more details once the date is set!
Jahanara

Tapestry update

I've managed to get some time to work on weaving on my tapestry.
Here is the bottom half completed:















And here is my wyvern. I was not brave enough starting out to add any of the outlining, which is why the chevrons are not outlined. As I got further into the wyvern, I became more brave about outlines and added one and then another, and then most of hte ones that were somewhat horizontal. I still need to go back and add all the outlines that I skipped while weaving. I also need to weave another couple inches of yellow across the top to finish it off. Then it will be fixing some of the color joins where there is a slit in the tapestry at the moment (I really need to talk to Jahanara about that), and hemming the piece.
















I think I would choose a different kind of design for my next piece. These large chunks of solid color are boring and also meant that my edges pull in and the entire tapestry will be slightly hour glass shaped which I hope to fix by hemming the sides (which I shouldn't have to do) as well as the top and bottom.

From the Office of the ID MoAS

Greetings exhaulted artisans,

I apologize for the late nature of this notice and hope it reaches you all in time. This year at Raglan Fair we will again have a tent dedicated to the Arts and Sciences. We will not have a formally judged competition, but there will be a populace choice. I would like to ask all artisans to bring items to display. I also ask that you bring items to work on with your bretheren! The tent will be available for crafting and socialising Thursday through Sunday. Please plan to display any items and to join your fellow artisans in companionship and productivity!
Please feel free to contact me to let me know you will be participating and with any questions!
YIS,
Jahanara, ID MOAS

Recent embroidery

Well I've got the axe and pile complete, now I just have to go round and round and round! I'm really pleased with how this one is turning out so far! The stitches are pretty even. I just hope I can keep my patience and keep them as even and small throughout the rest. I've decided to embroider the roundels on smaller bits and then sew them on seperately. This means that I can go ahead and put tthe hood together. This was the main impetus for this decision. The cashmere hood I embroidered for Odo is rarely worn, because it's too warm 90% of the time. The linen counterpart should not have this issue!

What is everyone else up to?