Spinning Group

As you may or may not know, we have a wonderful spinning group that meets here every Thursdays between 2 and 4. Yesterday as we were are making our fantastic yarns we decided we needed a name. After a short brainstorming session we came up with Etcetera's, or ETC'S. It is an acronym for Eugene Talented and Creative Spinners. Our motto is Where anarchy rains. Yes that is rains not reign, because we get alot of it here. We have no president, dues or rules. Just come and spin and have some fun. Also to let you know that the Spring Tea is in the planning stages. Keep an eye out for details soon.

Buy one, Buy all!

All is calmer now that Jason Collingwood has finished his three day rug weaving workshop here. The classroom/gallery was full of looms. The students claimed they learned a lot and their work on the looms showed it too. I came by one sunday to peek at the progress and all you could hear was the sound of beaters. Everyone was deep into concentration and the zen of the weaving.
Along with the Collingwood class, on Saturday Marilyn Robert taught a splendid NUNO felting class. And to top it all off we have this fantastic fiber sale going on. Many people have found wonderful deals and leave the store with inspiration from the texture and colors. But we still have a lot of fiber left if you are feeling the need to get something new to create with.
Don't forget this weekend is the Antique Spinning Wheel Show in Aurora.

Spinning and Felting

Have you heard of Groupon? We have started using this great advertising tool to offer classes at a reduced price. There have been a lot of people who have never ventured into the fiberarts realm who are coming in and taking advantage of these classes. The first group of classes we offered was Introduction to Felting. The students got to make a piece of felt that was large enough to make a large wallet or small purse. The diversity in the pieces was so facinating to see. The best part for me was having them come back into the store and showing off the work they have done after their initial lesson. I guess they just needed a little instruction to get that fire of artistry going in their lives.
Many of you are now proud owners of one of Lynn's wheels of fleeces from her estate sale. We are so happy to hear how much you love your new wheels and are so thrilled to see the awesome yarn you are now spinning. One of Lynn's wheels, the pendulum great wheel was purchased by a young woman who will be demonstrating it at the Old Aurora Colony Museum. She is part of the 30th annual Antique Spinning Wheel Showcase March 10 & 11, 2012. This is quite an educational event with live animals and a spinning wheel raffle. The cost is only $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $2 for students with ID. You may call 503-678-5754 for more informatuion.

Snow and Hearts

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

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

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

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.