Priscilla Lowry has been teaching and working with silk all her life. She holds a degree in Art History, and a MA in Medieval History from London University, the dissertation for which was entitled the 'The Medieval Silk Women of London 1368-1495'. She established Gallery St John, and has also been invited regularly to give lectures and exhibit at galleries around New Zealand. She was Director of the Schuster Gallery in London, which specialized in medieval books and manuscripts. She spends part of her year lecturing the UK before returning to New Zealand via Japan, Korea, India, Thailand and and other silk producing countries, where she researches sericulture. Read more about Priscilla and her teaching at http://members.aol.com/silkroad16/.
The Rise and Fall of the Silk Businesswomen of London. From my unique Collection of slides taken from Medieval Manuscripts I have drawn together the most magical set of illustrations of the textile craftswomen of the Middle Ages. They include not only examples of many people using different kinds of spindles, spinning wheels and looms but also examples of the Virgin Mary weaving, spinning, embroidering and even knitting.
This workshop is for reasonably competent handspinners and focuses on the many special ways to spin and ply all the different types of silk fibres. The emphasis is on learning the different techniques to get just the unique effect you want for a specific project, whether for a warp or weft, for handknitting, embroidering or decorating textiles. It will include fancy spins and textures and cover handling the different silks and their care. The time is spent on joyfully discovering new skills to enhance and individualize your creative work.
Workshop fee: $75 for Full SCHG Members, $83 for nonmembers and Subscribers.
Materials fee: $22
To register: Send your $25 deposit (in a check made to SCHG) to Deanna Deeds, Program Chair, at the address in your year book, or contact programs@schg.org (Balance due at workshop. Deposit refundable until one month prior to workshop.)
This half-day workshop may be taken either as an extension to the spinning workshop, or by itself. The workshop will cover dyeing silk fiber, yarn and fabric, using the microwave method. It is one of Priscilla's most popular workshops. Using small amounts of acid dyes, mixed to a powder with water, the silks are heat set in the microwave. It is quick and produces magical and surprising colors and effects. It is safe and easy and great fun, and can enhance and expand your own unique and original designs.
Workshop fee: $25 for Full SCHG Members, $28 for nonmembers and Subscribers.
Materials fee: about $10
To register: Send your $25 deposit (in a check made to SCHG) to Deanna Deeds, Program Chair, at the address in your year book, or contact programs@schg.org (Balance due at workshop. Deposit refundable until one month prior to workshop.)
Any questions can be directed to the Program Chair. We hope to see you at the March meeting!