Bobbin’ around at Lacis in Berkeley, CA

I just returned from a rare trip-for-pleasure to the Berkeley/San Francisco area.  It was an opportunity to see the exhibit King Tut and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibit at the de Young Muscum in San Francisco . . . and the Cartier and America exhibit at the Legion of Honor (also in San Francsico).  Both exhibits were as fascinating as they were beautiful.

Whenever I’m in the Berkeley area, I try to stop by Lacis, a store with extensive selection of textile and lace-making tools and supplies.  Just to be there is exciting!  It’s the kind of shop that you could go to again and again and always find something new to intrigue you.  Being there really brings our the girly-girl side of me . . . and tons of ideas!

In addition to having tools, supplies, and books (Lots of books too!), they also have a museum.  The most recent exhibit was Bobbin Lace – The Taming of Multitudes of Threads.  Unfortunately, I missed seeing the exhibit in person by less than two weeks . . . however, they have a marvelous slide show of the exhibit on their website.  The two images below are from the 167 they have in the slide show.  It’s truly a visual treat to watch . . . I’m sure it’s not as wonderful as seeing the exhibit in person, but this way I can kick back in my jammies and slippers with a cup of tea.  To see the show, here’s the link http://lacismuseum.org/exhibit/bobbin_lace/bobbin_lace.html

Spinning my wheels at Goodwill . . . again!

In a previous post here, I mentioned that I like to stop by my local Goodwill and poke around looking for interesting textiles . . . I have found some amazing textiles there.  I have a new one that is worthy of display at Lacis in Berkely, CA and pictures will appear here in the near future because it’s waiting for a good pressing.  The occasional textile find at my local Goodwill surprises me.  I don’t know if it’s where I live and no one is interested in textiles or whether my planets occasionally align and my car just steers it’s way there at an opportune time.  Perhaps there is no reason and I’m just plain lucky

Yesterday was another adventure at Goodwill . . . however, instead of finding unique teextiles, I came across a beautiful spinning wheel!  I know how to spin and own an Ashford Traveller spinning wheel . . . I just don’t spin very often . . . although, I have found it a very handy method for creating long lengths of cording for weaving in to trim.

The spinning wheel has all of its parts . . . it’s only missing cording, which is easy enough to replace. I initially decided against buying it because I don’t need a spinning wheel . . . but, knowing what spinning wheels cost and  it was intact, in good shape, and had all of its parts . . . plus, it came with a lazy kate with three addtional spools .  . . I went back and bought it.  It was pretty dirty, but it cleaned up really well after I got it home.

Weaving equipment follows me home from time-to-time . . . usually, because someone has found me via my website and has a loom or something they wish to get rid of.  I never buy anything . . . but, I agree to be it’s “foster” parent until I find a good adoptive home.  Perhaps this spinning wheel will find a new home after I get it back together and working properly . . . In the meantime, if anyone knows what kind of wheel it is, I’d love to hear from you.  I’ve included a photograph below.

Spinning wheel found at Goodwill

On Pins and Needles

I’ve been a member of the American Sewing Guild (ASG) for several years.  The more time I spend with this group, the more enthusiastic I am about sewing with my handwoven garments.  I learn from others as much as I share with them.  The Neighborhood Group (NG), the ASG version of a study group, that I participate in is focused on garments.  

Typically, an event has been scheduled in January for our chapter to get together for food and fun.  Unfortunately, the weather over the past few years has resulted in the event being cancelled.  However, this year we’re having a very mild winter.  This event is low key and is suppose to be pure fun.  This year it was a potluck followed by a pin cushion exchange.   The pictures below show the 28 pin cushions exchanged . . . The pin cushions didn’t have to be handcrafted, but most were.  From embroidered, to crochet, to needlepoint, and sewing of course, the pin cushions were a joy to watch as they were opened one-by-one.  The one I got looks like a small dress form with a base made from a large wooden thread spool (Remember when thread spools were wood?). 

It was a really great way to spend a gray afternoon.  Much of the discussion focused on SewExpo, which is coming in less than four weeks.  Everyone was chatting about what they signed up for, how many days they plan on being there, the vendors they’re excited to visit, etc.  SewEspo is always fabulous and this year I’m sure will not disappoint!

Some of the pin cushions from the exchange