Thursday, March 27, 2014

March Madness at the Guild

The DCWS certainly outdid themselves for the Flower Power Challenge - it was one of our most successful challenges to date.  We had a few invited guest to the reveal, which added to the excitement of the event.  The entries were varied and incorporated a number of fibre handicrafts; and the stories that went with them were entertaining to say the least.  Very well done DCWS!

THE PRIZE WINNERS


Helen Thomas - 1st place for her collection of cards which incorporated hand weaving with her love of dried flowers.














Elaine Drader - 2nd place for her hand woven scarves, incorporating very fine threads of silk.


Frances Dale - 3rd place for her colourful hand felted tea cozies.

















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 March also included a visit to the past for the DCWS.  Diane Thorp and Helen Thomas led us down memory lane with a great presentation on the making of the Town Crier's Cape for Bert Stevens in 1998.  Museum Director, Peter Garnham was present to learn first hand about the history of the artifact which now resides in the Sidney Museum.
Some interesting trivia about the making of the Town Crier's Cape:
-  the idea was proposed to the DCWS and began as a Guild project in 1997 - 1998;
-  a 16 yard wool warp included a fine thread of silk - set up on Diane Thorp's Doby Loom;
-  the weave structure is a variation of twill, woven at 30EPI  - approx. 1080 ends;
-  the automatic advance on the 8 harness loom was set at 20PPI;
-  several people were involved with the weaving, including Bert himself;
-  the finished fabric was steamed at a dry cleaners to full the fabric;
-  Maureen Meadley was the seamstress responsible for sewing the garment;
-  the cape was embellished with Kumihimo braid, produced by Helen Thomas;
-  the DCWS logo was woven on the inside of the cape by Audrey Bryant;
-  in 2000 Bert won 1st prize for Cape/Costume at a Town Crier's convention in Belgium.
The Town Crier's Cape and complete Costume were donated to the Sidney Museum in 2012.  Have a look for the display on your next visit to the museum.  
 Town Crier's Cape Photos
Close up of Braid Work

Town Criers Cape and Doll

DCWS Logo
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The first meeting of March included an interesting presentation on the Spectacled Bear Conservation Society.  We were impressed with the work of the Society and the support for the local people in the remote communities of Northern Peru.  Outreach Coordinator, Jessica Appleton will be hosting a fundraising show at the Tulista Community Art Centre April 15-21.  The show will include work from local artist as well as items produced by the people of Peru.

Spring is here on the Saanich Peninsula - looking forward to seeing what the Guild is up to in April!