We've Got a Visitor Coming

The looms are folded and pushed to the side, and we're dusting and sweeping to make sure our studio looks its best.

Artist, writer, educator John Marshall is presenting a sold-out class on "Clothing Designs of the World" here at Springwater on Saturday and Sunday, but this Friday he will open his stay here in Alexandria with a lecture on "The Texture of the Life We Lead."

"The Texture of the Life We Lead" is a survey of how we as humans incorporate color and texture into our daily lives. A slide show depicting a full array of clothing and adornment styles, cultures and time periods help to illustrate this inspiring talk.

John's lecture will be followed by a trunk show of his unique dye work and traditional Japanese pieces for sale.

The lecture and trunk show are this Friday, June 13, at 7-9:30 pm. It will be at the Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria, 901 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA. It's one block north of Springwater and there is plenty of parking. The fee for associate members is $20; for non-associates it's $25.

To register, call or stop by the store. We will be able to accept cash and check at the door, but no credit cards. However, we want to make sure there are enough chairs for everyone, so we appreciate it if you make prior reservations.

A huge part of Springwater's mission as a nonprofit for the fiber arts is bringing in inspiring, nationally recognized artists, such as John Marshall. Thank you for supporting Springwater and making it possible!

Summer Classes Online

Joe sent an additional note about his linen coaster:

"It was made with a sett of 12 (i.e. I used a reed with an EPI (ends per inch) of 12. The weave structure is a balanced twill and is one of the ones I learned in the beginning 4-shaft weaving class taught by Carol Hasek."

Speaking of classes, our Summer Class schedule is now online. Click through this link to find out more information, and call, email or stop by the store to register.

SAORI Weaving Class Special Offer

It’s a cold and rainy spring day in Alexandria, but of course we retail folk love that because it means customers come in and hang out. Right? We’re trying to get more of that happening at Springwater now that we’re open late hours and seven days a week. Come on by and say hello!

For example, and for the next two days only, we’re making a once-in-a-lifetime (okay, well, we don’t plan to do this again) special offer to you to join our SAORI™ weaving class. The class is for people at all skill levels - from those who have never tried weaving, to experts who want to do something wild and crazy on a loom. The offer -- 30% off the class -- extends the idea of community (mention that you heard about the blog coupon to receive the discount; no further discounts apply when taking advantage of this offer).

SAORI™ is a loosely used term for free form weaving, and at the same time a highly regarded set of principles established by Japanese artist Misao Jo when in her fifties. At it’s best, SAORI™ can be learned by anyone, taught to anyone, regardless of ability or skill. The idea has caught on like wildfire in the US. The Saori mind celebrates moving away from machinery, learning from one another in groups, developing a sense of community, and the concept of working freestyle -- anything can become a part of the weaving, from yarn to found objects to. . .

In the first week, Linda Hurt will lead us all through warping the looms (provided). From there, the group will see and develop their individual projects. Join this class if you are interested in working with kids, people with learning abilities, helping with outreach for Springwater, or just making something beautiful and absolutely one-of-a-kind.

Jot a note to yourself to register in the next few days -- the first of 4 classes is this Sunday, April 6 from 1 -4:30 pm -- by calling us at 703/549-3634 or via email. I’ll be there. I hope you will too!

Submitted by Susan Cushing

Friday Class & Shop News

It is with great sadness that we say farewell to Springwater staff member, Eric Burnstein. Eric is entering the Peace Corps and will be working in Moldova for the next few years. He leaves a spinning-wheel sized hole in our hearts, and we will miss him dearly!

In class news, the following classes are coming up soon and still have room in them!

• Triaxial Weaving on August 4
• Knitting Camp for ages 9-12 from August 6-August 10 in the afternoons
• Introduction to Kumihimo Braiding on August 7
• Temari Balls on August 11

Please call the shop at 703-549-3634 if you want more information, or check out the newsletter link on our homepage!

Finally, we’ve just gotten a fresh shipment of needles, notions, and Eucalan in the shop! We also have restocked our Pick Up Sticks felted flower kits, and we just got our shipment of the new Autumn 2007 Tahki – Stacy Charles pattern books – so come by and take a look at the new designs and treat yourself to something special!