The West Carleton Fibre Guild

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is hosting...

2012-02-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

"Soup for Thought" . The Lunch Fundraiser aims to satisfy two appetites: your hunger for food and your aesthetic sense.

Food and museum lovers attending the lunch will enjoy gourmet soup from the best restaurants in Almonte, and take home the handmade stoneware bowl it was served in, courtesy of the Almonte Potter's Guild's fine craftsmanship.

Buttered rolls, dessert, coffee or tea will round out the complementary menu. Contributing all this wonderful food will be Foodies Fine Foods, Heirloom Cafe Bistro, Cafe Postino, J.R's Family Restaurant, Savory Pursuits, and Robin's Nest Tea Room.

Mark your calendar for lunch on Saturday March 3rd, from 12:00 - 3.00 pm, at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte. The Museum will also be holding a Silent Auction at this event.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Tickets are $20.00 for Adults, $10.00 6-18 yrs, under 6 free. Available at Baker Bob's of 73 Little Bridge Street in Almonte and at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum of 3 Rosamond Street East in Almonte.

For more details about this event please contact our Curator, Michael Rikley-Lancaster, at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum at 613-256-3754 x7 or by email at curator@mvtm.ca.

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum launches a new exhibition visiting from PEI.

2012-01-25T14:03:00.000-08:00

The exhibition is titled Letters and the works are produced by artist Nancy Cole.

Nancy Cole is a textile artist based in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Her contemporary practice is based on traditional quilting skills, which she uses to produce concept-based textile art with a strong narrative component. As she puts it, "Through my own language of abstraction, I tell stories. Stories about foreign adoption, synchronicity, Canadian cultural identity, etc...."

Ms. Cole makes all of her pieces out of multiple layers of silk, often heavily frayed, and each layer contributes to the storytelling. A recent series of semi-transparent and textured panels is titled "Sorrowful Letters". Inspired by Henryk Gorecki's third symphony, she's incorporated diaries and letters of three Island women from the mid-20th Century, a period that Cole calls "... a time rife with fear of (the) world('s) annihilation."

The exhibition “Letters” runs at the museum from Tuesday February 7th until Saturday April 14th , 2012.

The vernissage for the exhibit will be held on Saturday February 11th from 2 pm to 4 pm at that time you can meet the artist.

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is located at 3 Rosamond Street East in Almonte.

2012-01-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

2011-12-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

North Gower Welcomes You!

2011-11-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

http://www.ngfarmersmarket.com/

Please attend the North Gower Xmas Farmer's Market on Dec, 3, 2011 starting at 9 am. until 3pm. Held at the R.A Center -2300 Community Way , North Gower. Sales of local wares, homemade delights, breakfast and lunch served. A gift basket draw of donated vendor goods will be reaffled off at 2 pm.

Please view the website above for particulars!

Come to the Almonte United Church in Almonte on December 11th at 7pm for a Christmas concert to benefit the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

2011-11-14T17:21:00.000-08:00

2011-11-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

Mr. Fezzywig’s Victorian Christmas Party this year features a Fine Art Auction.

The Barley Shakers performing live, traditional Victorian music and the Valley Voices Choir will ensure that a warm, Dickensian atmosphere awaits you. Period costume is encouraged.

For the auction, the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM) has been given a collection of prints by John Tennent (1926-1995). He is a wildlife artist, born in Singapore in 1926 and spent most of this artistic life in England. The prints feature: golden eagle, pheasants, lesser spotted woodpecker, mallard,deer,peregrine, puffins and owls. The technical execution is superb with some of the prints having 12 colours. The auction will also feature 2 exquisite pastels by Barb Pierce of Almonte, one showing the iconic Almonte Railway Bridge and the other the picturesque Mill of Kintail.

There will also be textiles from the Dolgoy’s art collection (Indian bedspreads, 1930’s linens, Guetemate’ quipil, raw silk wall hangings and more).

Refreshments will be available, mulled wine and minced tarts.
Admission is 15.00 in advance, or 20.00 at the door. Doors open at 6:45 pm. Tickets are available at Baker Bob’s, at the MVTM in Almonte and at the MVTM's website at www.mvtm.ca.

Time for a Musical

2011-10-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

The musical ‘Naismith Is Colourblind and He Can’t Drive’ takes place Nov. 5 (Dinner/Theatre at the Almonte Civitan Hall, 6 pm, Turkey dinner with all the trimmings, $25, segments of the play will be presented) and on Nov. 11 and 12 at Almonte’s Old Town Hall, 7:30pm, tickets $15, children $7, family $35) for the full production.

***** If you want to take in the dinner/theatre at the Civitan Hall, you must get your tickets by this weekend!!! The Civitans need to know numbers before they order the turkey.

Tickets are available at:
Mill Street Books 613-256-9090
Pakenham General Store
Recreation and Culture office in the Old Town Hall 613-256-1077.

Almonte will host the world premiere of the musical play Naismith is Colourblind and He Can’t Drive to commemorate the 150th birthday of basketball inventor James Naismith in November.

During her research, playwright Fern Martin discovered that the invention of basketball was but a small part of Naismith’s many achievements. Born in Almonte on November 6, 1861 and orphaned at nine years old, James Naismith lived a life full of accomplishments: he earned three academic degrees, spoke six languages, was a soloist at university, a gymnast, a professor, a humanitarian, and a builder of houses. If that’s not enough for one life, he also served as a chaplain in WWI in France, developed tests to determine the effects of alcohol and tobacco on the human body, and was a renowned speaker, teacher and preacher. He was particularly concerned with students who had disabilities and developed massage techniques to improve their mobility.

James Naismith was surprisingly worldly for his time and identity. A devout Scot and devout Christian – he taught “Hygiene” – or as we know it today: sex education – to students and soldiers. This subject was advanced for the time and remains controversial today.

"Great characters also have great quirks," says Martin. "For instance, I discovered that he was a terrible driver." Used to driving horses, Naismith drove his first car like it was a horse – calling “Whoa” and pulling back on the steering wheel when it was time to stop!

The musical centers on a debate between an American and a Canadian over which country can claim credit for Naismith’s basketball invention. A talented, 14 member chorus tells his story through acting and songs. Naismith is represented by his puppet and three actors: Ben Guthrie (child), Andrew Jahn (youth), Mark Piper (adult)

Naismith is Colourblind and He Can’t Drive captures Naismith’s great sense of humour as well as some of the more poignant periods of his life.

The play is being produced by The Valley Players and the Town of Mississippi Mills.

Xmas in the Valley!!

2011-10-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show ~
27 artisans, crafters, and bakers will be selling their creations just in time for Christmas shopping. Light lunches and snacks will be served by the
Friends of the Mississippi Mills Textile Museum. Admission is free.

Tapestries ~

2011-10-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

An exhibit by Thoma Ewen and Krystyna Sadej as well as two guest artists, Ewa Bartosz Mazus from Poland and Thomas Cronenberg from Germany. Together, their work presents an energetic dialogue of cross-cultural vision and an open-ended approach to contemporary woven art.

Centrepointe Theatre Gallery, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean
28 October to 30 November, 2011

Visit:
http://www.ottawa.ca/rec_culture/arts/gallery_exhibit/centrepointe_en.html

Take a Sweater, It’s Cold

2011-10-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

Take a Sweater, It’s Cold ~ Bozica Radjenovic and Dark Timber ~ Anna Williams

Galerie Karsh-Masson Gallery, 136 rue St. Patrick Street, Ottawa 7 October to 20 November 2011

Opening Reception ~ 6 October from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Gallery Hours ~ Wed. from Noon until 5:00 pm, Thurs. from Noon until 8:00 pm, and Friday to Sunday from Noon until 5:00 pm

For more information, call 613-580-2424, ext. 14167 or visit:

http://ottawa.carec_culture/arts/gallery_exhibit/karsh_masson/index_en.html

Naturessence..........

2011-09-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum presents

Foliage and fibre take on new meaning in this exhibit featuring nature-inspired art quilts by Elaine Quehl and Catharina Breedyk Law. Exploring their love of the natural world through elaborate quilts, these artists have received international acclaim.

Vernissage Oct 2, 2011 at 2 pm
Exhibit Sept 21-Dec 11, 2011

For further information please visit the museum's website at :
http://mvtm.ca/museum/?cat=17

Hemp Clothing and Jewellery

2011-09-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.margaretruhland.com

The West Carleton Guild spent an enjoyable afternoon at Margaret's Home studio where we toured her Clothing and Jewellery line, coupled with her husband's artwork a delight for all. The above website link cataloges Margaret's work.

16th Annual Fibrefest

2011-08-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum’s highly anticipated Fibrefest is returning for its 16th annual event on September 10th & 11th, 2011 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM), the North Lanark Agricultural Hall (Ag. Hall),and the Almonte Old Town Hall (AOTH). At all locations we will be featuring fibre art vendors, demonstrations, a fibre art exhibit, a button show and two full-day festival of the fibre arts! Three exciting sites for one admission fee!

This year, we will hold Fibrefest at three locations: in the Norah Rosamond Hughes Gallery at the MVTM and at the Ag. Hall, and this year, the Ottawa Valley Button Club (OVBC) will be at the (AOTH). The cost to enter Fibrefest is $5. The locations present vendors of fibre arts supplies and finished goods, and throughout Fibrefest, local guilds will be on hand to demonstrate the arts of knitting, lacemaking, smocking, weaving, spinning, quilting, penny rugs, button collecting and more!

Featured Artist: Beth Levin ~ Papermaker

Beth Levin studied papermaking at The Ottawa School of Art as well as Visual and Creative Arts at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada. She has worked and played with paper and other materials for over 35 years. Her handmade-paper sculptures have appeared in galleries in Canada and the United States and are in collections in North America and Europe.

Featured Artist: Diane Lemire ~ Wearable Art

Born in Val d’Or in northern Quebec, the seventh of ten children, Diane grew up in Timmins where her father was a miner and her mother a resourceful woman who could turn her hand to anything. In their small house one room was always kept for crafts where materials spilled forth to create carpets, blankets and clothes.

New this year, the OVBC will be hosting Button Mania at the AOTH to celebrate the world of button collecting. The OVBC welcomes all FibreFest participants to come and see a beautiful museum display of buttons, to attend presentations on button history and design, and to have the opportunity to buy antique, vintage and collectible buttons from dealers. Button Mania visitors can also have their own special buttons examined and evaluated by OVBC members. We plan to host a fun event which will be enjoyed by everyone, from the most casual visitor to the serious button collector.

The Friends of the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum will be providing tea room services featuring homemade goodies, beverages and sandwiches all available at a reasonable price.

Admission to Fibrefest is $5.00, which includes access to all sites. Fibrefest runs on Saturday September 10 from 10AM – 5PM and Sunday September 11 from 10AM – 4PM at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, the North Lanark Agricultural Hall, and the Almonte Old Town Hall, just 45 minutes west of downtown Ottawa. The North Lanark Agricultural Hall is located at the Almonte fair grounds, the Almonte Old Town Hall is located at 14 Bridge St. and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is located at 3 Rosamond Street East in Almonte. For more information contact the museum at 613-256-3754 x7 or info@mvtm.ca

Almonte & District Horticultural Society Harvest Show at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

2011-08-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum presents the "Harvest Show" by the Almonte & District Horticultural Society. The "Harvest Show". Flowers, fruits and vegetables will be on display to the public on Saturday August 27th from 2 pm to 4 pm.

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is located at 3 Rosamond Street East, Almonte ON. For more information please call 613-256-3754 ext7 or email at info@mvtm.ca

http://www.gardenontario.org/eve/event_details.php?id=6311

2011-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Remembering the British Home Children in Canada
Thursday August 25th, 7pm

Come to the museum to see the Memorial Quilt prepared to commemorate the British Home Children in Canada and hear a personal account from Mary Thurston of Perth, Ontario, an accomplished author who wrote “Into the Hills.” Mary is the daughter of Isabella Hilson, a home child who is featured on the Memorial Quilt. Bob Stacey of Carleton Place, Ontario will talk about memories of his father, who also was a home child.

In December 2009, the Canadian Parliament passed a motion declaring 2010 the Year of the British Home Child in Canada. The aims and goals of this endeavour are to educate Canadians about the history of our Home Children and acquaint us with their stories.

Please join us for this occasion. Refreshments will be served. There is no admission charge but a goodwill donation would be appreciated.

The Memorial Quilt will be on display in the museum’s Norah Rosamond Hughes Gallery until 31 August 2011.

Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Executive Director / Curator
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
613-256-3754
curator@mvtm.ca
www.mvtm.ca

One more success!

2011-06-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

The 10th Annual St. Distaff's Day Celebration was hosted by The West Carleton Fibre Guild at the Almonte Fairgrounds on June 4th , 2011. A day of tuition, catered lunch , and comradeship, a fun time was had by all. The attendance exceeded the originaly planned for 100 participants to a brimming 113. Morning and afternoon teaching sessions were held demonstrating the fine arts of weaving, basketry, spinning, felting to name just a few.

A job well done!

FASHION SHOW FEATURES MILL STREET MERCHANTS

2011-05-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

On Thursday June 9th The Friends of the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum will hold their annual Fashion Show for the benefit of the museum, at Almonte and District High School from 7:00pm until 9:00pm. This year the show will feature Almonte's own Mill Street Merchants.

Leading the participants is Kentfield Kids. They will feature some of their selection of Name Brand consignment clothing sized from newborns to size 10. Kentfield Kids offers a boutique style experience. They provide a changing room for little ones as well as a play area for the kids while you shop. For your comfort they even provide a place to sit.

Vintage Wear-Ware will be featuring dresses from the 50's and 70's. They are cutting edge with today's fashionistas. A few wedding dresses will also be included. Vintage Wear-Ware is a unique store in Almonte, offering a full range of men's and women's clothing from the 20's to the 90's. Whether it's sweaters, handbags, aprons, hats, skirts (plaid and tartan too), belts, even umbrellas, they have it all. They also offer a rental service for your next themed party or wedding.

White Lilly is the newest shop in Almonte, located in the Heritage Court on Mill Street. White Lilly offers you the opportunity to be drawn in, to see and feel who you really are, from the inside out. The clothes are selected to enhance your highest potential. Made in Bali from eco-fibres, such as bamboo, beech, soya, silk and cotton, the clothes are wrinkle free. To add that extra splash of personality to your wardrobe there are purses, silk scarves, jewellery and more.

Tickets to this amazing fashion show are $20.00 and available at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, 3 Rosamond St. E. Almonte, or by calling 613-256-3061.

Reminder

2011-05-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that the 10th Annual

St. Distaff's Day Celebration will be hosted by:

The West Carleton Fibre Guild

at the Almonte Fairgrounds

Saturday June 4, 2011

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

For more information contact stdistaffsday@gmail.com

Registration and information www.stdistaffday.blospot.com

Triangle Shirt Fire documentary night at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

2011-05-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Triangle Shirt Fire Movie Night, May 14th at 7:00pm at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, $5 per person. The movie is being provied by the new Worker's Heritage Museum. The Triangle Shirt Fire was the most famous industrial incident of the early 20th century.The fire changed the laws for mill workers. This film highlights the situation of the young women workers.

Coffee and Tea will be served after the film.

Contact info:

Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Executive Director / Curator
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
613-256-3754
curator@mvtm.ca
www.mvtm.ca

A Common Exploration: Art and Artifact

2011-04-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Inherit, Inform, Inspire by Cynthia Jackson

Composing With Fibre: Releasing Meaning from Common Threads by Jo Fitsell and Sara Rockinger

Cynthia Jackson, Jo Fitsell and Sara Rockinger have each been working with textiles and fibre for many years, exploring the many different ways these materials can be used in art. Although each works on her own, these recent works share something in common by looking back at artifacts, techniques and images and bringing them to life in a new and inspiring way. Three different styles, a common exploration.

The artworks by Cynthia Jackson are inspired by a selection of artifacts in the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum’s collection—including, but not limited to, the machinery, workers, textiles and the building itself. The chosen objects reflect a collective inheritance, are informed by their historical significance and combine to inspire the art.

Jo Fitsell returns to her birth province after twenty-five years of exploring and experimenting with surface design. She has reinvented the ancient technique of marbling, revived batiking—silk-screened layers of dye—and introduced painted canvas to her sewing machine. Multiple techniques are brought together in a collage, creating rich and emotional textures that describe the artist’s relationship with nature, wonder and self.

Sara Rockinger creates translucent panels with ghostly images of mill workers from the past, simply using stitch as line, and line as stitch, in graceful and thoughtful remembrances. Hands are really such lovers and when given the freedom to respond to the beauty, warmth and hidden messages embedded in fabric are in full complement with art-making at its most private and intimate.

While each artist brings to this exhibit a distinctive style and personality, together they form a common exploration of the possibilities for creating contemporary artworks with clear links to the past.

Vernissage: Thursday, May 12, 7 pm
Exhibition dates: May 4 to July 10, 2011

Location Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
3 Rosamond Street East
Almonte, ON
613-256-3754 x7
info@mvtm.ca
www.mvtm.ca

Support the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum while seeing a great play in Perth!

2011-04-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

What could be better than attending the Classic Theatre Festival in Perth? Supporting the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM) while you do. Buy your tickets at the MVTM and see "The Fourposter" by Jand de Hartog on August 24th, and you'll be doing just that. "The Fourposter" is one of the most enduring portraits of a marriage in the 20th century theatrical canon. This chronicle of a couple through 35 years of marriage, from a nervous wedding night through to child birth and parenting, mid-life crisis, and the final realities of aging - is both a tender and a times hysterically funny masterpiece. It will be shown at The Mason Theatre 13 Victoria St. Perth.
If you would like tickets please call 613-256-3754 ext. 7, email curator@mvtm.ca, or drop by the museum. The MVTM is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.

SILENT MOVIE NIGHT AT THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY TEXTILE MUSEUM

2011-04-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

FEATURING: Daddy Long Legs (1919)

STARRING: Mary Pickford

LOCATION: 3 Rosamond Street East, Almonte

DATE: April 30, 2011, doors open at 6:30 pm, movie starts at 7 pm

Step back in time on April 30th to see a silent movie on the big screen. The MVTM will be showing Daddy Long Legs (1919) starring "America's Sweetheart" Mary Pickford (who was born in Canada). Daddy Long Legs is a romantic comedy following the life and loves of a young woman as she grows through adversity into a successful author. There will be live music to accompany the movie, just as it would have been done when the movie was first shown. A concession stand will also be provided to curb those movie munchies. Doors open at 6:30 and the movie begins at 7:00. All of this for the low ticket price of $5.00, tickets are only sold at the door and are first come first serve. For more information please contact us at 613-256-3754 ext. 7, or visit our website www.mvtm.ca. We look forward to seeing you here! Mississippi Valley Textile Museum 3 Rosamond St. E. Almonte.

Sheep Thrills by Lynda Forgues

2011-04-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

St. Distaff’s Day. A new religious holiday, you ask? Nope. An old English tradition revitalized and revamped for modern consumption.

In bygone tymes, when the celebration of Christmas lasted a full twelve days (hence the song), by day thirteen—January 7, St. Distaff’s Day—it was time to get back to work. And women’s work meant spinning.

For those readers who may not make the connection, the spindle was the apparatus used to spin fibre into yarn, and the distaff was a stick (staff) which held the as-yet-unspun fibre (‘dis’ being Low German for ‘flax’ which would have been spun into linen). Starting to make a little more sense?

But why write an article about an obsolete British winter tradition just as the Canadian cherry blossoms are about to bloom? Well, back in 2002, the West Carleton Fibre Guild and the Kintail Spinners and Weavers got together and decided to resurrect St. Distaff’s Day with a few twists. Since we tend to be busier than ever around Christmas (without the twelve-day break for recuperation) January 7 no longer signals a return to work—when did we ever stop working? Besides, for those of us no longer burdened by the necessity of spinning and needlework as a means of survival, these activities have become sheer pleasure! Some changes were clearly needed.

Around here, St. Distaff’s Day is celebrated in the summer, and it’s for fun. What a notion!

This year marks the tenth anniversary of our local St. Distaff’s Day celebrations which will be hosted by the West Carleton Fibre Guild at the Agricultural Hall in the Almonte Fairgrounds from 9 am to 4 pm on 4 June.

There will be 10 workshops to choose from—either one four-hour basket-making workshop or two two hour classes on various themes including spinning with a drop spindle, button making, weaving on a triaxial loom (yes, that does mean weaving in three directions), learning to crochet, making a knitted bead necklace, and many, many more.

Participants are encouraged to bring projects they have completed at previous St. Distaff’s Days for display as well as yarn for the Stash Swap Table. You might want to tuck a wee bit of pin money into your pocket—during the breaks there will be Vendors present to help satisfy your craving for all things fibre.

Did I mention the “Sheep Thrills” competition? Bring your interpretation of what this phrase means to you and you may take home a prize!

Lunch will be provided by the Almonte Fair Home Craft Group.

Workshops, snacks, tea and coffee, lunch, shopping, a tea party, swaps, contests, and kindred spirits … how much does all this cost, you ask? Would you believe a mere $20 per person for the entire day? Talk about sheep thrills!

To receive the full course list or a registration package, please call Sandy at 613-256-2892 or email stdistaffsday@gmail.com.

Registration cut-off is 9 May. Don’t be sheepish; come on out and give it a whorl!

St. Distaff Day is coming !!

2011-03-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

Please be our guests for St. Distaff Day activities
You can go directly to the webpage by click on this post's title or

Please copy and paste this link......

http://stdistaffday.blogspot.com/

To obtain all the information you will need for St. Distaff Day.
From General Course Information, Activities, Directions and Registration you will find it all.

CTV Ottawa

2011-03-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

REAL MEN DO KNIT!

This week only watch the CTV Ottawa news to see the review on the lost arts- from knitting and cooking the schools are reintroducing programs that highlight the arts.
Once known as home economics these programs were phased out now to make a return ....as "home arts"

http://ottawa.ctv.ca/

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum invites YOU!

2011-03-02T15:48:00.000-08:00

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum Presents:

2011-02-19T17:01:00.000-08:00

1 March, 2011 ~ 30 April, 2011 The Wool Hall

The Gifts of the North

Janet Irene MacDonald Hannam

I have had the great privilege of living half my life in Northwestern Ontario.I could not help as an Artist, but to be inspired by the unique place, to create this collection of one-of-a-kind figures using every skill and material available to me. I hope that those who experience these figures may come away feeling they have experienced some of the beauty and mystery living here in the North……and be encouraged to come and discover it for themselves

Hear Ye Hear Ye!!

2011-02-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce that the 10th Annual

St. Distaff's Day Celebration will be hosted by:

The West Carleton Fibre Guild

at the Almonte Fairgrounds

Saturday June 4, 2011

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Registration packages will be ready April 1, 2011

For more information contact stdistaffsday@gmail.com

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum Presents:

2011-01-31T17:43:00.001-08:00

Vernissage: February 12, 2011, 2-4pm

Exhibit: 12 February, 2011 ~ 5 March, 2011 Lower Gallery

Colour and Weave

The appearance of woven cloth is determined by how the weaver manipulates the structure and colour of the “weft” and “warp” (the weft yarn is shuttled across the lengthwise warp yarn). Highly complex patterns and colour fields can be created by the way yarns are dyed and then woven together. My approach to weaving is similar to that of painting, I try to create a palette of colours by plying, overdyeing, and bleaching out areas of commercially dyed yarn and then weave them into rich and stimulating visual fields. One of my goals is to elevate cloth to the status of a work of fine art.

Colour and Weave is an exhibition of the work I have been developing as Artist-in-Residence at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum during the Fall of 2010. My goal for this exhibition was to create work that looks at how colour interacts within different weave structures and patterns and how the viewer reacts to the unique way colours combine in woven cloth. This combining of colours is an effect I refer to as optical mixing and is based on “divisionism,” which is the theory or technique of breaking colour in painting.

Some of my inspiration came from the work of abstract expressionist artists such as Marc Rothko and Barnett Newman, who used large bold colour fields to stimulate and surround the viewer by the “energy” of colour. My work is presented in a format normally used for paintings or drawings. The intent is to create vast colour fields or woven landscapes. The viewer is drawn to the rich and stimulating colours and hopefully captivated by the unique ways in which they interact.

Dancing anyone???

2011-01-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

Come Dance With Us!

Where: Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

3 Rosamond Street East

Almonte Ontario

The Friends of the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum are having a dance party at the Museum on Saturday, February 5, 2011. Singles and couples are invited to line dance, contra dance and ballroom dance in the Norah Rosamond Hughes Gallery from 8 to 11 pm. Live music will be provided by the "Fiddleheads", and delicious refreshments will beserved by the Friends. Ticket price is $15. Tickets are available at the Museum at 3 Rosamond Street, on the island, in Almonte or at the door the evening of the dance. If you would like to dance, dance,dance, we'll see you at the Textile Museum on February 5th!

For more information please contact:

Michael Rikley-Lancaster

Executive Director / Curator

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

613-256-3754

curator@mvtm.ca

www.mvtm.ca

mvtm.ca

Put your best leg forward!

2011-01-11T16:56:00.001-08:00

The West Carleton Fibre Guild held a fun filled guild competition. Each participant created their own variation of legwarmers. The " Creator" dawned the woollies as other's were to guess the composition of the leg warmers.

New Addition

2010-12-01T16:32:00.001-08:00

We have now added a For Sale area on our website
Located on the bottom of the webpage you will find a listing of articles for sale

Valley Voices Choir

2010-11-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

The Valley Voices, Almonte's community choir, invites you to their 'Sing We Now of Christmas' concert on Sunday, November 28, 7:00 pm at the Almonte United Church (partial proceeds going to the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum). Under the direction of Becky Sweizer, the choir has been rejuvenated with a grand group of new singers lending their excellent voices to the group. The selection of music is outstanding – beautiful songs to put you in the mood for winter and for the Christmas season - songs such as ‘The Snow Begins To Fall’ and ‘Winter, Fire and Snow’. You’ll love the calypso beat of ‘The Stars’. There’ll also be several familiar Christmas carols that will get you humming along.

Invite a friend - invite several. We guarantee an evening you’ll enjoy. Five Dollar tickets are available from choir members or at the door. For information call Amanda 613-256-0134.

The Valley Voices will also be performing ‘Brother Heinrich’s Christmas’ along with the Valley Players at the Mill of Kintail on Saturday, December 11 during the day.

"A Tribute to Canada's Military - Textiles and Artifacts from members of the Ottawa Valley Guild of Stitchery"

2010-11-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

The MVTM invites you to an exhibit that will be a tribute to the men and women of the Canadian military in war and peace, with the focus on remembrance of the two World Wars. The textiles include the sampler on loan from the Embroiderer's Association of Canada Heritage Collection,samplers and other stitching with a patriotic theme from members of the Ottawa Valley Guild of Stitchery, and other textiles, such as cigarette silks and other printed textiles included in tobacco products at the time, all owned by the Ottawa Valley Guild of Stitchery members.

To provide context, there are also a number of other items owned by Guild members and their families such as artwork, military helmets,china, books, commemorative plates, photographs and much more.

This exhibit will demonstrate how textiles played an important role at times of crises and should prove to be an excellent reminder of sacrifices men and women made for Canada during the World Wars.

Exhibit on display at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum from:
Saturday November 6 - December 18th, 2010
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
3, Rosamond St. E.
Almonte, Ontario
K0A 2X0
613-256-3754
Tuesdays through Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission $5.00
Children under 12 are always free and museum members are admitted
without charge

2010-11-03T16:43:00.001-07:00

Celebrate Christmas with Mr. Fezziwig!

MVTM Offers a Victorian-Themed Holiday Gathering with Character(s)!

Come and Experience a holiday party in a venue just like Mr. Fezziwig’s workplace: a Victorian factory akin to the one in which the kind, jolly man entertained his workers and friends. As we know, it made Scrooge reminisce longingly for the joyous times of Christmas past and helped to rehabilitate his character!

Building on the success of last year’s event, organizers of Mr. Fezziwig’s Christmas Celebration are getting ready for another great party on November 27 starting at 6 pm at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (3 Rosamond Street East in Almonte). Last year party-goers out did themselves by turning up in period party attire. There was much merriment and singing along with the Valley Voices, who appeared as Victorian carolers, and The Barley Shakers, who kept everyone’s toes tapping. A most amazing array of Dickenson characters, including Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig and Father Christmas, enlivened the festivities. Like last year, this year’s party will include a groaning board of old-fashioned party treats and the biggest, most inspiring Christmas tree you have ever espied.

In addition, there will be a dramatic presentation of a classical Victorian holiday story. The audience will feel like they have stepped into a pop-up book as the Little Match Girl involves everyone in her story.

Enjoy a cup of good cheer while you celebrate the holiday spirit. Tickets are $25 each and can be reserved by calling 256-3754 x11 or emailing info@mvtm.ca As a Fezziwig party goer remarked at last year’s celebration: “This event is destined to become a much anticipated holiday event in the Valley.”

Artist talk at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

2010-11-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

Exhibition: TEXT-ING et al

Artist: Karina Bergmans

Date & time: Saturday November 13, from 2 pm to 4 pm

Admission: $5

Karina Bergmans invites you to create your own text messages in the exhibition TEXT-ING et al at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. The exhibition has appeared as public interventions, a pangram, text messages, and general pillow play since 2007. In a time in which text messaging is a direct and common form of instant communication, TEXT-ING as a sculptural project is a much appreciated diversion in our relationship to text.

As a multi-disciplinary artist, Karina Bergmans works in the mediums of fiber art, sculpture, installation and designs/manufactures the KBergmans.com clothing line. What unifies her diverse artistic practice is the use of reclaimed textiles. Bergmans’ work has been exhibited at Dumbo Arts Festival, Brooklyn, (2009), Stride Gallery +15 Window Space, Calgary (2010) and a solo show at the Mississippi Mills Textile Museum in Almonte, Ontario, (2010). Karina has received grants from the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Ottawa. Bergmans artist profile was recently featured in the September/October 2010 FiberArts Magazine. Karina resides in Ottawa, Ontario.

The exhibition TEXT-ING et al is on exhibit at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum until January 22, 2011. For more information please contact the museum at info@mvtm.ca or 613-256-3754 x15.

Step right up get your tickets!!

2010-10-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

Come and solve the mystery of the “Prints of Darkness” by the Mississippi Mudds and enjoy a gourmet meal at the MVTM. Buy a ticket, or invite your friends and buy a whole (or part) table of 8. Tickets are $45 each.

Joan's pick of the week

2010-10-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Joan found a pattern that she would like to share with you. It is called Noro Sillk Garden Scarf. It is a free knitting pattern from Noro. The website is

http://www.angelyarns.com/free-patterns/noro-scarf.php

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

2010-10-07T03:19:00.000-07:00

Take a look around. The MVTM has created a new website. Check out the events calendar so you don't miss any of the new and upcoming exhibits. There are sure to be displays that suit anyone's tastes.

http://www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com/mvtm/Exhibits.html

100 years of Military Uniforms .........Postponed........

2010-10-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

Please note that this exhibit has been postponed to a later date
We will repost once a new date has been established!
Thank you !

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum invites you to:

2010-10-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

MERA PRESENTS

2010-09-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

www.meraschoolhouse.org

The Creative Spark - A series of Lectures by well known Canadian Artists. Held at McMartin House, 125 Gore, St. E.,Perth, On.

For further information please email meraschoolhouse@bell.net
Or by Phone 613-278-0388

OVWSG - 30th Annual Exhibition and Sale

2010-09-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

A fun day was had by all!

2010-09-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Richard and Shirley were most kind in allowing our guild to tour their home front operation. From raw wool to finished product the process was explained and time take to show the different procedures applied towards the finished product. A quaint little retail shop filled with home spun and knit items ranging from wraps, sweaters, hats and socks. All of the store's wares had that oh so personal touch with head knitter " Mom " behind the cash.

This is truly worth the trip from Ottawa.Even if it is just to imagine how one member of the family enticed her family to start up their own business. One that is unique to the area let alone the province!

15th Annual Fibre Festical

2010-08-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

15th Annual FIBREFEST at MVTM, Almonte

September 11-12, 2010

This year we will continue to hold Fibrefest at two

Locations: in the Norah Rosamond Hughes Gallery at the

MVTM, and at the North Lanark Agricultural Hall at the

Fairgrounds. On Friday evening, September 10th, the

MVTM will be hosting an opening gala, and the opening

Night presentation of the play "Quilts From Hell" by Fern

Martin. This play will be staged by the Almonte Valley

Players on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday afternoon

And evening. The Friday evening gala will be held in the

Wool Hall Gallery (upstairs at the MVTM), and the cost of

This event ($20) will include wine and cheese. The cost to

See the play on Saturday and Sunday is $15. The cost to

Enter Fibrefest is $5. Both locations feature vendors of

Fibre arts supplies and finished goods, and throughout

Fibrefest, local guilds will be on hand to demonstrate the

Arts of knitting, lace making, smocking, weaving, spinning,

Quilting, penny rugs and more. The Friends of the MVTM

Will be providing refreshments at the Agricultural Hall

Site.

Ten Reasons for Buying Yarn

2010-08-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

Salute to Husbands!

2010-08-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

Midsummer Herb Festival, Almonte.

2010-07-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

This was a must attend event for those interested in herbs, gardening, cooking and living a healthy lifestyle held on July 25th at ALmonte's Herb Garden. Shown below are some of the "Fibre Arts" demonstrations

Mad Hatter Party

2010-07-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

July 25th, 2010. Rain date is August 1, 2010

Bring your lawn chair and join us!

You and your spouse are invited on July 25th, 2010 to Sandra and John McManus "Mad Hatter Tea Party". The party will be held at the McManus family home.

The Itinery is as follows"

2pm for games, golf-ish, boating, croquet-ish, zipline

3pm for tea- Don't Forget your hat!

4pm for launching model rockets, planes, potato canons, kite flying if windy,(bring 'em if you got 'em)

Dress -- casual but necessary, shoes for grass

ESSENTIAL: A "mad hat"

Address: 140 Sneddon Rd., Pakenham, ON, K0A 2X0

RSVP may be directed to:
Sandy at (613) 256 2892 or
fam.mcmanus@sympatico.ca or
snail mail @ 140 Sneddon Rd.,
Pakenham, ON
K0A 2X0

Quilt Show

2010-07-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

Get your party hat out!!

2010-06-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum celebrates 25th anniversary

Victorian Garden Party!

Step back in time and join us for tea at a Victorian Garden Party to celebrate The Mississippi Valley Textile Museums 25th anniversary. Held in the gardens of the Hugessen Residence at 81 Queen St., Almonte on June 26th 2010 from 2-5pm.

Admission is free as well as complimentary tea, lemonade and cucumber sandwiches. Other festivities include a strawberry shortcake stand, ice cream and popcorn stand, the appearance of Sir John A McDonald and Queen Victoria. Volunteer awards and a Baker Bob birthday cake will be presented. Get your photo taken in period dress and dance to the music of The Mill Workers Band (aka The Barley Shakers).

For more information regarding this event please visit the museum website at www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com or contact MVTM by phone at 613-256-3754 ext.10. Period dress is encouraged.

Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Curator
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
613-256-3754
mvtm@magma.ca
www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com

I'm dreaming of a..................

2010-05-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

Dream Catchers were the theme of the day at the West Carleton Guild meeting. With various ribbon and soft wreath shapped branches the base of the Dream Catcher was formed. An assortment of embellishments were then added and left to the imagination of the creator.

Traditionally, the Ojibwa construct dream catchers by tying sinew strands in a web around a small round or tear-shaped frame of willow (in a way roughly similar to their method for making snowshoe webbing). The resulting "dream-catcher", hung above the bed, is used as a charm to protect sleeping children from nightmares. As dream catchers are made of willow and sinew, they are not meant to last forever but are intended to dry out and collapse as the child enters the age of adulthood

Felted Figures

2010-04-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

From short to tall, big to small, we made them all!
Whether it was a fair maiden, a damsel in distress or a crotchety old fellow guild members put their talents together. With felting needle, tufts of wool we shape, we sculpt and we try not to stab ourselves with the sharp barb felting needle. A two day workshop was held by the guild for members who wanted to try their felting creative skills. With lots of laughter the students had a great time and a great product to take home.

Say It In Red’ May 5 to July 3, 2010

2010-04-22T03:24:00.000-07:00

Say It In Red’
May 5 to July 3, 2010 at the
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
3 Rosamond Street East
Almonte, ON
613-256-3754 x15
Artists: Mary Young & Marilyn Crawford
Exhibit opening: May 8th 2 pm to 4 pm

With the 2010 Olympics still a recent memory, it seems appropriate to continue the ‘sea of red’ theme with this celebration of Redwork embroidery. Preparation for the Vancouver Olympics took several years.The artists preparation for this exhibition began exactly ten yearsago. It was in the spring of 2000 that Marilyn Crawford and her daughter, Anna, toured Britain in a little red rental car. Marilyn chose to capture those memories in redwork. Marilyn shared herenthusiasm for this medium with Mary Young and so their adventure began.

The first piece was based on familiar. Mary drew some of the lovely buildings and landmarks in Perth where she lives. She was pleased with it and Marilyn and Mary decided to extend their vision to Lanark County and its heritage. Following their Eastern Ontario piece, Marilyn made a wall hanging of flowers and birds of the area. They shared their knowledge with the members of the Lanark County Quilter’s Guild and many of them are still ‘redworking’. Because they were frustrated by the Australian and U.S. content of the patterns available for purchase, they decided to design patterns with Canadian images. Demand for these patterns across Canada was very satisfying. Many of the contemporary pieces in the display were made from our patterns. Mary would like to give credit to her daughter, Janet, who inherited a ‘drawing gene’ that she does not possess and
captured many images on paper that were in her head. You will recognize her distinct, sometimes whimsical style, in several of Mary’s pieces.

Over the years the artists have had the pleasure of speaking to quilt quilds from Cornwall toPeterborough along the St.Lawrence River system and from Arnprior to Ottawa along the Ottawa River system as well as guilds located between the two.They have had the honour of displaying their pieces at the Quilt Gallery in St.Jacob’s and at the Perth Museum as well as the Festival of Quilts in Perth.

Their collection of antique redwork pieces is a delight, giving the viewer an insight into women’s work and attitude to life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They embroidered on cloth vignettes and images that were important to them as we are doing today.

Although they are no longer producing patterns, Marilyn and Mary are still capturing red embroidery threads, life as we see it. Like photographs they are stitching memories for their children and theirs. We hope you enjoy the exhibition, ‘Say it in Red’.

For more information:

Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Curator
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
613-256-3754
mvtm@magma.ca
www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com

‘Weaving a Different View’

2010-04-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

‘Weaving a Different View’,
May 5 to August 8, 2010,
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
Almonte, On

The exhibitors are members of “Weavers Unlimited” who love to explore structure and complex designs and like to present these concepts in innovative approaches to weaving.
Their exhibition is meant to stretch the boundaries of weaving through a series of garments and wearable art, all using handwoven fabric. What they aimed for is to weave with a different view, which the artists chose as the title of the exhibition.

Participating members are Jean Bair, Jean Down, Hilfried Friedericy, Karin Hendriksen, Ruth Jarvis, Deb McKay, Roberta Murrant, Francesca Overend, Anne Rombeek, Pam Theilmann and Irene Cox (in memoriam).

For more information on displays or exhibits please contact:
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum,
#3 Rosamond St. E.,
Almonte, Ontario,
613-256-3754;

Or visit their website at :
www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com

Please markyour Calenders for this important event

2010-04-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

15th Annual Fibrefest

Sept. 11-12, 2010
This three day fibre art festival features fibre art vendors, demonstrations, a quilt and weaving exhibit, fashion shows, historical reenactments, plays and a textile appraisal fair and much, much more.

For more information please refer to the following website

http://www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com/events.htm

OR
Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Executive Director/Curator
Phone 613-256-3754 Ext. 10
Email mvtm@magma.ca

Beads Beads Everywhere

2010-04-13T14:28:00.001-07:00

Knitted Bead Necklaces were the topic of the day as Jean Winter instructed us on the skill of necklace making. With a pair of fine knitting needles, meters of beads as well as a supply of strong string/cotton on which the beads were strung, we were well on our way to masterpieces.

For other beaded necklace free patterns here is a link for you!
http://www.freepatterns.com/list.html?cat_id=465&source=021FRP

Felted Art

2010-04-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

The Northern Light felted scape shown is a masterpiece by one of our own WCFG members, Jean Ling. This piece in particular will be auctioned to raise money for a charitable organization.The Artist presented her piece today at a Guild Meeting and explained how she performed her skill.

All in knots?

2010-03-11T04:56:00.000-08:00

Gertrude Thibeault a local Bobbin Lace artist, introduces her passion to the West Carleton Fibre Guild in February. Gertrude participates in many demonstrations throughout the Ottawa Valley

Mississippi Mills Textile Museum Presents

2010-03-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

March 6-April 4

Unraveled (Wool Hall Gallery)

Photo exhibit documenting the decline of the Appletex Mill.

By: Alison Ball

*******************************************************************************

Saturday March 6, 2 pm - 4 pm

Guest lecture and slide show by Appleton artist Alison Ball

******************************************************************************

March 18, 2010

March Break Fun! (Home Craft Room & Mary Lettner Textile Research Centre)

Come out for an afternoon of Fun from 1pm to 4pm. There will be weaving, crafts, for ages 9-11

*****************************************************************************

April 11 – April 25, 2010

Naked in the House (Wool Hall Gallery)

Photography exhibit of the interior architecture of the museum with nude model.

****************************************************************************

April 15, 2010

Bayeux Tapestry (Norah Rosamond Hughes Gallery)
Guest lecture by artist Raymond Dugan

****************************************************************************

For further information please contact:

Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Curator
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
613-256-3754
mvtm@magma.ca
www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com

Please join us ...

2010-02-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and fellow hookers

Another of my "Hookings" is taking place on Saturday, February 20th, 2010. It will be at my house at 23 William St, Carleton Place, from 10.00am- 3.00pm. I will provide coffee, tea and munchies, and if you like bring your own lunch.

If you have friends that would like to see what hooking is all about they also would be very welcome.

I will look forward to seeing all those who can come, even for a short time.

Elaine Tigges

Applerug Supplies

613 253 8657

Knit 1, Purl 1...

2010-02-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

The West Carleton Fibre Guild Knitting group will now be meeting on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the home of Melodie Summers, 4727 Torbolton Ridge Road, Woodlawn, Ontario.

For your interest...................Snow Dying

2010-01-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

An article on snow dying, it can be found by scrolling on the website:
http://dianemblog.wordpress.com/

Great fun, Great food, Great People

2010-01-13T13:42:00.000-08:00

A great time was had by the fourteen members of WCFG who attended the Potluck lunch Jan. 12th 2010 at the home of our president Roberta Murrant, who was as usual a wonderful hostess. The food was spectacular as always.
The scarf challenge was shown off, all attendees entered, and everyone won a prize for some part of the event. The entries were truly beautiful.
Next year's challenge was decided on and is to be leg warmers, made in any manner one might choose.
Much laughter and a general good time by all!
Thank you Roberta for hosting at short notice, due to Melodie having a worrisome eye infection, from which she is now recovering.

It is with deep sadness we wish to announce to passing of..

2010-01-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

Russell Ellsworth Groff, weaver, teacher, author, publisher, champion of handweaving, and for 57 years the proprietor of Robin and Russ Handweavers, passed away on January 3rd, 2010, at the age of 85. For the last week, as the news of Russell’s passing has spread, the words have sprung from lips and keyboards: “It’s the end of an era.” And it is, in the sense that we have lost another of a wonderful generation of weavers. But Russ Groff and his contemporaries were not interested in endings, but in beginnings.

To read a description of his life's achievements please go to the following web site:
http://www.weavezine.com/news/russell-e-groff-1924-2010

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum turns 25!!

2010-01-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com

Bayeux Tapestry visits the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is celebrating its twenty – fifth anniversay this year! To start off the celebrations we are revisiting the most popular exhibit that the museum has hosted during the past twenty – five years. The Bayeux Tapestry by Raymond Dugan is back!

A replica of the Bayeux Tapestry by artist Raymond Dugan will be visiting the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum at 3 Rosamond St. E, Almonte. from January 12 – April 25, 2010. The piece was created over eight years by artist Raymond Dugan and is done in the original eight colours. This world class replica of the famous 70 meter tapestries embroidered in the 11th century celebrates the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy. See the legendary animals, ships, Vikings, Norman and Saxon’s calvalrias illustrated in exploits of William and Harold without the expensive trip to France.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Admission: $5.00. For more information: 613-256-3754 ex. 15, or mvtm@magma.ca

Christmas Art Fest at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum December 4, 5 & 6, 2009

2009-11-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

Join us at the Xmas Art Fest,3 Rosamond Street, Almonte,On.Sponsored by the Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour Artists December 4, 2009, 5 to 9 pm • December 5 and 6, 10 am to 5 pm.

A festival of local art and fine crafts showcasing Pottery Jewellery Hats Hand-woven Textiles,Soaps, Teddy Bears, Paintings, Santa Dolls,Mosaics, Hand-blown and Fused Glass, Photography ......

Catering by the Friends of the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
$5 entry fee, donation to the MVTM
For information: b.mullally@sympatico.ca 613-256-3647
www.crownandpumpkin.com

Fezziwig Victorian Celebration

2009-11-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

(Click on the post title to go directly to the MVTM website)

Reminder of Upcoming Xmas Shows

2009-11-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum Christmas Show - Friday Dec. 4th, 5pm to 9pm; Saturday & Sunday Dec. 5th & 6th, 10am to 5 pm

Xmas in the Valley

2009-11-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

The 21st Annual Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show
A juried selection of over 25 artisans, crafters and bakers will have their wares for you to view at the Almonte Community Centre- upper hall,182 Bridge Street, Almonte Ont.
Friday, November 6th, from 2-9pm, Saturday, 7th from 9-4pm.

The Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show presents venders to give you a wide variety of hand crafted items.The wares vary from: Realistic wildlife carvings, sun catching stained-glass and fused, rustic pottery, scented soaps, tasty seasonings, sauces, honey and maple products, silky scarves, sparkly jewelery, delicious cakes and sweet confections, framed miniature quilts, twinkling glass boxes, delicate weaving, floral arrangements.

The Friends of the Mississippi Mills Textile Museum will be serving snacks, soup,sandwiches and drinks as a fund raiser. If the weather permits the charming alpacas from Victory Farms will be present on Saturday. Free admission to the show.

Please note that the show will be wheel chair accessible and a door prize for a lucky winner.

Carp Farmers Market Xmas Display

2009-11-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

Click on the POST heading to view the Link to the Carp Farmers Market and Calender

The December Xmas Market will run from Dec 4-5, 2009. Friday 3 to 8 pm and Saturday 8 am to 2 pm. Enjoy some refreshments, and enter the free draw for Market gift baskets donated by the vendors. A complete list of attending vendors will be posted here soon.

Cool Winds are a blowing.. Let's meet the Challenge!

2009-11-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

January Challenge Reminder
This is a reminder that the January challenge is to make a scarf. The main challenge will be for members to guess who made it, so keep your project under 'wraps' at Guild meetings. We will be providing you with bags to hide your creation in when you bring it to the January meeting.

Dress Rehearsal

2009-10-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

The LADIES OF THE MOP

Cordially invite you to

Ladies of the Mop
Dress Rehearsal
Preview

Saturday November 7th
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
7pm. Curtain at 7:30
Tea, Coffee and treats provided
*admission by donation
R.S.V.P. sara.cochran@gmail.com
Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Curator
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
613-256-3754
mvtm@magma.ca
www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com

Birdhouse Workshop

2009-09-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

Jane Whittam of Winchester Ontario provided a workshop on how to make twined basketry birdhouses. Each with an unique design and handcrafted by the participants there were many interesting shapes and sizes.

http://www.basketmakerscatalog.com/misc/freeins.htm
Check out the link for free pattern ideas

Fibrefest 2009 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

2009-09-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

14th Annual Fibrefest
The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum’s highly anticipated Fibrefest is returning for its 14th annual event! Join the celebrations from September 11th – 13th at the North Lanark Agricultural Hall, Almonte Old Post Office and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM). All sites will feature fibre art vendors, demonstrations, lace, quilt, and weaving exhibitions, a textile appraisal fair, a quilting play and fashion shows for everyone to enjoy! A two full-day festival of the fibre arts at three exciting heritage locations!
Join the MVTM on Friday, September 11th from 7-9 pm as they host the opening gala, and the play ‘Quilting Pieces’ as presented by the Valley Players. This original play, written by: Elizabeth Inder Corewin & Barbara Inder Robertson, will delight in two acts as guests can reveal in the beauty of each quilt as it is changed to correspond with the next scene. For other show times throughout the weekend, please call the Museum.
Throughout Fibrefest weekend there will be the featured exhibition, 'Fibre Adventures: Collaborations!' by the Ottawa Valley Weavers & Spinners. In this great collection textile artists have been pared together to showcase unique co-creations. Some pieces are the result of paring a spinner and knitter, an embroiderer and weaver or a weaver and papermaker and many more variations. Don’t miss your last chance to view the Museum’s special exhibit ‘Halas Lace’. This acclaimed exhibition of handcrafted beauty showcases over 100 years of Hungarian lace brought to you by the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary. On display in the Norah Rosamond Hughes Gallery will be ‘Service Comforts’. This exhibition will join period artifacts with hand knitted clothing from Beehive Patterns of the 1940’s, depicting woolen field and hospital wear in beautiful vintage colours.
Also not to be missed are the tearoom services provided by the Friends of the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum featuring homemade goodies, beverages and sandwiches that will tempt the taste buds. Visit the North Lanark Agricultural Hall and treat yourself!
For only $20 you will be able to view the opening gala, show and have entry for the rest of the weekend festivities. If you’re not planning to attend the Friday event the entry fee on Saturday & Sunday will be $5 to both sites. These locations will present vendors of fibre arts supplies and finished goods, and throughout Fibrefest, local guilds will be on hand to demonstrate the arts of knitting, lacemaking, smocking, weaving, spinning, quilting, penny rugs and more!
Fibrefest runs on Saturday, September 12th from 10am – 5pm and Sunday, September 13th from 10am – 4pm at the North Lanark Agricultural Hall on the Almonte Fair Grounds, Almonte Old Post Office on Mill Street and at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum at 3 Rosamond Street East in Almonte, just 45 minutes west of downtown Ottawa. For more information contact the Museum at 613-256-3754 x 10 or mvtm@magma.ca

June Workshop Success

2009-09-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

The West Carleton Fibre Guild enjoyed a day of dying silk scarves.
Many participated in the event and these are samples of their work

The Republic of Hungary cordially invite you to this stunning exhibit.

2009-07-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Halas Lace – Over 100 Years
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, August 1-September 14, 2009

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is delighted to announce the arrival of an acclaimed exhibit of international importance. Lauded in Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, this exhibit offers a rich sampling of Hungarian Halas lace, one of the finest types of lace produced in Europe over the past century.

Developed in 1902 by designer Árpád Dékáni, Halasi Csipke (Halas lace) has become an important part of Hungarian folk art and gained international recognition for the quality of its workmanship and its unique construction, which combines delicate needlepoint lace with bolder fabric outlines.

This technique is an example of the creativity fostered by Hungary’s late nineteenth-century arts and crafts movement, which sought to re-invigorate native cottage industries with new designs. Thus, every piece of Halas lace is completely handcrafted, down to the hand-woven fabric that frames the intricate lace.

Halas lace has won numerous prizes at international competitions, ranging from the 1904 St. Louis World Fair and 1906 Milan International Exhibition to the 1937 International Craft Exhibition in Paris, where it surpassed the previously unchallenged lace of Brussels. Items made of Halas lace have also been presented as gifts of state to world leaders as diverse as the Roosevelts, Princess Julianne of the Netherlands, Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth II, and Governor General Michaelle Jean.

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum and the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary cordially invite you to this stunning exhibit.

Come see for yourself why Halas lace is one of the most prized types of textile art in the world!

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is located at 3 Rosamond Street East in Almonte, Ontario. For directions to the museum or questions about the exhibit please contact Michael Rikley-Lancaster, Curator at 613-256-3754 or mvtm@magma.ca

Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Curator
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
613-256-3754
mvtm@magma.ca
www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com

Almonte's Puppets Up Festival

2009-07-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival
Please click on the post title to refer to the website for the Puppet Festival in Scenic Almonte,On(a 30 minute drive west of Ottawa). 2009 will mark the fifth year of this highly successful and entertaining puppet festival which was recently endorsed by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

Show off your creative side- Take a course in Puppet Making

2009-07-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Puppet Making Workshops (August 4 to 7) Leave a Life-long Impression

ALMONTE (Town of Mississippi Mills) – Making a puppet from scratch is something few people will forget once they’ve tried it, says Noreen Young, Master Puppeteer and Artistic Director, of the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival. And workshops with Noreen and visiting puppet experts have inspired both successful puppeteer careers and passionate hobbyists.

“There’s something about turning inanimate materials into something that literally comes to life in your hands,” says Young. “Personally, I never get tired of building puppets and adding new puppet characters to my collection.”

This year, Puppets Up! offers an extensive array of puppet workshops in advance of the festival itself featuring some of the world’s best puppet artists. Workshops commence on August 4 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte and run until the festival begins on August 8. Workshops are for participants sixteen years of age and up.

Highlights of the workshop offering include:

*A 4-day workshop with Noreen Young on making hand and rod puppets with latex/rubber faces. Puppets like these made Noreen famous on TV and around the world!
*Stephanie Atkinson’s three-day workshop teaches students how to design, construct and manipulate a marionette. Puppets will be fabricated using a combination of papier mâché, wood and foam rubber.
*Ever considered expressing your creativity on, say, YouTube... using puppets? Trish Leper brings her years of experience, including stint with Jim Henson’s Muppets, to a 2-day workshop about the creative and technical aspects of television puppetry.
*Talk about recycling! James Ashby and Grey Muldoon (The Bricoteer Puppetry Project) will show you how to turn household and found objects into fantastic puppets during a one-day workshop.
*Art teacher, Stephanie Williams provides her own take on the same theme at another one-day workshop.
*Not only will she be on stage during the festival, but Kingston puppeteer Annie Milne, of Gentle Wings Puppet Theatre, will lead a one-day workshop about how to make a personal rod puppet using foam covered in fabric and wooden rods. Ask her about the huge Purple Dragon in her life.
*Master puppeteer Luman Coad says “Get A Life!”. He’ll teach a one-day workshop on how to really bring puppets to life for the stage.
With a song in his heart, puppeteer Ben Durocher will lead a one-day workshop on puppets in musical theatre. By the way, Ben was a finalist in the CBC’s “Triple Sensation” in 2008.

“We take full advantage of the world-class puppeteers who are coming to perform at Puppets Up!, along with our resident experts, says Young. “These workshops are absolutely magical.” Marta Singh, a story teller who will perform in the festival’s Telling Stories theatre shares Young’s enthusiasm for puppet making. “When I was still living in Buenos Aires, I took a weekend-long workshop. We had to make a puppet with our own hands, then breathe life into it. Holy Henry, I'll never forget that. It was, well, it was almost otherworldly!”

For more information about Puppet making workshops and the Puppets Up! festival visit www.puppetsup.ca

Media Contact: Susan Wright: (613) 730-2020 e-mail: susan@suzwright.com

Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Curator
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
613-256-3754
mvtm@magma.ca
www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com

Mississippi Textile Museum needs your help!!

2009-07-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

In September during the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum's Fibrefest in Almonte, a play called Quilting Pieces is being performed by the Valley Players. What we are looking for are quilts, whole or halves, finished or unfinished, to cut up and make into clothing and clothing accessories.

If you are able to help us out please contact the Museum's curator

Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Curator
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
613-256-3754
mvtm@magma.ca
www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com

Public Notice

2009-07-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Attention Fabric Fans, History Buffs, and all Residents of the Town of Mississippi Mills and surrounding area:

For your information, this summer the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum will open its textile research library as a Public-Access (by appointment only) Reference Library.

Our Collection covers many aspects of the Local and International Textile Industries, with special strengths in industrial Wool Processing, hand-loom Weaving, the chemistry of Dyeing, the history of Fashion, and more. We would hope that everyone including, artisans, industry workers, students, antiquarians, and professional researchers alike will find our library a source of Useful and Fascinating Information.

We are pleased to announce that the Conservation and Cataloguing of our Rare and Specialized Collection is almost complete. However, we are still in need of sufficient shelving for our books and of a photocopying machine for the use of Visiting Researchers. Any monetary Donation, great or small, towards the purchase of these items or a donation of any of the stated items would be much appreciated.

Please join us as we strive to keep the Memory of Our Town’s Heritage alive!

Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Curator
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
613-256-3754
mvtm@magma.ca
www.textilemuseum.mississippimills.com

SWING YOUR PARTNER TO AND FRO

2009-07-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum fundraiser Barn Dance was a huge success Not only bringing in Money for a good cause but also some toe tapping musicians who helped folks dance the night away. As you can see both young and old enjoyed the Wing Ding celebration

Come spin along with me!

2009-06-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

SUMMER SPIN IN at the farm on July 8. The activity will run morning through afternoon. If it rains we have lots of space in the barns. Bring your wheels and lunch, I will have coffee and drinks. If you have fibre to dye, I will have a pot of walnut skins going. Perhaps, you have other materials we could use to dye….bring them along and see what happens.

Looking forward to seeing everyone. Hope the Back to Back team will come and celebrate their 2nd place finish in Canada!!!!!!! Let me know if you can come.

Please contact Kay If you are able to attend email her at amispin@ca.inter.net

OLD FASHIONED BARN DANCE!!

2009-06-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

Here we go again!!!!! A real OLD FASHIONED BARN DANCE complete with many fiddlers called the Fiddleheads,square dances, a caller, snacks, and cash bar.

It is a fund raiser for the TEXTILE MUSEUM originally to be held at another venue but had to be moved so on short notice, it will be held Saturday June 27th at Cuil Aitinn Farms, 4356 Appleton Side Road, Almonte after 7:00 p.m. The museum staff is doing the work, cleaning, decorating, all kinds of chores. Whew!!!

If you like, please, bring your cameras, knitting, your wheel and enjoy the entertainment from the balcony. It is a large balcony. I have lots of fleece and my wheel is available. I will have 2 grandkids so if you find yourself with little ones also, please, bring them along....no charge.

Tickets can be purchased for $20.00 at the door or from Vintages (originally the old Timmons clothing store) 80 Mill Street, Almonte. Please pass on this short notice.

I hope you can find time to join us for a cause we all can celebrate.

A job well done!!

2009-06-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Woolly Wonders placed 7th in the world for their construction of a sweater from fibre to a wearable art. The international competition was held on the the 7th of June. The Woolly wonders created their sweater in just over 7 1/2 hours.
Look at the previous post for picture of the group as well as an explanation of the competition itself

And a good time was had by all!!

2009-06-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.carpfarmersmarket.com/

Five representatives from the West Carleton Fibre Guild displayed their talents at the Carp Farmer's Market in Carp, Ontario. Each having their own area of expertise from knitting, felting, lacemaking,spinning,weaving an active display was under tent. Many onlookers stopped to observe and ask questions of technique, some reminiscing of crafts of times gone bye. Kindling memories of Grandmothers who crafted their wares in front of the open hearth, with eager youngsters at their foot.

The Woolly Wonders and their Woolly product!

2009-06-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

Back L-R Betty Laakso, Sandy Mcmanus. Front L-R Time keeper Gertrude Thibeault, Kay James, Debbie Etherington, Beth Dennis, Kelly Plewes, Louise Rosch.

The Woolly Wonders completed their sweater in 7 hrs 37 mins this year at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ont. This includes the 5 min penalty for having the fleece hand shorn ahead of time. The team bested their time from last year by over 2 hrs. Our sponsors this year were The Carleton Co-operative Wool Growers-practice fleeces, Hewlett Construction-team aprons, Upper Canada Village-a room for competition day.
We raised $603.00 in ticket sales for the sweater.

INTERNATIONAL BACK TO BACK WOOL CHALLENGE

2009-06-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

LOCAL RESIDENTS TO COMPETE IN THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL BACK TO BACK WOOL CHALLENGE

A group of 7 spinners and knitters from the Ottawa, Lanark County and St. Lawrence Valley guilds known as the Woolly Wonders are competing as a team in the International Back to Back Wool Challenge where the objective is to shear a sheep, spin its yarn and knit a sweater in less than eight hours following strict rules and a set pattern. The Wooly Wonders will take a 5 minute penalty to accept previously sheared wool from the Carleton Co-Operative Wool Growers.

Upper Canada Village will be hosting this event on Sunday June 7th 2009 from 9 a.m to 5.p.m. Tickets on the finished sweater will be on sale for 99 cents each.

All the money raised from the sale of tickets will be given to the Lymphedema Association of Ontario, a debilitating fluid retention condition affecting both men and women which commonly occurs when the lymph nodes are removed during cancer surgery. The team's goal is to raise $1,000.

This family event will be a great opportunity to learn about this international challenge, about wool, spinning and knitting and the Lymphedema Association of Ontario.

The team consisting of Beth Dennis, Debbie Etherington, Kay James, Betty Laakso, Nancy MacMillan, Sandy McManus, Louise Rosch would like to thank their sponsors: Carleton Co-Operative Wool Growers, Upper Canada Village and Hewlett Construction.

This International contest started in Berkshire, England in 1811 when a 1000£ wager was given to the team that could make a man's coat from a sheep's back in one day. It took the winning team 13 hrs to complete. In 1992, a young spinner Richard Snow from Scotland recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer, decided to continue this contest to raise funds for cancer. The trophy would go to the fastest team to spin and knit a sweater and, in 2004, the Guinness Book of Records became involved.

Today, the contest runs around the world and coincides with the Australian Wool Festival held in mid-June. The Canadian Co-Operative Wool Growers sponsors the Canadian Trophy. In 2008, the Toronto Spiders were the recipient of this trophy and also won the International championship with a time of just under six hours. The Guinness World Record Time is 4 hours 51 minutes 14 seconds held by the Merriwa Jumbcuks, Merriwa NSW in 2004.

St. Distaff Day

2009-06-11T09:41:00.001-07:00

The Twistle Spinners and Weavers guild of Glengarry and the Carmen Forward Fibre guild hosted the 8th annual St. Distaff Day in Winchester On.
From spinner to knitting, felting to basket weaving many stations were full with enthusiastic students. The workshops were followed by a much appreciated catered lunch.
In the afternoon much to the participants delight a local literary artist awed us with her collection of delightful poetry. WE also had the grand pleasure of being presented with a slide show to document the construction and trials and tribulation in creating the famous" Quilt of belongings"

From fleece to fine art!

2009-06-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

In the month of May 2009 the West Carleton Fibre Guild celebrated it's 20th anniversary

http://www.andrea-graham.com/index.html

Andrea Graham of Odessa Ontario was a guest of the West Carleton Spinners and Weavers guild. A seminar was given at the Mississippi Valley Textile Mill in Almonte Ontario. The seminar comprised of Andrea's works of Art, both in text and samples of her works. She presented us with a slide show of textile art in the many places that she had visited, as well as her inspiration. The following day Andrea conducted a " Felting Workshop" to allow many of us to experience the craft of Wet Felting.