Learn the art of button making on May 26th with textile artist, Carolyn Barnett. You’ll  love being able to make buttons to personalize your projects. For more details see: http://wabi-sabi.ca/events/category/other-fun-things/

Is there a knit doctor in the house? National Knit in Public Week will soon be here, and the Wab will be bringing in the “House” of knitting to answer all your most difficult problems. (The date will be announced shortly.) In lieu of payment, donations for the Ottawa Breast Cancer Action Society will be accepted.

Hey do you want to be on our “team”? The Wab is organizing a group to walk and knit at the Manulife stroll for the Goal on Sunday June 10th. Please join us. You can let us know if you’re interested by emailing us or giving us a call. Or you can drop by and let us know in person. We love that.

Here’s the latest scoop from the Wab. The Twist Festival (August 24th-26th) is looking for fibre lated vendors, supplies or finished goods. If you’re interested please contact them at info@festivaltwist.org or give us a call 613-725-5648. If you’re worried about being there alone don’t be. The Wabi sabi crowd will all be there and we promise it will be fun.

Shush, shush, let me tell you a secret. On June 9th in order to raise money for Breast Cancer and celebrate Knit in public day we’re launching a new innative: Balls for Breasts. It works like this. We’ll ball up your skein of wool for a dollar. You smile because you don’t have to do it. ( It’s a pain.) We smile because we get to collect money for the cure. We all win.

Be part of Team Wabi Sabi. Yes, we’re knitting and walking on June 10th in the Manulife stroll for the Goal walk. The action will begin about 9:45-11:30a.m at The Rideau Cannoe Club. And we plan to take our knitting on the road with us. We hope to do the 5km. But other longer and shorter options are available. If you’re interested in joining us call us at 613-725-5648 0r email carol@wabi-sabi.ca  Can’t make it? Why not make a donation to Team Wabi Sabi.  You can find all the info you need here:http://bcaott.ca/events/stroll-for-our-goal

Explore and develop your creativity with Karen in this wonderful 2-day studio course created to teach the principles of good design by experimenting with two dimentional exercises on paper and the fibre of your choice. Learn how these principles interact with elements of design.

Karen is an award-winning artist and educator known for her finely detailed mixed media textile constructions that are influenced by her roots in quilt making, couture construction and her life-long passion for urban landscape. Mike Taylor, the curator of the Trinity Art Gallery at the Shenkman Arts Center was quoted as saying “It’s the multidimensional approach that makes Karen’swork pop. She is meticolous in her composition; she has a terrific understanding of tone.”

To learn more about Karen’s work visit: http://karengoetzinger.com/Karen_Goetzinger/Karen_Goetzinger_Mixed_Media_Textile_Constructions.html

Holidays are always fun. It’s always lovely to see friends and family. We, at Wabi Sabi would like to wish you the very best of the holiday season. In order that we spend time with our families, the shop will be closed for easter as follows:

Closed Friday April 6th, Open Saturday April 7th, 10-5pm, Closed Sunday April 8th and Monday April 9th. Regular hours will begin again Tuesday April 10th.

Want to be part of the gang? Then sign-up for our fabulous newsletter. You’ll get all the latest scoop. Information about new classes, in-house gossipe, and  great new products for weavers, spinners and knitters.

And with that in mind let me start the ball rolling by letting you know that we are starting to brain storm about Knit In Public Day. I don’t want to let the yarn out of the bag, but (Can I have a drum roll please.) things are looking very exciting, especially those who like a sale. But don’t tell anyone.

Are you eager to learn a new art form? Love texture and fibre?  You’ll love wet-felting. Join Tonia on Saturday March 25th from 10;30-3:30 and make yourself a fabulous bag. You’ll be amazed at what you can make by simply adding: roving, water, dish soap, and some elbow grease. But be warned, this craft is addictive. It’s inexspensive, creative and loads of fun.

Always wanted to learn how to knit but was too shy to ask? You once knew how knit  but you’ve forgotten? Maybe your Grandma taught you but she never taught you how to cast on or read a pattern. Whatever the reason, it’s never too late to learn. And we’d love to teach you. The spring is the perfect time to learn. Think about all the fun stuff you can make while your kids run about in the park or in the evenings at the cottage.  Our next 101 classes begin: Thursday March 22& 29th 6-8pm and Sunday April 15 &22nd, 12:30-2:30 Spaces are limited so be sure to call soon if you’re interested. Also don’t forget you can always give a friend a class as a gift.

The Ottawa Guild of Lacemakers is holding its 24^th  annual Lace Day at the RA Center, Clark Room, 2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, on March 25^th 2012 from noon to 4 pm.  Entrance fee is $3.00 for adults and free for children under 12.

Guild members will display some of their work, and experienced lacemakers will be on hand to identify heirloom and antique lace.  Vendors from Canada and the US will sell merchandise for bobbin lace, tatting and needle lace enthusiasts.  Lacemakers will also demonstrate the techniques of bobbin lacemaking.  This family event will be a great opportunity to learn this art of lacemaking as children and adults will be able to try their hand at the art of bobbin lace.

Every year the Guild challenges its members to create something according to a defined theme. This year’s theme is masks.  You will be able to view this exhibition along with other lace articles done by members of the guild.  Visitors will be able to vote on the mask competition

There will also be an exhibition of  lace apples.  This exhibit will be set up at the Canadian Booth at the 15th OIDFA World Lace Congress in France in July 2012.  .

The Ottawa Guild of Lacemakers, comprised of lacemakers from the Ottawa and surrounding areas including the Outaouais is a non profit organization whose purpose is to promote the art of bobbin lace and other types of lacemaking.  While we are interested in all forms of lace, our main concentration is on bobbin lace. The Guild promotes the exchange of ideas and techniques  among its members, offers workshops by local and foreign teachers, and maintains a small library. The Guild meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m and on the third Saturday for a day of lacemaking.

For further information, contact G. Thibeault, g.thibeault@rogers.com

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