Spring brings many opportunities to explore the fiber arts

After discussing the Land of the Loon festival and sending around a sign up sheet for those who will sell, work, and demonstrate at the festival, business moved on to the various study groups schedules.  The knitters/crocheters will meet on March 19, the felters on March 20, the spinners on March 25, and the beaders on April 1.  For Show and Tell many items were brought demonstrating the diverse talents of our members.  Suzi brought the items that she will be teaching and making kits for at the Range Print Shop in Eveleth. For members and others that are interested, she brought information about a rug hooking retreat that will be held in Tower, MN.

Classes that will be offered to our members this spring are a basket class with instructor Jan Ringer and a beading class with instructor Jo Wood. There may be openings to non-members.  Non-members may contact us through e-mail to find out.

Members of the Range Fiberart Guild will be demonstrating  and possibly selling items at Earthfest in Mountain Iron.  Please stop by our table if you are there.  Our members enjoy sharing their interests.


Suzi made the above variety of items using various techniques. These items will be made in classes offered in March.

Susi (two different spellings for two different women) made this beaded bracelet using kumihimo braiding.

Alice brought items she wove, crocheted, quilted, and appliquéd. She posed with a beautiful framed hardanger project that she created. We were all "wowed" by her projects.

I missed all but the end of the annual Christmas Potluck and ornament exchange.  Very little business was conducted.  It was agreed that meetings would be canceled if the schools closed due to acclimate weather. Speaking of schools at the guild "F"s are enjoyed by all - friends, food, and fiber.  There is no failure when these come together.  On the table are sampler mug rugs made by guild members in the class for warping a table loom taught by Barb Leuelling. Nice work done by all. Just a reminder to all - no meeting in January.  There will be a board meeting and a newsletter in the beginning of the new year. For the most up-to-date information other than Pat who is lightning quick with the e-mail messages (Thank you, Pat!) check Facebook.  

 https://www.facebook.com/rangefiberartguild

Mary Reichert from Otlak Felting Studio and Clothing gave an excellent presentation at our November meeting.  The 45 minute presentation was followed by Q&A, a snack, Show and Tell, and a business meeting.  In this picture you can see some of the rugs that she has designed and felted.

This picture is just a few of the items brought for Show and Tell. The socks were made by Barb Leuelling, the little boys vest by Joyce Baudek, the felted item and rug hooked sock by Sue Archbold. Sue will be offering classes for those who wish to make her items.

Thursday, November 7, at 6:30 Mary Reichert from Otlak Felting and Clothing store will give a presentation to the Range Fiberart Guild members.  The meeting will be held upstairs in Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Mary will share her felting knowlege and experience with us as well as sharing a slideshow of her time she learned about felting in Kyrgyzstan. The public is welcome to attend.

Rag Rug Study Group

 Barb Leuelling demonstrating twisted warp

Pick & Pick Samplers by C.S.

In 2011 - 2012 Carol Sperling and Barb Leuelling are co-chairing and  co-teaching techniques of rag rug weaving.

Barb  holds a rug that Carol wove using inlaying

The group learned about using twisted warp to make chevrons or arrows in the design.  The same technique may be used to make a slanting linear pattern. Additionally Carol Sperling demonstrated the following techniques used in tapestry and other weaving when using two or more colors in the same shot of warp - Gobelin or slit,the interlock, and the gradual diagonal. Carol Sperling brought many samples and rugs that she has woven using many varied weaving methods.

Land of The Loon

This summer the Range Fiberart Guild showed and sold handcrafted items to attendees of the Land of the Loon festival in Virginia, MN.  As always there was a range of items for sale representing the many mediums that a person interested in the fiber arts can use to explore and create. In addition, there were members demonstrating various techniques of working with fiber art.  If you are looking for our booth, it is booth number one as you enter Olcott Park from the entrance close to the Parkview elementary school.  We will be there next year in 2011.  Come, browse, and visit with us.

Time Flies By

Ruth Koski and Bruce Engebretson demonstrating the art of making spun linen from flax


So much has happened since the last blog entry.  I have been busy having my computer cleaned out and then rebuilding the database.  The Range Fiberart Guild has continued to be as busy as ever.  Members demonstrated and sold items at the annual Laiskiainen celebration, demonstrated at the Range of the Arts week, met in study groups, and held interesting meetings.
Our next meeting will be held on April 1 - no fooling!  We will be having a special speaker giving a presentation titled "Sami Band Weaving: the Practical Art of Reindeer Nomads." Visitors and friends are welcome to join us at any meeting.   

Arline Antus, Karen Lampaa, Edythe Karlstrand, Alana Maijala work on bead weaving