PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:
I hope you are enjoying your summer. With the abundance of festivals, markets, fruit stands and concerts I am busy trying to visit these uniquely summer delights while balancing the goals I had for weaving and other creative activities. I am guessing you are having the same challenge. This weekend is the annual Anacortes Arts Festival. The Whidbey Weavers Guild has a booth there in the working artists section of the festival on 7th street. Stop by if you can and thank them for organizing this great outreach activity.
I have found a sliver of time to pick up a book that we have in the Guild library titled Finishing Touches for the Handweaver by Virginia West. Less than 100 pages, this book is a treasure trove of techniques to finish handwovens beyond simple hemstitching and fringe twisting. There are clear illustrations of multiple types of hemstitching, twining , knotting, braiding, and much more. I think I need to get weaving so I can try something new from this great resource!
It is a privilege to be able to continue to learn from experts who came before us. Virginia West was an artist, educator, designer and influential figure in the handweaving community. She promoted weaving as both an art form and a practical craft. She is remembered for her workshops, publications, and impact on aspiring weavers. Our library also carries West's out-of-print book of inspirational handwoven swatches. I hope you will take the opportunity to look through these publications and take one thing with you that can energize your weaving going forward.
We are looking forward to September and the start of our year. It will be fun to see and hear about your summer fiber arts projects and, of course, what festivals and concerts you enjoyed.
Wanda Johanson
President and Librarian
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