Eugene Textile Center

Snow and Hearts

2012-01-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

Winter has finally arrived and we are enjoying the brisk cold winds, some rain and this past weekend we enjoyed some light dusting of snow. The snow was only on the ground for a few hours and then melted away. This past weekend knowing of the forcast of snow I decided to put on a nice warp of some Harrisville Highland wool and weave a throw. I used some of my homespun for the weft. I sat at my loom and listened to a book on CD. I could look out my windows and see the snow falling off and on through the day. I felt like I was having a day out of a storybook.
I hope that many of you were able to participate in the Yarn Sale that happened here last week. There were so many great deals going out of the shop. I am looking forward to seeing the projects that arise from those yarns.
Now that it is already the middle of the month I planning what to weave for Valentine's Day. I only have a short amount of time so it will probably be something simple. What are your plans to weave next?

The Last Blog of 2011

2011-12-20T15:18:00.000-08:00

Hello again. Great news! Our new schedule is out for the New Year. We have added a few classes that have not previously been taught here. One of those classes is Needle Felting. Along with this we have a few new products and new books. Books are one of my favorite things to buy.
The Holiday Store in our Gallery seems to be a success with many of you coming and finding unique gifts to give to friends, family or yourself. We plan on hosting this again next year, so mark it on your calendars.
Most of all we want to thank you for your continued support of the business. We are here for you and want to make Eugene Textile Center the place for all of your creative fiber needs. Have a very happy holiday season, along with a peaceful and healthy New Year.
Susie, Janis, Vicki & Leslie

Give a Mouse a Cookie

2011-12-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

I bet you have been wondering where I have been and why there have been no new postings. Well I have no good excuse. I went to post photographs from a rug weaving workshop and the spinners guild and became overly frustrated. But that is no excuse. It seems I start writing the blog and then I have to help a customer, or do some other job. I am sort of like the mouse in the childrens book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
So to fill you in on what has happened here lately. Susie taught an introduction to Rug Weaving which has led to a request for a full rug weaving course. We will have Jason Collingwood come teach in March on rug weaving and shaft switching method. This is a popular class since he comes here from the United Kingdom. Besides the fact that Jason is so handsome and charming and a mighty good teacher to boot.
Our spinning circle continues on each Thursday from 2-4pm. Sometimes we are a large group and other days, (most recently because of the holidays) we are small. But whatever our size we always seem to have a nice time.
This is the first year we have our gallery changed into a Holiday Store. It is packed full of handmade items from various artists in out Eugene area. If you haven't been by yet and still need a gift for someone this is a wonderful opportunity.
I also want to encourage you to read the Jan/Feb issue of Handwoven. Susie has another wonderful project in there. Maggie, Susie's granddaughter is also featured in the magazine.
I want to wish everyone Happy Holiday and a Healthy New Year full of love and peace.

Spinner's Spooktacular Tea Fotos

2011-10-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Our second Spinner's Tea was a nice success. We had a room full of wonderful spinners and lots of good food. We had deviled eggs and mud pie, pumpkin cheesecase, chocoale mice and cheese fingers to name only a few of the delicious items. The gallery show added a lot of color, but the Halloween theme came through with the tablecloths and decorations all around the room. A few people wore costumes, but most wore a mask. The masks came off as the spinning began as it hampered the spinners vision. Our next tea will be in the spring. I am planning some new events and bigger and better raffle prizes.

Janice chose to bring her beautiful Navaho Spindle.

Rachael came all the way from Grants Pass to participate in this fun event. Her spindle of myrtlewood was hand made by her grandfather.

Guests lining up to get some of the

tasty treats.

Maggie in her beautiful costume. She found her dress at a thrift store and made the mask herself. We thought she was a flapper girl, but she said she was a black cat. She did purr all day.

Someone looks happy with her plate of goodies.

Moving Along

2011-10-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of moving going on here at ETC. After over three and a half years we have moved ours shelves around and made the store more user friendly. When you walk in the door you will notice the nice open space and a plethera of color that will stimulate your senses. We have expanded the spinning corner and put down a nice carpet. All of our books are once again in one area so you don't need to go from one area to the next to pick up books on different subjects. Our wonderful resource library has been moved back to a quieter area so you can read undisturbed. Alas the resource library is near the sale corner so there is that distraction of low prices on needed or wanted tools and yarn. BEST of all we are now carrying all of DYELOTS products here.
To add to all of this excitement, we also have the most wonderful felt show by Tylar Merrill. I personally have never seen any felt so artistically done. She has wall hangings as well as clothing on display. Above is a tiny portion from a larger piece. I hope you come and see it.
Our Spinning Spectacular Tea is this Saturday. I have planned some great food and fun surprises for the attendees. It should be another fun affair.
Hopefully one of these three changes will bring you in to see us soon.

Weaver's Spirit Power

2011-10-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Opening Reception for a weaving exhibit at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History here in Eugene. The weaver Susan Pavel had an exhibit of woven blankets and clothing that she has done, all of which will be gifted to people in her life next February. Susan learned to weave 15 years ago from "Uncle". She spent three months of her summer preparing the fiber from the sheep to the finishing of a blanket. That first blanket was gifted to"Uncle". The following year she spent the next summer doing the same task and gifting that blanket. The third summer of her apprenticeship she actually finished two blankets. Each piece that Susan works on is inspired by the Spirit talking to her and instructing her in her work.
One thing that is different in her work is that the weaving is either twined of done in twill. The yarn used is quite thick as is traditional in Salish weavings, since they area a tribe that lives in the cooler Pacific Northwest.
One of the fibers that she uses is Mountain Goat Wool. This wool must be collected from bushes that have bits of fiber on them from the wild goats brushing against them. This goat wool is extremely soft, quite like quiviet fiber. There is a part of the exhibit that you can actually touch a sample of this lucious fiber. Along with this you can try your hand at twining and a bit of twill weaving. She also dyes her fibers and uses natural dyes that have been used traditionally by the Salish people.
The exhibit will be on display until January29th 2012. I do encourage you to go see it. If you are able to go on a Monday, at certain times, you can actually weave a bit of fiber into a blanket in the Longhouse on the museum grounds.

Weaving & Spinning Week

2011-10-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the middle of Weaving and Spinning Week and I have not had a moment to let you in on all the fun around here. We are rearranging the layout of the store to make it more user friendly. All of our books are arranged in one lilbrary area. The resource library is still separate from the sale books. Our spinning corner is larger, getting cozier with a new rug and is a work in progress. I think you will like the finished look. We have also put out our new schedule of classes. We have printed copies here at the store or you may check them out online.
Meanwhile, Suzie is once again up at Whidbey teaching. She will return on October 17th. Vicki is going up to join her next week, and Marilyn is away in Vancouver B.C, so Leslie will be here minding the store.
In the weaving studio here, Joanne is putting on a warp for a Rep Weave rug. Our friend Tom, who is also in the spinning group here is learning and helping her. Last week Tom fixed our Serger sewing machines for us. He is a "jack of all trades".
Our spinning group is still meeting here from 2-4pm on Thursdays. Please come on by and join us. Last week we were treated to fresh baked zucchinni bread.
Have a wonderful week of weaving and spinning. Let us know how you celebrated this fun time.

We're Back

2011-09-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to tell you that OFFF was a great success. I worked with Sara (Suzies daughter) on Saturday, and we were so busy I only got to take a bathroom break. I know, TMI. We have many happy people who bought their first drumcarder or first spinning wheel. One girl who bought a wheel is coming in for her first spinning lesson next month. A great buy went to Suzy from Idaho who purchased a well loved Norwood loom. She just had to have it to go with her other Norwood. I must admit it was the deal of the entire show. We all work hard to make our booth nice for you. We try to think of all the items that you would want and need. This year the only item I am still kicking myself for forgeting is the Yarn Gauges with the Diz. I don't know where my brain was on that one. As exhausting as all the work is, I must say it is so much fun. Put me in a building full of fiber and fiber people and I think I am in heaven.

We're OFFF

2011-09-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

It is that wonderful time again for the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. Once again we will be up at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds, but we will have a larger booth this time. You know what that means, more of what you want and need for all of your creative needs. Be sure to come on by and enter the contest for the gift certificate to Eugene Textile Center. As always the store itself will be open on Saturday from 10am till 5:30pm.
As summer slowly changes into autumn I seem to be spending less time in the garden and more time indoors with my fiber. I am now spinning some beautiful merino/silk roving in oranges, creams and light browns. I am not sure yet what I will do with it but it just glows on my bobbin so far. I only have 8 ounces so it may be a knitted shawl or part of a nice woven piece of cloth. I still have not completely finished my huck lace on one loom and so until that comes off I will be searching for creative ideas on how to use this beautiful yarn.
I am not sure if i mentioned in a previous blog about the next Spinners Tea. It will be a Halloween Spooktacular Day. We will have apple cider along with our tea and scrumptious food. We may also creep in a few shocking surprises. You should wear a costume or a mask and come and enjoy this wonderful afternoon. It will be October 22nd from 10-4. Reservations and payment of $10 must be made in advance as seating is limited.
Have a great weekend everyone, and see you at OFFF!

Plan Ahead

2011-09-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

These days it seems everyone is busy, busy, busy. We all are packing as much as possible into each and every day. Our own work schedules takes priority, with our kids and husbands, and volunteer work all keeping us going 24/7. To keep track of it all I have a calendar in the kitchen, one in my studio and a small pocket calendar in my purse. My favorite calendar is the Handwoven calendar in my studio. It has beautiful fotos of weavings featured in past issues that inspire me. It also lets me know which past Handwoven issue has the instructions for that particular project. 2011 was the first year I got this calendar. The new one for 2012 just arrived, and we have it here in our store for sale. I just love the choices for this new issue. I hope you too can find it inspiring and useful for keeping tract of your busy days.

Halloween Tea Party

2011-09-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it is already September. This must be the shortest summer of my many years. It didn't seem that summer ever came, with the cool weather that lasted until almost August. I had my mom come to vist last week and we had the most fun playing at ETC. She learned how to use the heat press and made some beautiful printed fabric. We also took a few hikes where I was able to collect some plants for future dyeing.
But now it is September and my mind is thinking fall. I just got some beautiful Merino/Silk roving to spin in shades of oranges and browns. Along with this I was thinking it is time for another Tea Party. So on October 22nd we will have our second tea party. The theme is "A Halloween Tea". So come in some sort of a mask or costume. Spin yarn in fall colors and drink tea or hot apple cider. It should be a fun afternoon from 12 to 4. The cost will be $10.00 since there will be sandwiches along with goodies. Reservations and payments should be made in advance.

2011-08-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Moore and her stunning class.

Well I must say it was quite a workshop with Jennifer Moore. Everyone agreed that she is such a wonderful teacher. Her instructions are clear and precise. He calm sweet voice just lulls you into the doubleweave zone. Everyone caught on to the different structures and got a chance to sample on all the looms. Some of the students opted to leave their looms here so that those that live close by could come by during the week and practice more. So if you would like to see them in action, call and ask if anyone is weaving on their loom. Or you can just pop on in and see the work in progress.

Our next big workshop will be with Mary Hettmansperger. The focus of the class will be to introduce and incorporate weaving and metal smith techniques that can cross over to be used in many disciplines of artwork. You will use wire, linens, fiber, copper sheeting, wire, mesh, screen, found recycled and natural items will be used. Along with all of this will be added nuts and bolts, beads and electronic salvage. (Have I got your interest yet? Sounds sort of crazy, as in crazy fun!) We have had Mary here before and got quite a bit of wonderful feedback, as well as a request for more from this amazing artist. I think you will find her marvelous to learn from and will come away with a plethera of ideas to use in your own art work for many projects to come. We still have some spaces open in this class, but please call quickly as it is filling up, and you don't want to lose out. The class starts on September 30, 2011

Doubleweave Workshop with Jennifer Moore

2011-08-26T14:30:00.001-07:00

It is so exciting. Jennifer Moore is here teaching her Doubleweave: Beyond the Basics Class. It just started this morning and the students are moving right along. I just wanted you to get a taste of beautiful weaving so I posted a few fotos. I will try and get more up and let you ogle at all the hard work. And on Saturday I hope to be able to show you their finished weaving samples.

Top Teacher

2011-08-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

Have you gotten your September/October issue of Handwoven magazine? If you have yours turn to page 8 and in the upper right hand corner is a list of the top ten teachers of this year, and our own Suzie Liles is in the list. She got a nice certificate that we have put on display her in the gallery along with work of her students. The show is quite an eye stunner. You can easily see how she could make that list. When you come into the store be sure and congratulate her. She is a bit shy about being praised, but I believe like all of us she like it. If you don't have a copy of this Handwoven issue you can pick one up here. And ask Suzie to sign it for you.

Rebirthing the garden

2011-08-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

We are so fortunate here to have our families support us in our business. Suzies husband, or as we all call him, Mr. Bob, helps by putting looms togethers and most recently rototilling the side yard of the ETC building. In this photograph Suzies brother is planting flowers to brighten the yard.

Look below to see the finished work. I hope you agree that it is

a nice improvement.

The class is almost filled for Jennifer Moore's doubleweave workshop. The drafts have been sent out to the weavers to get their looms prepared. I am so looking to seeing all their work.

Show It Off

2011-08-10T11:33:00.001-07:00

In one of my previous jobs, I worked for a school down in hot and smoggy California. I had a lot of different tasks, but the one I especially enjoyed was diplaying student work on bulletin boards and in the hallways. I always made sure to include all the students in the class, albiet we only had a maximum of 10 students in my special classroom. Yesterday in our gallery here I had the opportunity to hang the show with work done by students of weaving from classes here. All of these classes were taught by Susie. One student is a very beginner, but her work is top notch. They are displaying a lot of different weave structures so it is a great show to see. Just a little reminder that the Movable Feast is still here from LCC students, but I do not know for how much longer it will stay.
Life here at the store is busy. Last weekend was a 2 day natural dye class, and yesterday an idigo pot set up class. Both these classes were taught by Marilyn. Susie is away teaching again and Vicki is on vacation so I am here by myself most days. Tomorrow, Thursday will be a fun day as the spinning group will be here from 2-4pm. One of the spinners has been away for a month on a US cross-country/Canada trip. I am looking forward to hearing of her adventures. Come and join us if you'd like.

Sock Summit

2011-08-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Here is our cute little booth at Sock Summit. We packed the space with as much as possible to bring what the customers wanted. Susie posed for the foto after a long drive and setting the booth up.

Some shoppers checking out out books for sale. They are checking out my favorite book of the weekend to sell, Sock Knitting Master Class by Ann Budd. It even has a DVD in the back, and it only costs $26.95. As my grandmother would say, "Such a Deal!"

Of course we brought rigid heddle looms for all those that love to weave using their own hand spun yarn. Below is a Schacht Wolf Pup that I put a nice little M & W pattern on. It is trompe as writ, so the woven material looks complicated but it really is quite easy to do. It got lots of compliments but scared away the non weavers, who just couldn't believe it was easy breezy. This young lady just bought her first spinning wheel. It is an Ashford Joy. She was so excited because she lives in a tiny place and the wheel will fold up and stash away. Oh I must of forgot to tell her once she starts spinning it will not be put away. Spinning is too much fun for that. Another life lesson, but one with a happy ending.

Away and Here again

2011-07-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

The previous two weeks Susie was away at Penland School of Craft in North Carolina. She was teaching her favorite class, Weaving Lace with Linen. She said her students were so excited to learn and did some great weavings. I begged her to take some photographs while she was there but she was too busy, she said. Her husband took a class in Metalsmithing. The weather there was hot and humid as we heard on the news. But now she is back for two weeks until she leaves to teach at the Weaver's School in Washington on Whidbey Island.
At ETC we are sending our reliable Leslie up to Portland to have a booth for the store at Sock Summit. Leslie loves going off and doing these shows. She says you put her in a room full of fiber and nice people and she is in heaven. If you happen to be going to sock summit stop in and say hello. Tell her you read about her on the blog.
The sign-ups for Jennifer Moore's doubleweave class are rolling in. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn from the queen of Doubleweave. Don't tell her I said that.
At the store we have a gallery exhibit of Marilyn Robert's work and the Moveable Feast from Lane Community College students. I hope you get a chance to come by and see both of these shows.

Rigid Heddle Shawl

2011-07-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

This is Laura. She recently, (in the last 6 months) purchased a Schachtt Flip, rigid heddle loom. Since then she has been busy weaving away. This is her latest project that she brought in to share. With beautiful Shetland wool as the warp and Noro Kuryon wool for the weft she wove this beautiful shawl. Notice the subtle color changes in her piece. We also have mochi yarn here that gives the same look. Laura has two young children, one who is learning to weave and wants her own rigid heddle loom. One comment she made was that she can weave and still keep an eye on the kids playing. "It is easy to stop and pick it right back up again. We congratulate her on a splendid shawl, just perfect for those chilly days.

Busy Busy Busy

2011-07-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy that I actually forgot to post in this blog. After Black Sheep I was so exhausted. Then two weekends later was Art in the Vineyard. I helped the organizer set up a booth for volunteers to come and spin yarn, knit, weave and to show off fiber work of this community. Several stores in Eugene also had some of their staff or clientele come and demonstrate. The third day was July 4th and many of us stayed and watched the wonderful fireworks together.
Now we are getting geared up for Sock Summit in Portland the end of July. This will be the first time ETC will have a booth there and we are so excited. We ordered some great new books for sock knitters and others. I picked out the books myself so I hope you like them and purchase them. One especially great book is called The Knitters Companion which has all the info you need in a small compact book. Come and check it out and I think you will agree it's a must have.
If you live in or near Eugene I suggest you come on by and see Marilyn's work in the gallery and some fun knitting work from the students at Lane Community College. Their yearly Moveable Feast is even larger this year. And don't forget the spinning group meets here every Thursday from 2-4pm.

Art and Independence

2011-06-28T11:50:00.001-07:00

I have posted a few pictures from our booth at the Black Sheep Gathering. It was a wonderful long weekend for both myself and Vicki. We so enjoyed meeting every new person and serving our old friends. Suzie participated in the Sheep to Shawl on Friday morning and for the second year in a row came in first place. I must say though that this year only one team competed. But even then the judge gave their shawl a 100% score, and that is the best you can get. On Saturday and Sunday she taught classes while Vicki and I got to be in the booth. Thank you for all of your support of ETC.

The photo above shows a hand knitted piece from one of our customers here at he store. She draws a picture and then graphs it out by hand. No use of computers here. Then she finds the color yarns she needs and begins knitting. She calls her business Losch Designs. I must say she is quite a talented artist.

This forth of July weekend some of ETC's spinners will be at Alton Baker Park for Art in the Vineyard, demonstrating spinning. There will also be other artists there knitting, beading and weaving. Come on by and encourage us on as we bring fiber arts to the community.

Also if you are interested in purchasing a Sidekick Spinning Wheel, come on in and make a deposit. We have already sold the first four that came in and have deposits on two of the next four due to arrive mid July in the store. It is an amazing wheel and I promise to write more about it soon.

Have a very happy Independence Day.

Weekend of Wonderful

2011-06-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for the Weekend?!!!!! Remember that old rock song? Well this is the weekend all of us local and not so local fiberholics love, The Black Sheep Gathering. As usual it will be held at the Lane County Fairgrounds and Eugene Textile Center has it's booth in a new location. This year we will have a larger space in order to bring you more product and make it a lot more comfortable to shop. Look for us in building 3.
In the last blog I mentioned two new books we have for you. Today I want to mention one more quite excetional book, The Big Book of Flax. This book has everything and more that you could want to know about Flax. The two authors have been raising and processing flax since 1983. I especially love the information on taking care of old linen, since I collect old tablecloths and many of them are of linen. I got a copy of the book for a friend who is learning to spin her own linen. She is finding the book quite helpful in her search for answers to spinning this fiber
Also in the booth we will have the new sidekick to try out. Our next shipment is due the middle of July so if you are wanting one of these spectacular wheels come on by, try it and have us hold one of our orders for you.
See you at the gathering!!!! ETC staff

A Good Book

2011-06-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pasttimes is reading. I am a sucker for a good book. I am not particular about whether it is fiction, romance or a good book of non-fiction. A new book that we have in the store here is called the Fleece & Fiber sourcebook. This book is quite excetional as a reference for any fiberholic, be you a hand spinner, crafter or just a hobby farmer. This book covers more thatn 200 fibers. The photographs are exquisite too. I can almost count the number of crimps in the merino photograph. I highly recommend this book for all fiber teachers and crafters.
Another wonderful book we just got in is called harvesting color by Rebecca Burgess. This book inspires me to use the natural resources of my area for dyes rather than always buy them from the store here. Rebecca gives nice instructions on how to set up a dye bath and prepare the fibers prior to dying. What I love are the photographs of the plants and the dye color that it makes.
It is my hope that you will come in and check out these wonderful new additions to our store. And if you can't make it in before Black Sheep, we will be there with the books for you to purchase there too. But remember the store will also be open during the Black Sheep show. Come by and say hi to us.

ANWeg Fashion Show

2011-06-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Another event I attended at ANWeg was the Friday evening Fashion Show. I came away so inspired to weave fabric to make into clothing. I have done it once and liked my results, but they are nothing in comparision to the clothing items in this show. Our own Susie Liles had a beautiful black beaded dress in the show and a jacket woven with metallic thread that changed color depending on how the light hit it. Also Marilyn Robert had a shawl, woven from Alpaca and felted.
Most of the items were jackets. I am so impressed on how many different style jackets were made and the fabric for them coordinated so nicely with the style. I am sure they planned all this.
Two very unusual items in the show were a felted hat. The cap had a tree coming up from the top of the head with little animals among the branches. A bear below was trying to get to the animals. Along with this wonderful piece was a dress made with a peacock train from the owners own pet peacock. Both of them were the topic of much conversation at the wine and cheese reception that followed after the show.
I am so looking forward to my next weaving convention. I am aiming to enter one of my clothing pieces in the show next time. I hope some of you also enter along with me.

Weavers Guild Conference

2011-06-11T10:16:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone, I have finally recovered from my adventure at Association of Northwest Weaving Guilds conference. I arrived on Wednesday to help set up the vendor booth for the store. That took two days of hard work. I was fortunate to be able to attend the opening speech by Madelyn Van der hoogt, editor of Handwoven magazine. She spoke on the evolving future of fibers in the weaving world. Friday morning I took an amazing workshop on weaving with blocka with Madelyn. My Saturday classes were with Bobbie Irwin on using painted weft in weaving and another class with Teresa Ruch on painting my own fibers. During my off time i worked in ETC's vendor booth with my bosses daughter. I meet the most interesting people while working the booth. Everyone is so friendly and excited about the things that they are learning. I feel like I made some amazing new friends at this conference just by working in the booth. One of them is Tom, and I hope he sees this and calls to say hello. I told him i would put him in my blog.
One of my great aha moments was in my meeting many of the famous teachers at the conference. I am such a groupie person who is in awe of their work. If it can be imagined I feel so inadequate around them and never know what to say, so I just blabber. What I found to be true is that these talented artistic people don't put themselves up on a pedastal. They are very humble and just love sharing their creativity as much as we like learing from them.
On my next blog i will write about the fashion show. So until then, create your dreams my fellow fiber friends.

More NwRSA

2011-05-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

I must tell you about my other purchase at the show. This was a big one for me. I got a Woolee Winder from Nathan Lee. I had heard about them for years from other spinners. Personally, I felt I could just move my sliding hook along just fine and didn't need another contraption to spend money on. But on Saturday I finally gave in and sat down and tried one on the same type of wheel that I have at home. WOW! I was so amazed at the difference it made in my spinning. I just kept on treadling and the yarn just wound onto the bobbin so nice and neatly. I learned it allows the bobbin to hold more fiber by the way the Woolee Winder wound it on. So I have added a foto of me with my newest addition to my spinning reportoire. Next time you see the booth at a show, stop by, and tell them hi, and that you heard about them here on the ETC blog.

NWRSA show

2011-05-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from the NWRSA show held in Salem this past weekend. I had a wonderful time in the booth smoozing with the participants in the conference. I was fortunate to get enough time to chit chat with with Stephanie Gaustad, who was the featured Speaker for the conference. If you don't know who she is I will fill you in. Stephanie is the illustrator of Alden Amos' Big Book of Handspinning, as well as being his wife.

I also met Anita Osterhaug who is the editor on Weaving Today eNewsletter. I had to ask her how she gets so many creative ideas to write about. I was trying to find ways to make this blog a bit more interesting for all of you out there who read this blog.

I am always amazed at the beautiful artists who create so many beautiful fibers to weave with or rovings to spin. I got on 4oz skein of roving from Alexandra's fibers that is spinning like butter with beautiful fall colors that i am making for a friend of mine in Virginia. I am looking forward to working in our booth again at ANWeg in Salem, at Willamette University the end of this month. They have two days that are open to the public to come in and see all the gallerys and shop. Thoses days are Friday and Saturday, June 3rd and 4th. I hope you come by and see us whether you are a conference attendee or just a day visitor.

ANWEG buzz

2011-05-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

I am starting to get more and more excited about the Weaving Conference for the Northwest Weaving Guilds up in Salem the end of this month. I have never attended a congerence before. There are so many great people teaching there that I want to meet. A special bonus is getting to see Jason Collingwood, who I took a rug weaving class from years ago. Here at the store, Suzie who is the Conference Chair along with Vicki as the regestrar and Marilyn is teaching. I am an attendee, so we are all a buzz with anticipation, and preparation for the event.
If you are attending the conference and read the blog, come by and see me in the ETC booth and give me feedback. I am always up to a challenge or suggestion.

Knit & Spin

2011-05-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

I have some good new for all of you knitters and spinners in cyberland. At ETC we just received a new magazine titled Knit & Spin. My first thought was "Oh, just what we need, another spinning and knitting magazine." But I have to tell you this magazine is wonderful. The first section of this publication focuses on all the basics for a spinner. For the newer spinner it answers all those questions about differences between carded fiber and roving. There is an article on washing wool, do's and don'ts. Now I think everyone should read that article. It even offers tips on how to choose a wheel. One article by Rita Buchanan tells you how to estimate the yarn requirements for knitting projects. But this magazine does not stop there. It has patterns galore for gloves, hats, socks, sweaters and patterns for kids too. You could be happy spinning and knitting for quite some time with just the patterns from this one magazine. I already bought my copy. Yours is waiting here on the shelf.

Foto's from ETC

2011-05-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

A student spinning her first yarn

Winding yarn onto the niddy noddy. Ta-da

Here are a few fotos from people working in the Dye Lab today.

Spin Off magazine

2011-04-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

Are you a spinner who loves Spin Off magazine? As you know we sell the magazine here. But the good news I have for you is that some lovely person donated a lot of back issues of Spin Off to ETC, We are keeping them here as a reference. You can come in and browse through back issues and get reinspired or read up on some technique you may have forgotten over the years. We will have them back in the reference library for you.

Double the Fun

2011-04-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

The big buzz for today is the Royal Wedding. I was not one to get up to watch it at 3am PST but I did catch to news stories this morning. I absolutely loved her dress in its elegant simplicity. I think she has set the trends for fashion in the flower petal bottom skirt.

I have been doing some weaving lately in Doubleweave Pickup. It took me awhile to really get the hang of it. At first I was so frustrated that I thought I would give up weaving all together. But I worked through it and now I am loving Doubleweave Pickup. I don't want to stop weaving because I am enjoying watching the next block pop up. My weaving is only a four shaft pattern. In August Jenninfer Moore is coming to teach Doubleweave Beyond the Basics here at ETC. I can not wait to see what other possibilities are out there for me to discover in Doubleweave.

A new class has just been added to the schedule, Rep Weave to be taught by Suzie Liles starting on May 13th. We have openings for a few more students, so sign up soon.

Only in L.A..

2011-04-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

Where can one find some blue socks made from skimmed, dried and bioengineered milk. Impossible you say. No way! Well let me tell you at the Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising you can find just those socks. They also have a skein of Dungeness Crab fiber (like spider silk) and recycled cassette tapes spun into a mini dress. How cool is that? Unfortunately these items are not for sale, but they are in the library there along with 15,000 other items. Fortunately this is open to the public by appointment. You can even have one of their staffers wrap you in a woven banana leaf.
reference LA Magazine.

Inspirtation from Spring

2011-04-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

I have been loving this warm spring weather that has finally arrived here in Eugene. The daffodils are blooming in the front of the shop and our native plants along the side of the building are sprouting beautiful buds. The currant plant has lovely flowers on it too. Inside the shop people are also budding with wonderful ideas. Two blossoming students are doing doubleweave for the first time. They have painted their warps with bright colors and are warped up and ready to start weaving. Other students have been learning layering color in dying and resist dying on fabric. Each persons work is so unique. I marvel at their ideas. I know the sunshine shining in through the windows illuminates all the colorful fibers on the shelves. If you are short of ideas of what to do for your next project, come on in and walk around, and browse through the books. I think you will find you will go away prepared to create.

Happy Birthday Boss

2011-04-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

It is a wonderful day here at the Textile Center. Today is Suzie's Birthday and hopefully she is having a fun day. Marilyn is here teaching her Layering on Cloth class. The students are so enthusiastic and I am really looking forward to seeing their finished work. Every class is another layer on the fabric and no two are alike. We did a bit of rearranging here at the store. Hopefully this will make it easier for you to find the right size fiber for your project. I love moving things around as it refreshes my mind of yarn that I have not seen for a bit, and gives me new ideas for a project. We received a large shipment of 5/2 mercerized cotton in various colors. I have already picked out two colors for my next doubleweave project.

Felting demonstration

2011-04-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy around the shop lately putting 5/2 mercerized cotton on the shelves. We got a shipment of so many beautiful colors. Now is the time to find the one you want to weave that perfect project. We also have a lot of 10/2 mercerized and unmercerized cotton in natural colors use. It would be wonderful to dye first in a group of colors and then weave them up. I am excited because I am going to felt some cute little animals, (bunnies, sheep and chicks) for my grandsons. I got the plans from Wool Pets, a wonderful step by step book we have here in the shop. If you are looking to learn a new felting technique come by ETC on Saturday at 1pm and join in on the free demonstration using Art Felt Paper. It is easy and fun, and no physical work involved. Hope to see you here.

Blog Reader Rewards

2011-04-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

We wanted to have our blog readers to get a reward. If you print this out and bring it in you can get a 10% discount on one item in the store. You can also call in with an order let us know you have read our blog. 541-688-1565. This offer will be good till April 15th

Check out our products on http://www.eugenetextilecenter.com. If you see something on line you like call us and order.

We also have much more in our store.

Thank you for supporting us.

The Eugene Textile Center Crew

Spring Editions

2011-03-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

We received the Spring editions of Handwoven and Fiber Arts magazines yesterday. I was so pleased and surprised to see and article in Fiber Arts by Janis Thompson. Janis is the owner of Dye Lots here in Eugene. We proudly carry and sell her wonderfully dyed fiber here. Recently she has added to her reportoie a line of naturally dyed fiber batt blends and yarns. I hope you come by and purchase the magazine and read about this wonderfully creative person and get a glimpse into her creative process.
This issue of Handwoven is full of diverse projects from rep weave to ply split brainding, overshot and color forecast. It is a must have issue.
Don't forget our Spinner's Tea is this Saturday from 1 - 3pm.

Have a Happy St. Patricks Day tomorrow!

Thank you Doramay/unannounced sale

2011-03-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

There is a republication of a much loved book from Doramay Keasbey now in our store. It is called Designing with Blocks for Handweaving. Over the years Doramay had received many requests to reprint this book. After much hard work and editing on her part it is now again available to you the handweaver.
By the way, Doramay will be speaking about weaving with blocks at the next Eugene Weavers Guild meeting, which is held here at ETC on the fourth Monday of the month., 10am-12pm. She will also be giving a small workshop after the meeting for only $5 per person. If you are interested in attending, and are not a guild member, please call in advance and reserve a spot.
Also only to be advertised here in the blog, we have 10/2 unmercerized cotton for only $8/lb. You would be lucky to find any fiber so nice, so inexpensively priced. It is a limited supply, so hurry in.

ETC goes to the Caribbean

2011-02-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

Suzie Liles and Katherine Cranston went to Maho Bay Camp on St John in February to set up a weaving studio. The Maho Bay Camps Trash to Treasure Art Program bought three looms from ETC. Suzie and Katherine went down and set up the looms and taught Annalisa and Ginger how to use the looms and make beautiful rag rugs, runners, place mats and mug rugs. It was alot of fun. They are getting sheets from the resorts in the area and recycling them to make great items. They will be selling them at their gallery. What a wonderful idea they have.

We had alot of fun while we were there.We brought our husbands which made it all the better. On our off hours we went sailing, snorkeling, sight seeing and yes laying on the beach and reading a book.

This place is very great and if you want a place to go to get away this is the place. I wanted to stay. I plan to go back.

They will be looking for weavers to volunteer to come and weave rugs. Any interest?

If you want to know more about maho camps go to maho.org

The images are from our trip. The studio is a tent with open walls with just screens the windows.

2011-02-24T12:02:00.001-08:00

It is a beautiful snowy day here in Eugene. I am here inside the store enjoying watching the soft white fluffs fall from the sky as i stock the shelves with books and new fiber that arrived today. I will spend a chunk of time finishing a weaving for a gaelic singing group. They are having a special festival where among other songs will sing some waulking songs. They will use this weaving to full for demonstration. I will try to let you know when the date is, so if you are interested you can go and watch. It should be fun.

Spinner's Tea Party

2011-02-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

You can say you read it here first. ETC is having it's first Tea Party on March 19th from

1 - 3 pm. We will have delicious treats, such as is served at an English High Tea. All you need to do is bring your wheel or your spindle. We are charging a small amount of $3 or free with a $10 store purchase. Our hope is that you will come and enjoy a wonderful afternoon with us.

Please call and let us know if you are coming so we can be sure to have enough treats for everyone. 541-688-1565

Travel Guide for Fiberholics

2011-02-18T15:56:00.000-08:00

This is the time some people start planning their spring break and summer vacations. You pick a wonderful place and look for exciting activities to keep you busy. Well for a fiber fanatic like myself I also like to shop. When I arrive at a destination I will look in the yellow pages for a store to spend time and money in. Well now there is a book that lists all different stores that sell knitting, weaveing, spinning, quilting and other fiber art supplies. This book covers the entire United States. So if you are planning some time away, come by our store, pick up the book and plan to visit some fiber vendors while away from your favorite store, Eugene Textile Center.

Special Students

2011-02-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

We are fortunate here to have two young adults studying with us. They are home schooled students who have chosen to learn about fiber arts and weaving. Both students warped and wove a scarf on a rigid heddle loom. You can see Ryan here with his scarf just off the loom. He still has the job of twisting the fringe on the edges. Alayna is currently weaving a bag on a four harness loom. She has chosen to use two twill weaves alternating, also using different colors. We are so proud of the accomplishments of these students.

Working It

2011-02-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here on this gloomy morning, drinking my coffee, envying my boss Susie right now. She is in the Virgin Islands on St. Johns Island teaching weaving at the Maho Eco resort. I checked their weather and it is presently 74 degrees with a high of 81 expected. I take little solace in the fact that it is cloudy there also. Tropical clouds in the Carribean are beautiful, unlike the grey that has loomed overhead for too long. Susie insists that she is "working". I hope she also takes some time to have fun. Maybe one day they will need a spinning class there, and I will apply for that job, until then I will be here to happily serve you our faithful friends and customers.

Painting on Silk

2011-02-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

Today was the day for the Painting on Silk demonstration. It was sort of sad for me because no one came to see it. We will do it again in the future, but I wanted to show you a photograph of what I did with my first attempt at Silk Painting. I was initially very intimidated because I am not a painter. I have tried painting in acrylics and that is ok because you can go over your mistakes. This to me was like watercolor painting, once it is on the fabric it is there to stay. But I found you can blend colors similar to overdying and that gave me some freedom to err. It really is very easy and a lot of fun.

Updates

2011-02-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

I went Monday to the Spin-In at the Laverne Krause Gallery to spin with Rob Mertens and others. We had cotton batts prepared by Rob, some Corriedale Cross from ETC and polyester stuffing. I had never spun the polyester so i thought I would give it a try. It was really strange to spin as it does not hold together unless it is overspun. I did like using it to do wrapping around a wool single. It is much more slippery than silk to spin. Personally I prefer to spin natural fibers but I enjoyed the experience. Rob is using the fiber spun to "weave" or wrap over a wooden structure he built. I will probably go by on Friday to see how the work has progressed. Rob actually encourages people who have never spun before to try spinning. There is still two more days to spin if you want to participate. If Rob lets me take a photo I will post it on a future blog.

The spinning group that meets here at ETC, has voted to meet every Thursday instead of twice monthly. I hope that makes it easier for people to remember when to come by. We do have a nice time, and would love for more people to join us.

A Fun Opportunity

2011-01-27T10:10:00.000-08:00

Rob Mertens at the University of Oregon is hosting a very special Spin In at Lawrence Hall in the Laverne Krause Gallery Jan. 1rst thru Feb. 4th, 4-6pm. This is part of a larger installation and curated show entitled "Historicity". Wheels and fibers will be provided if you don't want to bring your own. The yarn you spin can be donated to contribute to a larger evolving-installation throughtout the show. The purpose of this is to connect the university with the larger fiber community of Eugene and promote spinning to the nation. Both Suzie and Leslie from ETC will be particitpating and hope that some of our wonderful friends will join us. Spinners of all skill levels are wanted, even new beginners as they make some of the most wonderful creative yarns. Feel free to contact us here at ETC for more information.

She is soooo cute!

2011-01-25T17:11:00.001-08:00

I am happy to announce that Suzie has a new granddaughter, Lillian Liles. She was born on January 19th in Lemoore California. In this photo she is wrapped in the blanket Suzie wove for her and is featured in the last issue of Handwoven Magazine. Congratulations to the Liles family.

Synergy

2011-01-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

Synergy. Just the sound of the word brings a smile to my face. Wikipedia defines synergy as the potential ability of individuals to be more successful or productive as a a result of combined action or functioning. In other words, lets say you are here at ETC working on a project of felting. In the weaving studio someone else is weaving and the spinning group is also here making beautiful yarns. Just the presence of the weaver and the spinners help the felter be more creative and productive. In reality we are all chatting and sharing ideas. We take breaks to oooh and aaah over the others work. And when asked we can offer our ideas too. And lets not forget that while using the studio space here you can usually get help from one of the staff. We are starting to get more peole who are taking advantage of renting the studio space here. Our two newest artists are Abby and Wendy who have found the space invaluable. Come on by and join the fun and spread more synergy.

Spinning Group

2011-01-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that the Spinning Group that meets at ETC will be meeting this Thursday from 2 - 4pm. It has been many weeks since we were together so I am looking forward to seeing everyone again. Hopefully some of you new spinners will join us too.

Resolutions

2011-01-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

Happy and Healthy New Year Everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. So I am wondering, how many of you made a New Years resolution? I have a few things I want to accomplish this year. I want to finish spinning enough yarn to weave a queen size blanket for my bed. I want to weave the blanket this year before summer is over. I want to try more of the fibers we have here at the store that I have not yet worked with. Just before Christmas I used some of the recycled Sari Silk. Oh my it was so nice. I made one scarf witht the yarn and one with the ribbon for gifts. Both gifts were a hit. I hope you come on by the store to get some ideas to work on your next project. Remember we are here to help you with any questions you may have so take advantage of our resourceful staff.

2010-12-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

Well Leslie was so excited for Christmas she said the 24th was Thursday. Well we will be open on Friday the 24th all day.

Have a really great Holiday.

Suzie

Updates

2010-12-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

I want to let you know the NUNO felting demo was so much fun. We had a nice size group come to learn a new way to felt. Two of the viewers even volunteered to try it a bit. Everyone went home with fiber to start their own new projects. One woman was even smarter and rented studio time immdiately afterwards and made herself a beautiful nuno felted scarf. I am looking forward to doing more demonstrations here and hope you will too.

Marilyn had another surgery last Friday and she is doing well. She is hoping to go home on Thursday.

We will be open all day (10am-5:30pm) on Thursday, December 24th for you last minute shopping. Remember that is the last day to take advantage of the 10% off all Schacht and Ashford looms. We only have a few 8 Shaft Baby Wolfs left.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday, and a very Healthy Prosperous New Year. All of us here at Eugene Textile Center apprecaite everyone who has been by the store whether to just visit the gallery, come by and see what the store has to offer and most of all to shop.

Free Demonstration

2010-12-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Saturday, December 18th we will be having a free demonstration on how to do NUNO Felting. This is a process of felting wool or other fibers to silk. Come on by between the hours of 1pm to 3pm to get in on this fun opportunity. Nuno felting is so easy you can create more gifts using this technique before the holiday. BTW there are only 8 more days till Santa comes. HO HO, OH NO !!

Wrap it Up

2010-12-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

I just came up with a crazy idea. You are probably into wrapping all your holiday gifts. One of the problems is finding a time and place to do that without peeking eyes. Well I think you should come to ETC with all your supplies and use our large space to wrap things up. No studio charge, just a fun time in a beautiful space with hot cider to drink and holiday music to listen to.

How can I let people email my posts to their friends?

2010-12-08T14:39:00.000-08:00

How can I let people email my posts to their friends?

A Good Tip

2010-12-08T14:20:00.001-08:00

A few days ago someone came into the store wanting to purchase a certain book. We were out of stock on that book so we called our distributer only to find out the book was out of print. You may remember my story about the book "Wild Colour". Well this book was originally published about three years ago, so that is a short time on a publishers list. Now it is selling for $450 on Amazon.com. So my advice to you is when you come in and see a book you like, BUY IT then. Do not wait and get disappointed later, or pay much more than you needed to. Just a bit of sage advice.

17 More Days!!!!

2010-12-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

If you are reading this on December 7th you need to realize that there are only seventeen more days until Christmas. Now is the hectic time of year to be in the stores. Finding a parking spot takes too much time. The stores are crowded, and people are starting lose that HO HO HO feeling. Then there is also the chore of finding just the right gift this late in the buying season. Be of good cheer and tell everyone you know to buy you a Gift Certificate at Eugene Textile Center. They'll thank you for saving them from the seasonal frustration. You can come in and shop in our delightful store with cheer and glee, getting yourself exactly what you wanted. But best of all it's the one gift you will not want to return.

Wild Color

2010-12-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

Many years ago I took a Dyeing class at Lane Community College. For our textbook we used Wild Colour By Jenny Dean . The book is wonderful and I used it quite a bit for dye recipes as well as for reference. I had even loaned it to a friend who was not too prompt in returning it. I came into ETC to use Marilyn's book and she told me how that book went out of print and was then selling for $150.00 online. I freaked out and immediately called my friend and she returned the book. I vowed never to loan that book out again. Now to my delight Wild Color has been reprinted with a few spelling changes, such as colour to color. So I am now pleased to tell you we have copies of it here for you in the store. I know that there are some Natural Dyeing and Indigo classes coming up and this book would be a great help to you.

Tell Santa

2010-11-29T14:02:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving day. Eugene Textile Center hosted the Eugene Weavers Guild Holiday Sale. One woman who came by for the sale was so impressed with the woven scarves she came in today to learn to weave. Many people were impressed with the fact of having handspun yarn in their work, whether knit, crocheted or woven.
I have some wonderful news for you weavers who have been dreaming of a new loom. ETC is selling all Ashford and Schacht Looms for 10% off the original price until Christmas. It's time to whisper that information into Santa's ear, or tell one of his elves. ;)

A Snowy Blanket.

2010-11-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

I awoke today to the outside covered in a soft blanket of snow. Oh it is so beautiful. A perfect day for me to stay inside and weave. Since I am between projects I thought what better than to plan a beautiful white throw. I have taken some of my homespun white yarn and wound it into a balls. Now I need to plan the weave structure. I plan to sit on my couch surrounded by past issues of Handwoven and other weaving books to get my inspiration. What will you do with this wonderful day. For those of you in warmer climates let me know what you are planning to do on this beautiful day.
Oh I almost forgot to tell you that we got some beautiful fibers for spinning in all dyed with Natural Dyes. We have small carde wool-mohair batts and silk noil along with some bamboo. Come and check it out.

For the young fiberholic.

2010-11-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

So many of us fiberholics have grandchildren that want us to teach them to weave on our looms. Alas, our looms are a bit big for them to reach the treadles, or a bit too complicated for them to use. Well problem solved. We have different looms and fiber project kits here for those future fiber artists. These looms by Harrisville Designs are designed for small hands and are versatile enough for the adult weaver too. We have lap loom, peg looms, backstrap and deluxe potholder looms. Many of the lap looms we sell are purchased by adults who use them as small tapestry looms when they travel, or for sampling projects. When you are doing your holiday shopping, remember those future fiber artists on your list.

Fibermania

2010-11-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hello to all of our new friends down south in Grants Pass. We had a fabulous time at Fibermania. I think the highlight for me was Joelle, an 11 year old girl whose grandmother purchased a new spinning wheel for her. I gave her a quick lesson and she is spinning away. It is so nice to see younger people embracing fiber arts. We are already looking forward to next years show.

Spinners Groove

2010-11-09T09:46:00.001-08:00

Our spinning group here at the center has been meeting for a month now. Although we are still a small group we are having a good time. Our next meeting will be this Thursday, Nov. 11th from 2 until 4 pm. I hope more spinners will join us. Beginner spinners will benefit from learning from older spinners. Such a deal, free lessons from the experienced. I hope more of you will join us.

10% OFF

2010-11-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to save some money? Eugene Textile Center is selling it's fabrics that are PFD (Prepared For Dyeing) at 10% off. This is a great time to stock up on some of those silks, linens and velvet fabrics you'll need for your future projects. We also have felting needles on sale, 10% off. Every felter knows how easily they can break, so come in and stock up. Not to be forgotten we have T-Juice Markers on sale also. They are also 10% off. You can create a one of a kind fabric by coloring with a T-Juice marker. They only need to be heat set with an iron. They can also be easily used by children. What can make a child more proud than displaying his or her art on their own clothing. This sale runs through the end of November.

Also don't forget ETC will have a booth at the Fiber Festival at the Josephine County Fairgrounds next weekend, November 13th and 14th. We will have a nice large booth with lots to stimulate your creative appetite . We look forward to seeing you there.

Dyeing in the Hood

2010-11-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

I know many of you of have heard of the" boy in the bubble". This is a photo of Suzie in the bubble. She is connecting the ventilator top so it will exhaust the residue dye while you are mixing it. The dye mixing station is a new addition to ETC. Now you will no longer need to use a respirator while mixing dyes. When Suzie taught at the Kansas City Art Institute they had a dye mixing station there. It was one thing she has been excited to add to our resources for our dyers. I think it this is extremely valuable for the health and safety of our customers. When you come in to use the mixing station be sure to ask us for instructions to get the best use of the equipment.

Holidays are coming.

2010-11-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it is November first already. Now it is time to think about all the wonderful people and things that you are thankful for. It is also the time to really put your energy into making those gifts for loved ones this holiday season. I have always made gifts for my friends and family. One reason I have done this is because it is so much more appreciated by the recipient. The time I put in means so much to them. Especially with my busy schedule they appreciate the "handmade" gift. I have a trick on how I accomplish this. Since I am a weaver, I put on a long warp for dish towels. Then I weave different towels and wrap a loaf of homemade bread in it. I tie this up with a nice hand dyed silk ribbon. Voila!! A nice gift that keeps on giving.

FiberMania

2010-10-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

In June we had the Black Sheep here in Eugene. Last month Canby held the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. Next month, November 13th & 14th in Grants Pass, OR, will be the first FiberMania. It will be at the Josephine County Fairgrounds. This fiber festival is sponsored by SOJAA. (State of Jefferson Alpaca Association). Eugene Textile Center will have a large booth down there with looms, spinning wheels, fibers, dyes and lots of other supplies for your needs. If you plan to attend and need anything from us, be sure to give us a call so we can bring it down there for you. You save because there is no shipping fee. Come by and say hello to Suzie and Leslie. We are looking forward to a fun time there.

Weekend Update

2010-10-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

The start of the bimonthly spinning group is off to a nice start. We are hoping that more spinners will come and join us. If you are just a beginner spinner who has learned from Leslie, come by and show off all your new yarn and spin some more. If you are more experienced come by too. Give us some inspiration with your yarns.
The Old World New Age felt class with Marilou Moschetti was a huge success. Everyone went home with at least one beautiful piece of wearable art. Most people had at least two felted pieces. Hopefully we will be able to get Marilou back here again for those of you who missed this opportunity.
Coming up next is the Chinese Sewing Kit class this Saturday, October 16th, to be taught by our own wonderful Marilyn. Yes you read that correctly, Marilyn is back in the center part time. She is healing well and it is a pleasure to see her smiling face around her once again. The sewing kit can be used for many purposes other than just sewing supplies. Marilyn had many of them in her last show at the Jacobs Gallery here in Eugene. I bet you didn't even know they were sewing kits when you saw them. So lets fill this class up and welcome Marilyn back to teaching with enthusiastic fiber students.

Spin-In

2010-10-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Spinners. We are having a spin in tomorrow, Oct 7th from 2 - 4, here at ETC. This is the start of a spinning group to meet here twice a month on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. All levels of spinners are welcome from beginner to advanced. We also would love to have drop spindlers join us. We hope that this will become a special time and place for you to spin. Come and be in on the very beginning..

Plan ahead

2010-10-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made an appointment for my husband and discovered that i needed a new calendar. I love calendars that inspire me in some way. What could be better than twelve months of weaving projects from past issues of Handwoven magazine. A great idea I had was to schedule in my weaving, spinning, felting and fiber days ahead of time. We still have a few left here at ETC for you too.

Come Spin with Me

2010-09-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun up in Canby at OFFF. It was nice of many of you who stopped by to say hello. I have some good news for all of you spinners. We are starting a spinning group here at ETC on Thursday afternoons. We will meet from 2 until 4 on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. That means our first spinning day will be October 7th. I hope to see many of my beginning spinners here. We will also have a Saturday spin in starting up soon so keep posted for all of you who work during the week.

OFFF is here

2010-09-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

We at Eugene Textile Center will have a booth at Oregon Flock andFiber Festival this weekend. We hope you stop by and say hello while you are doing your shopping up there. We are in the main building. Our store is also open Saturday so if you want to shop more local we are here for you. Have a great weekend.
P.S. Don't forget you can call the store to register for classes offered in the brochure or register online.

Have Some Fun

2010-09-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

While driving in to work, the radio was playing "All I want to do is have some fun, I have the feelilng I'm not the only one". So while singing along I started thinking about the fun I will be having at Marilou Moshetti's old World New Age Felt class. I am so excited because I have seen her work on her web site, mariloumoshetti.com and it is awesomely gorgeous. I have heard she is extremely generous with her knowledge and time. What more can you ask for from a teacher. I think we still have a few spots open if you want to sign up, but hurry, the class is October 9th and 10th.

Dye and Save

2010-09-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

I just had a customer come into the store who is going to do some dying. She was dimayed at the fact that she couldn't use her kitchen pots and pans for both dyeing and cooking in later. So I told her about renting time in our dye studio. For a low fee you get the use of our dye equipment, pots, measuring cups and spoons, stove, steamer, extra long tables, etc.... You dye, clean up and go home with your lovely work. I hope you too will feel inspired to come in and use our studio for your creative outputs.
OBTW (oh by the way) I just discovered there is a great coupon online for instore purchases on our web site. Cut yours out and save some money on ETC.

2010-09-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well folks fall is almost officially upon us. The nice cool weather arrived sooner than the actual solstice date, but that is ok with me. This is the time I focus on getting gifts made for my holiday giving. I just started some knitting some socks from the fiber i spun this past summer. I used the merino combed top in Riverstone. They are coming out so amazingly cool I wish I was making them for myself. Because I am in such an artistic environment I am never at a loss for a project. Lately more and more people are taking advantage of renting looms in the studio. It is so much fun to see their work. A young woman today bought some handblown glass buttons to use as wine glass charms along with some dye stuff she needed. If you need inspiration come on in and leave with at least one project idea for a gift to give, or make for yourself. Monday evening Janis Thompson is teaching a hat knitting class. Learn this FITS EVERY TIME way to knit a hat.Starting with I-cord, we will learn how to measure, increase and throw in design elements ON THE FLY....The Hat class requires that the student bring the yarn they want to knit the hat out of and the appropriate size double pointed needles - usually recommended on the yarn band. Sign up NOW!

2010-09-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people who can never get enough books about fiber arts. One book that has been out of print for awhile, but is now back is "LINEN From Flax Seed to Woven Cloth" By Linda Heinrich. I think it is one of the most comprehensive books on the topic of linen. This book has inspirational linen projects for you to weave designed by artists from different countries including Finland and Sweden. One month ago, this book was valued at almost $200 because it was out of print. Be sure to get a copy now.

For those who are looking for instruction in weaving we now have a good supply of Doramay Keasbey's book Pattern Techniques for Handweavers. Doramay makes it fun and easy to understand and then weave fabrics that will look complicated but are actually loom controlled patterns. You will be impressed with what you can do.

I want to let all those spinners out there that we have a wonderful class taught by Janis Thompson, Spinning the Next Level. I encourage all those beginning students who learned to spin from Leslie to take this class. You will learn how to adjust your wheel to create the yarns you want by learning how to set up your ratios between the whorl and wheel. It is a marvelous class and Janis is an enthusiastic teacher who freely shares her knowledge. Her next class is Monday October 18th.

Marilyn Is Home again.

2010-09-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

Marilyn is home now from her back surgery. YAHOOOO She is doing very well. It will take awhile till she will be back at ETC but we are happy she is back in Eugene at her home.
I just sent out an Email from the center so if you did not get it let us know so we can get you on that list.
We have a coupon in it for $10 dollars off every $100 you spend in the store.
Our used looms are on sale as we have an abundance of them. There are some real beautiful ones. I just picked up 3 to put on consignment. We also have many used reeds for sale so you can call and check out the sizes that might fit your loom.
Our Number is 541-688-1565.
The center has been booming with activity lately. Come by if you are in the area and see what is happening.

2010-08-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, rental of looms is available at our center. One customer came from Texas and sent us this letter after arriving home.

Dear folks at ETC- Last week I was visiting a friend in Junction City, and while he was working I rented a loom in your store. It proved to be a terrific experience... I imagined I'd be left to figure the new-to-me loom on my own, and what actually happened was I had a lot of guidance and encouragement--I ended up feeling like I had private weaving lessons! It was great to interact with the staff and customers. I liked being able to take weaving breaks and look at the lovely yarn and spinning wheels and used weaving equipment. I live in a city of 2 million people and we don't have a shop nearly so nice there! I learned so much and came away with 3 overshot projects and plenty of memories. An exceptional value--thanks so much!

It was such a pleasure to have Wendy here, and hope to have more people come in and weave at ETC.

2010-08-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

2010-08-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a bargain today? We have hand created glass buttons on sale for 50% off this week. Along wtih that we just received some beautiful almost new, and some never used shuttles. We received boat, rag and end feed shuttles. There are also some spinning aids like diz's, and a little niddy noddy, back in our Sale Corner. The prices are too good to pass up on.
Our new class schedule is out. We have the printout copys here at the store. Soon they will all be online also.

2010-08-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

Good news for weavers. We just received 1" Linen Testers in our store. These magnifying lenses come in a metal frame along with a nice protective case. These are extremely helpful in counting your picks per inch (ppi) to match your ends per inch (epi), so you end up with an evenly woven cloth. This item is available both online and in our retail store.

2010-08-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone. We have good news for you. First of all Marilyn's surgery went quite well and she is recovering as well as can be expected. Keep her recovery in your thoughts.

Tomorrow, 8/18/10 at the Lane County Fair in the atrium area, the Eugene Weaver's Guild will be demonstrating. Our store employee Leslie will also be there, weaving on our new portable loom built by Ashford, called the Katie. Ask her to show you all the special features it has to offer.

2010-08-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

We just received some great new books in our store. First we have the long awaited Doubleweave by Jennifer Moore. You can purchase the video to go along with the book.

For those of you that love your rigid heddle loom we have the just out the weavers idea book by Jane Patrick. It has so many great ideas you will be busy for months. The book is spiral bound so it lays out easy for following directions. You can purchase them on our website http://www.eugenetextilecenter.com/ or come into the store where you will receive topnotch service.

back to work

2010-06-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I will be returning to work at ETC, at least part-time, beginning Monday June 7. Suzie will be away on Whidbey Island. She and Leslie, Joan and Patty have kept things going strong while I was out of commission. I'll be back to teaching on Wednesday, a dye class with procion dye on cellulose fibers, cotton, etc. I look forward to seeing everyone again.

Marilyn

Marilyn's recovery update

2010-05-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,
I have been home from hospital for 8 days. According to the professionals, I am doing very well. On last beautiful sunny Sunday I walked with Larry and my walker to the corner and back. I felt lucky to be able to do that. Soon I’ll be using a cane instead of a walker. I’ve had family and dear friends here helping out the last couple weeks. I haven’t seen my show at Jacob’s Gallery at the Hult Center yet, but will as time and health permit.

So many of you have sent healing thoughts, food, cards, flowers. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have friends who are so considerate. Thank you for your kindnesses.

Marilyn

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
Christian D. Larson

2010-05-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

Marilyn Update

2010-04-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Marilyn Update

Marilyn is doing well. The surgery went well yesterday and today she will be moved out of ICU and into a room. Larry says she is doing as well as expected at this time.

If you knitters want something to do Marilyn could use some soft cotton hats to keep her head covered.

She is at Sacred Heart River Bend hospital. If you want to send a card her address is

1915 Fairmont ,Eugene Oregon 97403

Kudos to Eugene Textile Center

2010-04-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Customers sent these to us .

: I rented the Ashford Joy from you yesterday- Thank you SOOO much. I had so much fun yesterday getting to know the wheel and spinning some fun, chunky yarn (I am still new at spinning). I already want to go buy a bulky flyer. :) Thanks again for offering this renting option so I could afford to spin now and not wait months. You have no idea how much that means. (My husband is away for a few months and this will help distract me). I look forward to continuing my business with you and sharing your company with anyone I meet. (I'm already getting a friend of mine into drop spinning) I really love your staff and your supplies, you guys are great. Thanks again!!

Source: Handwoven Magazine

Comments: No reply necessary. I just want to thank you for the generous sample of mercerized cotton, (natural) that you sent. I just got it. When I finish this note I'll be placing an order. Incidetally, I'm going to use it to weave the placemats that were featured in last Nov./Dec. issue of Handwoven. They're perfect for the handwoven gifts my family hinted about. If you're the Suzie who designed them, many thanks for sharing these beautiful patterns!! Mary Lou

Working Hard

2010-04-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day Marilyn finished up her work for her show at the Jacobs Gallery. Leslie and I taught some great kids today. We have 5 young girls threading looms to weave thier project, it is very cool.
Marilyn will be going in for surgery on Tuesday, I am going to Whidbey Island to assist at the Weavers' School and Leslie and Joan will be holding the fort down.
I will be getting better and better at this blogging stuff.
Oh yeah we got the Kromski Fantasia Spinning Wheels in today oh my gosh I am in love. They are so beautiful and spin nice too. Come in a try one out.
All for now
Suzie

Hello out there

2010-04-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hello this is our first post we will add to this as time allows.

We will keep you posted as time goes on at ETC.

Suzie