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Sheep to Shawl demo held in Lac la Hache

Area guild members shared information and love of fibre art
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South Cariboo Weavers

Recently the South Cariboo Weavers, Spinners and Fibre Artists Guild held a demonstration of the process of taking raw, sheered wool to a finished product.

We were able to provide a fun day like this because of the support of our guild members and guests, says host Heather Black, owner of Weavers Cowboy Central and fellow guild member.

Beth Johnson was the roaming wool ambassador who described the process to visitors. Guild president Sharon Hutchinson demonstrated how to wash the fleece in a wringer washing machine. Katherine McKibbin demonstrated the triple picker that is used for picking wool and other fibre, separating the locks, opening the wool and preparing it for carding, combing and evenly spinning it.

Marilyn Ward was on the carder, which is used to take unordered fibres and prepare them for spinning.

Martha Cloudesley demonstrated the blending board, where people layer or mix different wool and fiber. Blending boards are used for creating layers of fibre and colour to create interesting effects in the finished yarn.

Sheri Salo demonstrated spinning and plying different fibres using the spinning wheel.

Then guild members demonstrated what can be done with wool once it's processed: Lori Frame operated a table loom; Mary Jo Weaver was on the knitting machine; Claudia Ring demonstrated wet felting, working from the fibre to make a felt fabric; and Diana Merritt showing her needle felted projects including a felted mushroom scene and little figures.

A wonderful day was had by all, with a lot of interest and more understanding shared about how much love and care goes into handmade products.

Black says she hopes to sponsor more of these interesting and informative days about the varied artisans in our area.

To learn more, contact Black at Weavers Cowboy Central, at 3607 Forbes Rd. in Lac la Hache, or call 250-706-5177.

Monika Paterson is the Lac la Hache correspondent.