NOBO Handweavers

Gail, our Town Crier, suggested the addition of a position that would oversee our guild’s involvement in events.  Coming to mind would be the example of Fiber Revival.  In this case, the “Organizing Chancellor” would make sure NOBO Handweavers is represented by having a space filled with weavers and their looms.  This person would seek members who would volunteer their time to weave under the eyes of the public, arrange for the display of woven pieces, etc.  NEWS is also in our future.  The member in this position could help with the set-up of our guild’s Rare Breeds display.  Again, as with all positions, there is flexibility.  There is the basic responsibility and then it is up to you to tailor the position to your liking.

We have had a few repeat officers come forth but we are nowhere near filling required positions.

Just a quick reminder that the second annual Fuzz Fest is tomorrow.
10-2 at the Congregational Church in the center of Exeter, NH.
There will be fibers and handmade goods to purchase. You can watch spinning directly off a bunny’s back! It’s a great
place to bring the (grand)kids too!

Please come look around even if you’re not demonstrating.

I am organizing a group tour of the Sheila Hicks Exhibit currently on view at the Addison Gallery at Phillips Academy in Andover.  A staff member can be available to take us through on the following days: Thursday, 2/10 at 11:30AM or 2/17 at 10:00 AM or Friday, 2/18 at 2:00 PM. The tour would take approximately 1 hour.While there is no charge for a special tour, we can consider a voluntary donation. The exhibit closes on February 27th with normal viewing times Tuesday through Friday from 10-4. Please let me know if you would like to take advantage of this special opportyunity as soon as possible.  Thanks.

Bear with me as this is going to be a bit of a lengthy post.  I will keep it as condensed as possible but I am trying to share some of what would have been presented during the business part of our January meeting (had it not been for our seventh snowstorm).

Come April, NOBO Handweavers will be 3 years old!  Hooray!  This is quite an accomplishment.  And in April we will celebrate!  However, before then, we have some work to do to insure the continuance of our guild.  During our March meeting, we need to be able to know who the new officers will be for our April 2011-March 2012 guild year.  We do have a Nominating Committee – Betsy, Patricia, and Margaret.

Please come forth to be considered for filling a position.  Every member of our guild is highly valued and has much to offer.  You do not need several years of weaving behind you to successfully hold a “court” position.  These positions, though having basic responsibilities, are flexible and you may certainly put your own signature on them. Approach the position of an officer as you approach your loom – determined, enthusiastic, creatively.   That is the fun part.  There are no shoes to fill.  What is best is a change of guard, offering different ways and views.  Design a position if you see something is missing.  Eileen made a terrific suggestion – consider sharing an office with someone.  For example, Lady/Sir NOBO and Lady/Sir Heddle could alternate the running of meetings, more of a co-presidency.  We all have varied strengths beyond our strong, communal love for weaving.  I have seen them first hand during many a guild meeting.  Everyone is more than capable.  A guild needs the active participation of all members for it to stay strong and especially for it to grow.

The following is the list of open positions.  The least number of members to fill each position is in parentheses.   Please email me with your interest.  A sign-up sheet will also be circulated during the February meeting.  Then between February and March, the Nominating Committee will meet.  We will present our new officers during the March meeting.  The April meeting will be the first of their “reign”.

Lady/Sir NOBO (1) Head of guild

Lady/Sir Heddle (1) Second in command

Ladies/Sirs of the Draft (3) Program Planners, deciding upon a program for each meeting.

Scribe (1) Secretarial duties, such as minute taking and posting on site

Shepherdess/Shepherd (1) Introducing and keeping track of new members

Town Crier (1) Posting/Emailing relevant guild info, such as meeting reminders

Keeper of the Written Word (1) – Librarian

Lady/Sir Calendar (1) – Posting guild/fiber events on NOBO’s site calendar

Victular (1) – Food coordinator

Organizing Chancellor (1) – Responsible for overseeing/directing NOBO Handweavers’ involvement with events, Fiber Revival for example

Vicki, our Exchequer, is willing to stay on, thank goodness, as she brilliantly keeps track of our gold coins  (Thank you!).  Ted, our ever-so-patient In-House Royal Scribe, has also agreed to put up with all of our web/computer questions for another year (Thank you!).  Dave, our Roving Royal Scribe, is sticking with us and will continue to masterly master our website (Thank you!).

The Ladies of the Warp and Weft and Lady NOBO have started work on the Path of Enlightenment, also known as the Levels of Achievement in Weaving – Apprentice, Journeywoman/man, and Master.  This is a long-term endeavor.  I would like to continue with this at the appropriate time (we got slightly delayed by something absolutely wonderful, the birth of Sir Benjamin!)  If Mary and Melissa would like to continue on as well, that would be grand.  If anyone else is interested, please let me know.  A complete change of faces on this doesn’t make sense as we have time invested in some grand ideas (if I may say so).  A few more members participating would be welcomed but at the least, we need 3 people to work on this.

The April meeting will be our birthday party and the May meeting has already been taken care of by the present program planners – a visit with fiber artist Judith Shangold.  New Ladies/Sirs of the Draft will need to figure out programs starting with the June meeting.

Take some time to seriously consider participating in an office for the upcoming guild year.  I understand we are all very busy and who needs another commitment, right?  But there are ways to work together to make this work for you.  Don’t hesitate to approach me with any ideas or questions you may have.

The February 24^th meeting will be “Weaving Wearables”.  “Marketing – How to Sell” will be shelved, possibly to reappear another time.

See you next month!

Because of the storm the meeting for this evening, Thursday January 27th has been canceled. The next meeting will be on Thursday, February 24th.

Has anyone tried woven shibori? If you have, could bring your project(s) tomorrow night to show me? I have the urge to try it and I have the book but seeing it in person would make all the difference~ Thanks, Diane Howes

Introducing FiberCam!

There is a sensational fiber surprise waiting for you on the Wild Fibers magazine website – http://www.wildfibersmagazine.com  ”Up close and personal” documentaries of some of the very same fiber animals (and their friends) that you’ve read about in Wild Fibers.  Now playing – The Yak Outback and there’s a seat, front and center, reserved just for you.