SABINE SCHRODER-GRAVENDYCK
“Coburger Fuchsschafe and other rare breeds - How they back us in challenging times”
Each member receives a 1 oz Touch Sample imported from Germany. Wooly Basket Project participants receive an additional 4 oz plus pattern.
Shared by Rosemary B - She is supporting several artists from Ukraine through pattern purchases on Etsy. Here are links to several shops:
The first 3 are for Irish Crochet and the last one is for Inkle Weaving patterns.
Spinning at the Winery - coming next year!!
After 22 fabulous years Treadles to Threads Spinners Guild’s needs to find a new location for “Spinning at the Winery.“ We’ll look forward to getting back together in 2023!
Treadles to Threads Guild Meeting Notes
February 23, 2022
Zoom meeting, 6:00 p.m.
President Vickie introduced our speaker, Susan McFarland, at 6:00 p.m. Susan spoke to us by Zoom from her place of busisness, Susan’s Fiber Shop, in Colombus, WI. The remoteness of her shop was a challenge for Wifi, but we struggled through. As Susan introduced herself, she showed her hair adornment, a group if Teeswater locks, pinned in her own hair. There was a great similarity! Program chair, Vickie had arranged for our members to receive a touch sample of Teeswater roving from Susan’s shop and a small number of natural locks were included showing the 10-12 inch length from a hoggett clip. There were bright white, silky and shiny. Fleece description says they do not felt easily, making them great for crafters. Subsequent shearings are often done at 6 month intervals for shorter locks. Susan sent along a color brochure about Teeswaters, their history and breed requirements she had prepared. Included was the story of Teeswaters in the U.S. and Susan’s flock in particular. Start her personal flock in 2005 with ewes purchased from shepherds who bred Teeswaters from semen imported from the UK. Susan thoroughly researched UK Teeswaters, writing breeders to send fleece from animals of various ages so she could breed for those characteristics. She also actively marketed the breed to spinners through er business. After 10 years of hard work, she petitioned te UK breeders to come to the U.S. and recognize American Teeswaters into their breed Association. This was a historic first for any US sheep. Six of her sheep were recognized into the UK Teeswater Breed Association along with three sheep from other breeders. The Teeswater is quite striking with a long black nose, black eye patches and black feet. The long single locks drape down over the back past the belly. The wool should be uniform over the whole fleece.
Susan showed several examples of dyed fibers showing intense colors. There were examples of fabrics woven from her Teeswater showing a lovely draping. Susan took us on a brief tour of her shop. Especially interesting were the spinning wheels and other implements arranged up in the rafters. Susan does take her shop to various shows in the Midwest and East and hopes to see us in person someday.
Business:
Treasurer Pam M. Assured us that the treasury is solvent through the remainder of this year’s speaker and program plans.
CNCH liaison Dawn J. Appraised us of the current plans to present the CNCH Conference at the San Mateo Marriott San Francisco Airport on May 19-22, 2022. She has prepared a spread sheet with the hours needed to cover the registration desk – our guild’s job this year, thanks to our dear Joan A. Dawn also has plans to stuff “goodie bags” for attendees at her home just before conference. More information on this will be coming later.
There were brief updates on the Wooly Basket and Neon Bright guild side projects. Please drop by Pam’s for Wooly Basket kit and to Wendy L, the neon Bright project leader for information.
We had a brief show and tell before adjournment.
Abridged notes by Linda B.