As this conference has dominated my life for the last 6 months, I’m sure I have told everyone about this upcoming conference. Julia suggested I blog about it. MAWS sponsors a conference every 2 years, but only every 12 years does it come to Billings. The conference, held at MSU-B Student Union Building, has 44 classes and 21 instructors. They range from internationally known Nancy Bush, Kathryn Alexander, Robyn Spady, and Jane Fournier to regional instructors. In addition we have 25 vendors who are open to public Thurs. June 3 4-8 p.m.; Fri. June 4 11:30 to 6, Sat. June 5 11:30 to 6; and Sunday 8:30 to 1. There are also shows open to the public too.

We are having a particularly special opening at 6:45 p.m. at the Moss Mansion of the MAWS Living Treasures Show which has 40 pieces. Since 1992 MAWS has honored members who have demonstrated a lifelong contribution to the development of fiber arts including excellent craftsmanship, inspiration to others, sharing their knowledge and working to develop fiber arts on a state, regional or national level. This show contains representative fiber art pieces of from each of these honorees. There are 4 local “Treasures” Berta Morrison, Em Kolstad, Betty Alexander, and Jay Sire who have works in the show.

This conference is very inspirational. There are still openings in some classes. Classes cost $35 for ½ day and $70 for all day. You can contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for a registration form. Classes with openings are
Thurs. 10-4 Bobbie Brown-Beginning Spinning
Friday 9-4 Carolyn Wostenberg-Memory Book
Friday 9-4 Judie OverbeekColor Happens in Spinning
Friday 9-12 Jan Nordwick-Expand Skills in Knitting
Friday 9-12 K. Johnson-In Search of Golden Fleece
Friday 9-12 Kathryn Alexander-Making Art Wearable
Friday 9-12 Robyn Spady-Fab Four
Friday 9-12 Toni Little-Introduction to Crochet
Friday 1-4 Cheri Shelp-Surface Design
Friday 1-4 Denise Johnson-Knitted socks toe up
Friday 1-4 Jan Nordwick-Learn to Tatt
Friday 1-4 Kathryn Alexander-Doodads in knitting
Friday 1-4 R. Spady-Jewelry from thrums & leftovers
Sat 9-4 Joanne Setzer-patterns for Handwovens
Sat 9-4 Kathryn Alexander-Spinning Energized Yarn
Sat 9-4 Nancy Bush-Knitting Triangle Lace
Sat 9-12 Judie Overbeek-Sample Fleece in a Flash
Sat 9-11 Kyle Foreman-Posture, Movement, Stretches
Sat 9-12 Sandy Vellin-Brazillian Embroidery
Sat 9-12 R. Spady-Putting Together Novelty Act
Sat 2-5 Bob Garritson-Stone Age Cordage and Tools
Sat 2-5 Denise Jackson-Judging Handspun
Sat 2-5 Jane Fournier-Fiber Blending with Handcards
Sat 2-5 Judie Overbeek-Care of your Spinning Wheel
Sat 2-5 Robyn Spady-Less is More
Sat 2-5 Toni Little-Crocheted Embellishment
Mon 9-4 Jane Fournier-Spinning Flax
Tues 9-4 Jane Fournier-Spinning Short Fibers
Mon 9-4 Kathryn Alexander-Knitting Energized
Tues 9-4 Kathryn Alexander-Entrelac

I am excited about the conference, but I want to have more time for my knitting after its done. Linda Shelhamer

 

For those of you who don’t know, yet, we have a guest coming to Wild Purls at the end of September and beginning of October, September 30, October 1st and 2nd to be exact. Check it out in the newsletter and on the events page.

She (OK, now you know it’s a female)would very much admire anyone who has multiple interests.

Many knitters knit. OK, that may not sound profound because ALL knitters knit, right? But some knitters knit, play musical instruments, garden, dance, volunteer in their communities or churches, have families, animals and much more. Some do a great deal more than knit.

Our mystery guest has multiple talents.

So, if you figure out who our potential teacher could be, stop by or give us a call with your guess. If you let us know, attend our August announcement and are correct, you will receive a little gift as well as the first opportunity to sign up for the Autumn Mystery Guest workshops. We hope you are as excited as we are about this big event!

Good luck and we hope that helps.

 

Using a medieval loom for cording and needle felted pieces as overlay, Kayla created this beautiful belt to wear for belly dancing. Every piece was made by Kayla and took over 1,000 hours of time. When she twirls and moves, the entire belt swings out and is quite impressive. The yarns are a variety of everything from Jelli Beanz to Lumpy Bumpy. She also needle felted and beaded using things from her stash.

If you’d like to see Kayla and this belt in action, be sure to attend Summer Fair in July. She and her group will be performing on Sunday. Don’t miss this great weekend.

 

This past Saturday morning, our good friend and fellow knitter, Barb had a “Huge Plant Sale” at her home.

After months of snow, cold, wind and rain, we had a warm morning to celebrate this exciting event. No, we didn’t knit, we bought plants, plants and more plants. Barb had each perinnial sorted for sun and shade, herb and flower. It was as if she knew her plants by name. Barb gave us a tour of her gardens and it was truly remarkable to see how well tended she maintains each plant.

I learned so much in a short time. What a talented woman she is and how wonderful to have many of Barb’s plants now residing in our gardens.

 

Have you ever considered what a newspaper classified section would look like if it were for knitters?

Section 5360 CLOTHING/FURS/ACCESSORIES

Almost finished cardigan. Gorgeous yarn. In good condition. Just needs a loving home and an able bodied knitter who won’t run out of steam on the complicated decreases. Paid top dollar for alpaca/silk blend yarn. Will sacrifice for $100.00.

Section 5370 GIVE AWAY
Pullover sweater. Red Heart Yarn. Gauge never worked and I can’t live with the shame of having knit with this yarn. Free for the taking.

Section 4010 HOMES FOR SALE
Nice home, quiet neighborhood. Close to local yarn shop. Great closets with many shelves, perfect for stashes.