The Greater Birmingham Fiber Guild
The Greater Birmingham Fiber Guild - 2010!
Welcome to THE GREATER BIRMINGHAM FIBER GUILD web site. We are a group of fiber enthusiasts from Birmingham, Alabama who meet at least once a month to knit, crochet, tat, bobbin lace, weave, spin, felt, dye, talk about and play with fiber.
Our meetings are on the second Saturday of every month September through June at 10:00 a.m. until about noon. We don't have a general meeting in July or August. We do have small interest groups that meet once a month so when you visit ask about the spinning, bobbin lace, and tatting study groups.
Please check the monthly meetings to see where we will be meeting. We are at Bare Hands Gallery-Richard Arrington Blvd. most months. We also have picnics, get togethers and workshops in various places.
FEBRUARY, Saturday, February 13, 2010
February Meeting
Our February Guild meeting will be on “The Art of Kumihimo” led by Janelle Zorko. Essentially, Kumihimo is Japanese braiding, and is sometimes combined with beads to make beautiful jewelry, cords, and edging. The term Kumihimo in the Japanese language means the gathering of threads. The literal translation of kumihimo means the "coming together (kumi) of threads (himo)". This technique involves using several looms for specific types of braids. We will be learning round braids made on a circular disc.
For the program, the discs and some yarn will be provided to you. We suggest that you bring fibers that you think you would like to see in your braids. You might try a fun mohair for two strands of your braid and a smooth yarn for the rest (we will be using 8 strands). This is also a great way to use up scrap yarn so bring your little bag of leftovers (lengths of more than 6ft). We will discuss adding beads but we won’t create beaded braids during the meeting. We will discuss various types of equipment available should you fall in love with Kumihimo and resources on where to learn more.
Guild Equipment for Rent
The Guild has some equipment available for rent. Most floor looms, table looms, spinning wheel and carder are available for just $5.00 per month with your membership. It's a good way to see if you want to spin or weave before you invest in the equipment. We have just purchased a new (to us) spinning wheel. Please ask about renting it.
Single Member – $25.00
To join the Guild please send a check to: GBFG, P.O. Box 660723, Birmingham, AL 35266-0723.
Current Projects
When you have some spare time, don't forget we are still making and donating hats for preemie newborn babies. Some of the hospitals are very happy to get these. They don't take long to make and are very appreciated. Please be sure to use washable, soft yarn. No wool because of possible allergies. Here is a pattern for a simple preemie hat:
