Our December guild meeting was different from past years but 2021 has been different in so many ways as well. We usually get together and have a delicious “pot luck” luncheon. Everyone brings their favourite festive dish; many of us bring our hand woven placements and napkins to set the mood. Most importantly we celebrate our time together learning from each other, sharing our projects and our love for everything fibre related.
This year we were not able to enjoy lunch together but that did not stop us from sharing the latest efforts from our needles, looms, and wheels. Members brought seasonal items and the stories they shared brought both laughter and thoughtful moments during Show & Tell. Tanis donated a lovely Christmas evergreen door swag and Sandi was the lucky winner.
During this past year we used our time at home to explore new techniques such as overshot weaving, knitting sweaters from new to us designers with unusual construction techniques. As always our spinners sourced wonderful fleeces from local and out of province farms. We used up large portions of our stashes and also bought new yarns from local dyers and suppliers to stock up just in case we ran out.
New study groups were organized focused on learning more about stranded knitting, deflected double weave and tapestry weaving. Some of us took on-line courses in natural dying and weaving. Small “bubbles” met outside in the good weather to spin and visit while others met and worked on their tapestries together. The guild supported the Cowichan Exhibition as we entered exhibits and staffed the Spinning and Weaving booth. Sadly many of our other local events were cancelled but we are hopeful for next year
We look forward to the New Year with hope and thankfulness that our guild has remained strong as we look forward to more time together in 2022. Until then Happy Holidays from the Tzouhalem Spinners and Weavers Guild.
