 | http://www.agsem.com/200804-foltynm.html |
Diane Tells His Name took the above picture of Bill Rafnel, June Lister and Gail Eager
Spring is here, and the Museum Weavers Barn is abuzz with activity. Members gathered in February to honor
Bill Rafnel for his contributions to making the Weavers Barn a reality.
It is probably unique in the United States for a group to gather every week to promote weaving and
spinning, and to learn from so many enthusiastic friends.
We share Bill's wonder of the Weavers Barn and the people who make up its membership. It is especially
exciting to have a number of new members of all ages, and we welcome Davina LeBoy, Nichole Sullivan and
her daughter Brittney, Diane Tells His Name, Robin Winton and her daughters Angelica and Charity.
We thank Benva St Morris, Karen Greeley, and Keith Richards, among others, who have readied our loom
collection to teach weaving to a new generation. It is wonderful to see more and more looms being warped
so that new weavers can come and weft their magic.
Weavers continue to donate looms to our collection. Our newest, (and long desired) is a Glimakra loom with
fly shuttle made in Oxberg Sweden, a town known for many centuries for making beautiful and functional
looms and reeds. With our 20 years of collecting looms, our Barn is almost full, and our collection
represents the major eras of weaving. We will continue to accept looms, but selectivity will be the rule!
Museum Weavers have been busy both in the Weavers Barn and out in the community.
Facilitator Bill Rafnel taught drop spindle and wheel spinning to a dozen eager weavers during our
Thursday morning gatherings, and three Ashford spinning wheels are now set up for continued practice.
Weavers journeyed out March 14 to "Ag Day" at Valley Center to demonstrate spinning and weaving with
table looms. You haven't lived until you've explained drop spinning techniques to 2,200 school age kids! It
was a great day of life on the farm. Weavers also toured the booths and learned about crops and conservation -
did you know that if everyone turned off the water while brushing their teeth at least 50,000 gallons of water
would be saved? Many thanks to Mary D'Amelio, Darrel Wilt, and Lupe Romero and her husband Roy,
who joined Bill to demonstrate at the AGSEM booth.
Member Judy Maddox took her quest for seeing original weaving to Taiwan, where she saw the biggest Inkle loom
ever in the village of Wulai and a backstrap loom at the Lin An Tai historical house. Taiwan weavers primarily
use the Inkle loom to make items for sale. Many thanks to Judy for sharing her travels in pictures!
In your next trip to AGSEM, come to the Weavers barn and see the many rugs crafted by our members now hanging from
the rafters. One might look just fine in your home, motor home, or as a gift. Proceeds will benefit the AGSEM
and its programs.
|
