Tell Santa

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.