Alpine Weavers and Spinners Guild

 

Alpine Weavers and Spinners Guild is a non-profit organization whose primary aim is to extend members' knowledge of weaving and spinning and to educate the public about these ancient crafts.

 

The guild has 45 members. It is based in Kalispell, Montana and has members from as far as Adak, Alaska.

 

The guild has a monthly newsletter.

 

Monthly Meetings:
1st Wednesday - Spinners meet at Bethlehem Lutheran Church basement (603 South Main, Kalispell, Montana)
2nd Wednesday - Weavers meet at a member's home
3rd Wednesday - Business Meeting and Monthly Program at Bethlehem Lutheran Church basement
Note: The meetings are from 10:30 AM to approximately 2:00 PM. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Deserts are provided.
For additional info contact:
Vicki Faulkner: President - email 406-752-3338

 

April 18-19, 2009 There will be a workshop for spinners with Jane Fournier. Jane wrote the book "In Sheep's Clothing" with her mother Nola Fournier. Jane is a very knowledgeable and renowned spinner. Saturday, April 18th will be an all day workshop on "Fine Spinning". In this workshop the techniques and pointers that will make fine spinning enjoyable will be covered. Tuning your wheel for fine spinning, fiber selection, drafting methods, plying, and yarn finishing will be covered. We'll spend time working with wool, silk, cotton, and flax, and other fibers as time permits. On Sunday, a half day workshop entitled "Fiber Blending" will be presented. This workshop will take some of the uncertainty out of blending, whether you're trying to achieve a unique combination of characteristics, make an expensive or scarce fiber stretch further, or create special effects. Learn about tools and how to use them, what qualities to look for in fibers to blend together, what to expect from your blend, and how to use the differences in fibers to create special effects. The cost of the workshop will be $26.00 payable to Alpine Weavers and Spinners Guild. There will be a materials fee of $17.00 payable to Jane Fournier at the workshop. Registration opened March 15, 2009 and there is room for 15 participants. Mail checks to AWSG, POB 435, Kalispell, MT 59901. Please enclose your name, phone number and e mail address with the checks. Any questions or comments please contact Mary Warner, 755-3979, Email.

August 15-16, 2009 NW Montana Fair’s Fiber Festival. Guild members and vendors will demonstrate and sell fiber wares on August 16. Contact Rick Prestbye at this email with questions.
October 16-18, 2009 Camp Marshall Retreat on Flathead Lake (in cooperation with the Big Sky Fiber Arts Guild). Contact Vicki Faulkner: email 406-752-3338

 

Awards or achievements of guild members:
Alpine Weavers Degree Program Master Weavers
 Lois Howell
 Marian Ornelles
Multi-Harness Proficiency
 Lois Howell
MAWS (Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners) Living Treasure Award
 Marian Ornelles
 Margaret Burlew
 Lois Howell

Updated April 2009