We had a wonderful “season opener” with very high attendance at the September meeting. After a short business meeting, we got down to what I consider the most fun all year: loads of show and tell.

We started with a recap of the Santa Cruz County Fair, and congratulations to all who entered & won recognition. The beautiful entries from award-winners Kris Nardello, Joan Vierra, and some of the Yarnettes were displayed. Plus, we saw Laura Ryder’s rugs made during the weaving demonstration for the public. Fair coordinator Cathy Walls did say that entries were down this year, so she’s hoping more of us can plan to enter items next time around.

Others shared textile items from summer trips around the world, and items made from FabMo recycled textiles, along with eco-dyed, flower-printed, felted, woven, handspun and tapestry works of art. Truly inspiring. We are an amazing bunch of artists I tell ya.

I was also thrilled to see so many of us bringing a bag lunch and staying for lively conversation around the picnic tables. Another place for true inspiration, as techniques were questioned and details fleshed out about the projects.

I’m also heartened by the response to the Weaving Study Group. There’s a huge range of skill level in our new group, from newbie to experienced. So we decided to start at the beginning and put some towels on our looms. We’ll do a straight threading in a stripe, and play around with plain and twill weaves on our 4 shaft looms. We have a warping demonstration scheduled as well: please see the announcement on the calendar page. Everyone is invited, not just the study group members.

And that brings me to an invitation: there is plenty of room in the building for more study groups to meet! There was some interest in tapestry, and other disciplines. It’s easy to get an email list of people and then just show up! The more the merrier!

And that’s me, your merry President, Joan Near nearfiberarts@gmail.com