Teamwork makes charity work light

The axiom, "Many hands make light work," held true at the September meeting of the Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild. Between giggles, grins and lively conversation, guild members made the work of creating lap blankets for charity a light—and enjoyable—guild project.

For 2009, the Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild chose Partnership for Families, Children and Adults—Chattanooga as a local organization to support as a guild community service project. At the September guild meeting, lap blankets were assembled from fleece and flannel fabrics that were donated by the guild and guild members.

"The lap blankets were quick and easy to make. It was a great project for the guild to do as a group," said Sheri S., Guild Vice President. Within an hour, six blankets were cut and completed. "It's one way we can give back to the community," added Veronica O., Guild President, "and it's heartwarming to do something good for someone else." Instructions for making these lap blankets are below.

Brenda R. and Kay P. "Measure twice and cut once."

Ginny S. (above), Susan D. and Sheri S. (below) measure and cut fringe.

Instructions for Lap Blankets:
Cut two coordinating pieces of fabric (we used fleece and flannel) to the same size. Layer the two pieces on top of each other with the right sides facing out. Cut a 4" x 4" square from each corner, cutting through both layers of fabric. Then, using scissors, a craft knife or rotary cutter, create fringe on all four sides of the blanket. (Be sure to use a cutting mat when using a craft knife or rotary cutter.) Cut fringe between 1" to 1.5" wide by approximately 4" deep. Pairing one "fringe strip" from the top fabric and one "fringe strip" from bottom fabric, tie square knots around the perimeter of the blanket to secure the front and back pieces together. Recommended sizes for the blankets are: 36" x 42" (small) , 42" x 42" (medium), 42" x 48" (large).

Note: this project is more fun to do with a friend!

Mary Lou S. and Leanne D. work together (above) and MJ L. (below) shows a finished lap blanket.

Card Weaving—no sleight of hand

"Pick a card . . . any card . . ." An informative demonstration on Card Weaving was presented at the August Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild meeting. Brenda P. provided information on the history of this weaving method which uses cards with holes through which yarns are threaded. The turning of the cards and the position of the colored yarns create the patterns in the finished woven piece. Information was given on how to weave for tubular and flat formats.

After the presentation, guild members had the opportunity for some hands-on experimentation using the tools and supplies of this "loom-less" weaving process.

Got cards up your sleeve? A visit to this meeting of the Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild showed how turning your cards can create a winning "band."


Guild Show and Tell

Keep the Fleece celebrates International Year of Natural Fibers

Attention fiber enthusiasts! To celebrate the United Nations 2009 International Year of Natural Fibers, Keep the Fleece (www.keepthefleece.org) was created to raise awareness for and share knowledge, skills, resources and products about the world of natural fibers.

Events, competitions for fiber artisans, and fund-raising programs—including the World's Longest Scarf—have been developed and are open to people of all ages, nationalities and skills. Details and a podcast interview with Linda Cortright, the founder of the organization, is on their website. For anyone interested in participating in or starting a Chattanooga-area World's Longest Scarf team, send an e-mail to the Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild at RBfiberarts@gmail.com.

Warping a loom with one peg

Members of the Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild found much interest in the program at the June meeting, "Warping a Rigid Heddle Loom using One Peg." Shown here are Pat K. and Phyllis N. demonstrating the process of dressing a table top loom using a single peg. The process was quick and easy and accomplished in approximately 20 minutes. After the demonstration, members and visitors were given the opportunity to weave using the table top looms.

The Show and Tell portion of the meeting included knitted mitts, felted tote bags, entrelac knitting, hand dyed yarns and woven and knitted items using renewable fibers.

Shearing rained out, rain date set

Lightning and rain storms caused the cancellation of the alpaca shearing day. However, Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild members spent time indoors touring Susan's fiber studio with her many looms, spinning wheels, fibers and handmade items. Lunch and a Knit-In followed. Pictured here is Paula P. winding a newly purchased hank of alpaca yarn.

The rain date for the shearing is set for Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m. Food and refreshments will be on hand. My Little Darlings Alpaca Farm. Everyone is welcome!

The International Year of Natural Fibers 2009

2009 is the International Year of Natural Fibers. It is a unique opportunity to expand the use, and promote more innovative uses, of natural fibers. The International Year will shine new light on the wonders of natural fibers and highlight their importance. The IYNF [International Year of Natural Fibers] is a coordination unit at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Find more information at www.naturalfibres2009.org. Watch the video below.

Fiber Embellishments using soluble Stabilizers

Creating fiber embellishments using soluble stabilizer was the topic for the April meeting of the Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild. Guild member, Karen W. discussed and demonstrated a technique for creating fiber embellishments that she had used to decorate journal covers for a fund-raising project. Fibers, threads, ribbons, fabrics and other colorful haberdashery are sandwiched and free-motion stitched between pieces of soluble stabilizer. The stabilizer is washed away, resulting in a textured "fabric" that can be further embellished with feathers, beads, charms or stitching. Examples of this free-form textured material and its creative uses were shown during the presentation.

Guild members brought items including woven jackets, quilts, embroidered crazy quilts, woven tapestries and rugs for the monthly show and tell.