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Keynote Speaker: Gretchen Wilson
Gretchen Wilson has raised sheep for 21 years in Washington state and Montana. After starting with Cheviots the family switched to Friesian dairy sheep in 1995. For many years, Gretchen has been a spinner and wool artist in weaving, felting, crochet etc. She calls herself a "Jill of all Trades and Mistress of None". She was active in guilds, as a sheep 4-H leader and wool and sheep barn superintendent, and in teaching numerous Extension office classes over the years.
With husband Rob, they started Gretchen's Wool Mill in Monroe Washington, and ran it for 6 years. The mill processed primarily wool and camelids for local farmers, fiber artists and commercial use.
The siren song of grand-parenting called the Wilsons to Great Falls in 2011. They sold the mill equipment and closed the mill. Gretchen still has a healthy "stash" of fiber from the milling days and 6 dairy sheep who add yearly.
The Wilsons now live in Highwood, MT, where they babysit and raise Friesian dairy sheep for milk, meat, and wool. Gretchen sells a few wooly items at her Etsy shop: MontanaDairyWool. She can be seen spinning at the Great Falls Saturday Farmers Markets in summer. Her blog, Montana Woolies is another place to learn more about the Wilsons wooly adventures.
Gretchen Wilson has raised sheep for 21 years in Washington state and Montana. After starting with Cheviots the family switched to Friesian dairy sheep in 1995. For many years, Gretchen has been a spinner and wool artist in weaving, felting, crochet etc. She calls herself a "Jill of all Trades and Mistress of None". She was active in guilds, as a sheep 4-H leader and wool and sheep barn superintendent, and in teaching numerous Extension office classes over the years.
With husband Rob, they started Gretchen's Wool Mill in Monroe Washington, and ran it for 6 years. The mill processed primarily wool and camelids for local farmers, fiber artists and commercial use.
The siren song of grand-parenting called the Wilsons to Great Falls in 2011. They sold the mill equipment and closed the mill. Gretchen still has a healthy "stash" of fiber from the milling days and 6 dairy sheep who add yearly.
The Wilsons now live in Highwood, MT, where they babysit and raise Friesian dairy sheep for milk, meat, and wool. Gretchen sells a few wooly items at her Etsy shop: MontanaDairyWool. She can be seen spinning at the Great Falls Saturday Farmers Markets in summer. Her blog, Montana Woolies is another place to learn more about the Wilsons wooly adventures.
The world of yarn and fibers has always been a part of Diana Blair's life. Diana started teaching crochet to others in her early twenties. Through the years she has also taught classes in spinning, knitting, carding of fiber, dyeing and alpaca fiber standards. Diana carries a certificate in Alpaca Fiber Sorting and Cashmere Classification and Judging. She has judged at many wool/fiber events throughout Montana. Diana is the owner of Going to the Sun Fiber Mill and SunFiber Yarns in Kalispell, MT.
Leslie Conn is a spinner and knitter with a lifelong passion for photography. She is a graduate of the Rocky Mountain School of Photography, and owner of Heritage Photography, Drummond, Montana.
Katy Duncan describes herself as a "Knitter for Life". She is an accomplished knitter with many grandchildren that happily wear Grandmas' sweaters.
Twelve years ago Katy took a weaving class and quickly became "warped about weaving".
In 2012 an enthusiastic weaver arrived in the Weaving & Wool Department of the Western Montana Fair with a simple frame loom, warped with fabric strips and wove beautiful, durable rag rugs. Fascinated with the simple process, Katy began "twining" rugs of her own. Experimenting with old jeans, curtains, and Pendelton Mill ends.
Katy is a long time member and treasurer of the Great Falls Weavers and Spinners Guild, and serves as Assistant Superintendent of the Weaving and Wool Department.
Twelve years ago Katy took a weaving class and quickly became "warped about weaving".
In 2012 an enthusiastic weaver arrived in the Weaving & Wool Department of the Western Montana Fair with a simple frame loom, warped with fabric strips and wove beautiful, durable rag rugs. Fascinated with the simple process, Katy began "twining" rugs of her own. Experimenting with old jeans, curtains, and Pendelton Mill ends.
Katy is a long time member and treasurer of the Great Falls Weavers and Spinners Guild, and serves as Assistant Superintendent of the Weaving and Wool Department.
Odette Grassi was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. Although her family connection there is still strong, she is happily based in Western Montana. The mountains, lakes, and natural vistas are a constant source of energy and beauty for her. Ms. Grassi travels frequently and hopes to continue to be able to explore and experience different areas around the world.
While most of Ms. Grassi’s images are figuratively based, the surrounding mountains, lakes, and natural vistas of Montana are a constant source of energy and beauty for her. Ms. Grassi’s work demonstrates an intriguing combination of process and expression. Her blending of traditional techniques with personal style has created a unique body of images. Her background in dance and movement is easily visible in the forms she creates. Straight edges and geometric patterns often merge with flowing lines to produce a quiet tension or a bold statement. Embellishments are both luscious details and intregal parts of her finished pieces. Ms. Grassi’s imagery is always designed to encourage and connect viewers. Pieces speak out and speak with the viewer, visually and emotionally. Text or poetry is often combined with the finished image.
In addition to creating her own works, Ms Grassi continues to teach and work with children when she can – specialist projects in the schools, private lessons, teacher workshops, and group presentations.
B. Ed. In Elementary Education, University of Alaska
B.F.A. in Drawing and Printmaking, University of Alaska
Class studies at Willamette University; University of Montana
While most of Ms. Grassi’s images are figuratively based, the surrounding mountains, lakes, and natural vistas of Montana are a constant source of energy and beauty for her. Ms. Grassi’s work demonstrates an intriguing combination of process and expression. Her blending of traditional techniques with personal style has created a unique body of images. Her background in dance and movement is easily visible in the forms she creates. Straight edges and geometric patterns often merge with flowing lines to produce a quiet tension or a bold statement. Embellishments are both luscious details and intregal parts of her finished pieces. Ms. Grassi’s imagery is always designed to encourage and connect viewers. Pieces speak out and speak with the viewer, visually and emotionally. Text or poetry is often combined with the finished image.
In addition to creating her own works, Ms Grassi continues to teach and work with children when she can – specialist projects in the schools, private lessons, teacher workshops, and group presentations.
B. Ed. In Elementary Education, University of Alaska
B.F.A. in Drawing and Printmaking, University of Alaska
Class studies at Willamette University; University of Montana
Denise Jackson is a fourth generation spinner, weaver, and knitter, having spun for over 25 years and knit for over 40. With Masters degrees in Teaching and Communication, she orients her classes with the student in mind, breaking down tasks into small, easily mastered parts. Denise is working through NwRSA to establish national standards for judging handspun and fiber arts in Montana and is helping organize NwRSA judging classes throughout the state.
Ann Klinect was past president and is unofficial organization historian of the NwRSA. She also served on the 2012 Conference Committee and currently on the board
of directors. Ann in the person who makes trips three times a year to ensure that the NwRSA
organization works according to the association member's wishes.
Maude Knudsen has been weaving for over 35 years. She was a past president of the Great Falls Spinners & Weavers Guild and past President of the Montana Association of Weavers & Spinners. She earned her Master Weaver from Handweavers Guild of America in 1988. Maude was honored in Montana Circle of Masters in 2010.
Susan Lohmuller learned to weave while her babies crawled under her loom. Now her grandsons use that same loom as a jungle gym. She is still trying to get sett right.
Cathy Marquard is a spinner, weaver, dyer and knitter whose work is characterized by a riot of color, texture and bling. Attending fiber festivals, conferences and SOAR, she has experienced the wonders of learning from, and being inspired by mentors and peers. She is president of the Great Falls Weavers and Spinner Guild, and superintendent of the Weaving & Wool department at the Western Montana Fair. Cathy has taught classes for NWRSA, and BSFAF. Her hand crafted items can be found at Gallery 16, and the Shop at Paris Gibson Square.
Steven McEwen started working with spinning wheels in 2005. He specializes in restoring old wheels, making custom parts and accessories and designing new wheels to the individual's specifications. His goal is to use recycled hardwoods or renewable resources in his productions. Steve spins in addition to crafting and repairing spinning wheels. Steve's knowledge of the spinning mechanics and process is sure to enhance the students awareness of the magic behind spinning.
Beth Myrer began exploration with textiles began as a child while sewing shorts for summer, and progressed from there. She taught herself to knit and crochet, and progressed on to embroidery and lace making.
In the 1990’s she was able to take a weaving class, and learned to love the art of creating cloth. Weaving exposed Beth to spinning and felt making. Beth has taught at EGA Rocky Mountain Regional Seminar, as well as, in the local Embroiderer’s Guild, and Weaver’s Guild.
Awards: People’s Choice – MMAWG Show, People’s Choice – IWC (1st and a 2nd), HGA Award – IWC 2013
In the 1990’s she was able to take a weaving class, and learned to love the art of creating cloth. Weaving exposed Beth to spinning and felt making. Beth has taught at EGA Rocky Mountain Regional Seminar, as well as, in the local Embroiderer’s Guild, and Weaver’s Guild.
Awards: People’s Choice – MMAWG Show, People’s Choice – IWC (1st and a 2nd), HGA Award – IWC 2013
Laurel Orthmeyer is best known for her beautiful mohair. If you visit her home (just outside Helena) you will amused to see the angora goats in various colored sweat shirts.
Laurel has been involved in fiber production, marketing, preparation & dyeing techniques for many years. She has taught classes across Montana, and is an accomplished artist.
Laurel has been involved in fiber production, marketing, preparation & dyeing techniques for many years. She has taught classes across Montana, and is an accomplished artist.
Judie Overbeek has taken refuge in spinning, weaving and dyeing for over 35 years, incorporating the three disciplines into a single project whenever possible. A love of process and a deep desire to share her skills keeps her involved in these inexhaustible crafts both as student and teacher. Judie lives in NW Montana. She teaches spinning, weaving and dyeing throughout the Northwest.
When Cheryl Reed moved to an acre in the Yakima
Valley, WA, in the mid-1980‘s to raise their 5 kids, her husband bought an old
ewe with twins so he wouldn’t need to mow the pasture. Then he added a couple of Dorsets. Sheep need a haircut. The fleeces were beautiful so a friend taught her to spin that lovely
fluff.
Fifteen years later, Cheryl had her own spinning flock of crossbreds from Rambouillet and Romney X Lincoln rams. Cheryl learned to dye fibers, knit, and spin all sorts of yarns thanks to a local multi-technique group, the Desert Fiber Arts Guild. The annual Conference of the Northwest Regional Spinners Association (NwRSA) advanced her spinning skills.
Cheryl believes that weaving is an excellent means to showcase beautiful handspun yarns. She often mixes handspun yarns with commercial yarns in handwoven fabrics. She is a Certified Judge with the NwRSA. She now teaches others how to judge fiber art through NwRSA. Cheryl has judged local fairs in WA: Grant Country, Spokane, Ferndale; in ID: Post Falls; and the Sheep to Shawl Competition at the WA State Fair in Puyallup.
past president and unofficial organization historian Ann Klinect who also serves on the 2012 Conference Committee; and finally to all the board of directors who make those trips three times a year to ensure that your organization works according to your wishes.
Fifteen years later, Cheryl had her own spinning flock of crossbreds from Rambouillet and Romney X Lincoln rams. Cheryl learned to dye fibers, knit, and spin all sorts of yarns thanks to a local multi-technique group, the Desert Fiber Arts Guild. The annual Conference of the Northwest Regional Spinners Association (NwRSA) advanced her spinning skills.
Cheryl believes that weaving is an excellent means to showcase beautiful handspun yarns. She often mixes handspun yarns with commercial yarns in handwoven fabrics. She is a Certified Judge with the NwRSA. She now teaches others how to judge fiber art through NwRSA. Cheryl has judged local fairs in WA: Grant Country, Spokane, Ferndale; in ID: Post Falls; and the Sheep to Shawl Competition at the WA State Fair in Puyallup.
past president and unofficial organization historian Ann Klinect who also serves on the 2012 Conference Committee; and finally to all the board of directors who make those trips three times a year to ensure that your organization works according to your wishes.
Jo Anne Setzer has a teaching certificate from Colorado Women's College.
Weaving has been her passion for the past 30 plus years! She has ben teaching for the past 15 years. Joann's studio is in a barn near Laurel, Montana.
email: [email protected]
Weaving has been her passion for the past 30 plus years! She has ben teaching for the past 15 years. Joann's studio is in a barn near Laurel, Montana.
email: [email protected]
Annette Swan Schipf
I love to pass on the art of weaving and a love for handcrafts to adults by teaching them the ancient art of hand weaving. I have been teaching weaving classes since 1987 through Adult Education, private classes, at the local weaving guild and seminars at state weaving conventions. I am a member of Gallery 16; a local co-op art gallery and in the past I have been very active in the Montana Association of Weavers & Spinners (MAWS). I have had pieces selected and/or won awards at a national Weavers Convention, the MAWS juried competition, the juried art show at the state fair, etc. My own hand woven pieces have been sold locally, across the state and in CA and Massachusetts.
I graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Business Marketing with an emphasis on Clothing and Textiles. I worked in retail fashion in Seattle WA after I graduated and 4 years later chose to move back to Montana and settle on the family ranch. This opened up the opportunity to begin the adventure and love affair I have had with Hand Weaving ever since.
I love to pass on the art of weaving and a love for handcrafts to adults by teaching them the ancient art of hand weaving. I have been teaching weaving classes since 1987 through Adult Education, private classes, at the local weaving guild and seminars at state weaving conventions. I am a member of Gallery 16; a local co-op art gallery and in the past I have been very active in the Montana Association of Weavers & Spinners (MAWS). I have had pieces selected and/or won awards at a national Weavers Convention, the MAWS juried competition, the juried art show at the state fair, etc. My own hand woven pieces have been sold locally, across the state and in CA and Massachusetts.
I graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Business Marketing with an emphasis on Clothing and Textiles. I worked in retail fashion in Seattle WA after I graduated and 4 years later chose to move back to Montana and settle on the family ranch. This opened up the opportunity to begin the adventure and love affair I have had with Hand Weaving ever since.
Dereth Worrell's Aunt Kate taught her to knit the Christmas of 1995. At the time, she didn’t take it to it. Later in 2005, during her freshman year of college, while and carrying full load, she needed something to help with the stress so she retaught herself how to knit. Her first project was a garter stitch scarf that was more of a lap blanket than a scarf - full of dropped stitches and accidental yarn overs. That scarf, and the stress filled first semester that inspired it, began what has been a decade long love affair with the art of knitting. Currently, she is in the process of learning to spin yarn on a drop spindle and the ancient art of Nalbinding, a precursor to modern knitting and crochet.