September saw the guild at the fair for both Sheep to Shawl and a day of
demonstrations. It was good to see that many of the top prizes in the weaving entries
were won by members of the guild. The public is always fascinated with our craft of
weaving, spinning and dyeing. I would encourage all the guild to consider entering next
year. The shawl submitted for Sheep to Shawl was recognized for its use of color.

Our guild continues to grow. I was amazed to learn that there are around 80 members
now. We have a need for a Membership chair since Karen Radcliffe needs to step
down. She has done a wonderful job connecting with members and finding out their
interests. Let me know if you could help with Membership along with Mimi Anderson.

Last month, I was traveling to Italy, Germany and Turkiye. Anywhere I go, textiles are
always an interest for me. We spent three days in the most interesting city of Istanbul
just before we returned. Two years ago, we were there and got to know the city a bit – it
is truly at the crossroads of Asia and Europe since the city is in both continents divided
by the Bosphorus.

We did some exploring in Istanbul by taking the funicular from Taksim Square to the
tram that took us to the nearly 600 year old Grand Bazaar which is a maze of shops for
spices, sweets, gold, carpets and many other things. From there, we walked to Haghia
Sophia, the 1400 year old mosque which had previously been a church. Near there, we
ran into our friend who owns Omar Rugs. Of course, we stopped for tea and sweets
and to look at carpets from Anatolia. Soon a small reeled silk carpet will be arriving at
our house as well as a wool carpet in blues and oranges dyed with saffron and indigo.

I never realized saffron was used for dyeing. Saffron is the most expensive spice there
is since the saffron strands come from crocus grown primarily in Iran, Afghanistan and
Turkiye. There are only 3 strands in each flower. I have a small container of saffron so
I plan to dye some yarn perhaps by the meeting.

The following day, my husband found a shop selling Turkish towels and antique
clothing. I found an antique silk top that was also dyed with saffron, cochineal and
indigo. The owner supports handweavers. He talked about the Turkish towels that are
absorbent since they use Turkish cotton that have shorter staples than the Egyptian
cotton.

I love my interest in textiles. No matter where you go, there is always something to
learn. I believe one of the values of being in the guild is what can we learn from each
other.

Keep weaving and learning,
Barbara

September 2026

Reflections on Belonging

As I begin my second term as TWG President, I find myself reflecting on what the guild—and the world of textiles—have meant to me over the years. My connection to weaving began long before I joined TWG.  I took my first weaving class when we lived in San Diego.

I joined the guild in 1981, shortly after moving to the area. My textile journey also has roots in my childhood, when my family moved to New Delhi while my father worked for the Ford Foundation. Because my parents valued the textiles they collected, I began to see fabric, pattern, and craft as meaningful ways to connect with people and places. I look forward to sharing some of those stories in this monthly column.

Looking Ahead

I will miss this month’s meeting because we will be traveling to Italy on a tour. While we are in Rome and visit the Vatican Museum, I will be thinking of Lauren Lee and the special visit she made to see the Vatican textile collection up close. Lauren will share her story in May. Her experience is a reminder that doors can open when we ask the right people

The Value of Community

Belonging to the guild has given me a lasting sense of community. After nearly 45 years as a member, TWG has become an important part of my sense of being and belonging. I recently read that one factor associated with well-being in Blue Zones is strong social connection and community engagement, which can reduce stress and support mental health. I have heard many guild members express that TWG offers exactly that, along with opportunities to learn more about our craft.

Our shared curiosity about weaving, dyeing, and spinning keeps us learning and growing. The guild inspires us to explore our passions more deeply—and keeps our minds active and engaged.

Recently, two of our members passed away.  Jo Hasse and Marilyn Crosetto.  Both of them were passionate about weaving and our guild.  This week, we are missing Marilyn especially since she headed up the Sheep to Shawl committee.  We will be passing the hat in their memory to raise some money for a scholarship to next year’s ANWG conference in Portland.  

This Month’s Program

Betty Bell and the Program Committee have arranged an engaging slate of programs for the year. This month, Pam Gassman from Browns Point will share Wagon Wheel Rag Weaving and Triangle Weaving. Perhaps she will inspire you to try something new.

Until next time, keep weaving and exploring new threads of inspiration.

Ciao,
Barbara

June — well, here it is. My final President Message to you. It is a
been pleasure to have been “at the helm” for TWG these past two
years. We have accomplished some goals, and been joyfully and
colorfully enriched about weaving and fiber techniques. It has been
satisfying to accept new members into our guild, and grow our fiber
community.
This month we install our new officers and set up the Standing Board
and committee chairs for the coming year. Thank you to all those who
have stepped up, and re-upped. Barbara, our new President, will call
a board meeting over the summer.
Applications for Tacoma Open Studio Days (October 17, 18) and Arts
at the Armory in November are made, and hopefully we will be
accepted into both events. Be sure to add extra to your warps for
items to sell at our fundraiser sale.
The June picnic, will be held at the home of Nancy Olson’s daughter.
Full directions are included in the newsletter. Dog Daze and Potluck,
Show and Tell which is always inspirational. It’s the heART of our
guild! Hope you can come. I am sad I will miss it. I will be in Denver
at Complex Weavers Seminars.
I want to thank all of the guild members who have worked with me the
past two years. I could not have done this without your support.

Happy weaving,
Mimi