UPDATE!

The guest speaker Saturday afternoon will be Linda Clutterback, expert spinner, who will give a talk and demonstration on spinning angora.  Linda understands the math, ratios, and grist about spinning angora and she is a master at spinning.  She has samples of angora yarn she has spun to share.  Bring your wheel and spin!

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IAGARB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

April 11-13, 2014

We are happy to announce IAGARB will be returning to the Clarion Hotel in Portland, Maine!  Program and schedule is shown below.   Please make sure you book your hotel room before March 17, 2014 in order to get our special AGM rate.  You can call the hotel directly

Schedule includes:

Friday and Saturday:  Registration Testing

Friday Workshops:

Business Tips for Financial Success with
Jim McConnon, Extension Business & Economics Specialist and
Professor of Economics, University of Maine

10 am

and

Record Keeping and Testing with David Marcinkowski, Dairy Specialist and Associate Professor of Animal Science, University of Maine

1 pm

How the dairy industry uses record keeping and testing as a management tools to increase production

Saturday:  Registration Testing continues. 

 Synchronized Wool Class with Leslie Samson   

10 am to 11 am

Image

If you are not quite sure about the differences between  synchronized and non-synch coat growth, here is a class that will explain why this is an important consideration for angora producers. This class is especially important if you are breeding for color.   We will discuss coat structure, appropriate harvesting methods and uses for different grades of wool.

All workshops and classes are free to IAGARB members.  Non-members  $25.

Saturday Afternoon:

Spinning in the Ballroom

9 am to 5 pm

Come one, come all!  Members and local guilds are invited to bring their spinning wheels, spindles, knitting needles, with favorite fibers and yarns to spin and knit in the ballroom.  There will also be a table for items to be displayed for Show and Tell.

Special Guest Speaker!  (to be announced)

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

Annual General Meeting  and Luncheon

10 am to 2 pm

For further information, refer to your IAGARB Newsletter, Spring 2014 or contact Michaele Bailey:  basketfulofbunnies at gmail dot com.

Our group rate is guaranteed until Monday, March 17, 2014. Call the hotel at (207) 774-5611 to make your reservation.  Make sure you tell them you are booking for the IAGARB AGM.

A Side Trip to LL Beans

A Side Trip to LL Beans

 

 

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Another Fun Weekend in Silverton!

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In January, District 1 held a Shearing Party and Registration along with Workshops with Leslie Samson, Catherine Fulbright, and Rosalie Truong.  Three days of fun, food, learning, and good weather!  

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Angora Workshops in Silverton

 

Another Fine Weekend in Silverton! ©2012 R. Truong

Another Fine Weekend in Silverton!
©2012 R. Truong

Silverton Grange Hall

Silverton, OR 97381

January 24 and 25, 2014

FRIDAY WORKSHOPS

Screenshot 2014-01-09 11.37.16

10 AM       HOW TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

   to            CATHERINE FULBRIGHT

2:00 PM

Have you ever had an idea for a business?  Have you wondered how to proceed with your idea – or worse decided to just “wing it” only to find that you missed some of the yours costs in the planning stage and can’t seem to make any money?  This class is for you.

Even if you have been in business for years, this class will help you to refine your current plan.

  • This class is intended to help you plan for success.
  • The discussion will cover goal setting, cost identification, product pricing and developing a business plan.
  • In addition, methods for record keeping will be included.
  • Handouts on material covered will be available.

Catherine Fulbright has worked with small businesses for the past 38 years.  Her current position is Business Manager for a Eugene-based Engineering Firm.  Although not a bookkeeper or accountant, Catherine has kept books and performed financial duties for businesses throughout her career.  She has worked closely with bookkeepers and accountants during these years.

Three years ago, Catherine founded her small farm of fiber animals including Angora Goats, Shetland Sheep and German Angora Rabbits.  In addition, the farm is home to Anatolian Chickens, Cats, Koi and her 35 year old African Grey Parrott.  Catherine enjoys handcrafts and gardening.

members:  40. non members:  45.

Screenshot 2014-01-09 11.34.26

2:30 PM      ONLINE MARKETING VIA ETSY

to                     ROSALIE TRUONG

4 PM

Are you tired of going to shows, loading and unloading merchandise, not to mention paying for booth fees, hotel, and gas?  Would you like to make money out of your home with very little upfront cost? Would you like to sell online 24/7? I will teach you how to use Etsy to your advantage and make sales when there are no shows.  This class will teach you the following:

  • How to set up an Etsy account.
  • Learn about the dos and don’ts on Etsy, about treasury lists.
  • Learn how to set up an appealing shop.
  • Learn a little about merchandise photography.
  • How to use Etsy advertising to increase traffic to your Etsy site.
  • How to use social media to your advantage to increase sales.  We will talk about Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Stumble upon, Tumbler.

members:  25.   non members: 30.

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS

 

9 AM         SYNCHRONIZED WOOL CLASS

to                LESLIE SAMSON

10 AM

Feb 2013 676

If you are not quite sure about the differences between synchronized and non-synch coat growth, here is a class that will explain why this is an important consideration for angora producers.  This class is especially important if you are breeding for color.   We will discuss coat structure, appropriate harvesting methods and uses for different grades of wool.

This class is free to IAGARB members.  Non-members – 10.

10 AM      SCRIBBLE LACE/NUNO SCARF FELTING CLASS

to       LESLIE SAMSON

4 PM

Scribble Lace Scarf © Leslie Samson

Scribble Lace Scarf © Leslie Samson
Very Happy New Owner of a Scribble Lace Scarf.

Very Happy New Owner of a Scribble Lace Scarf.

In this workshop we will work with the 50 /50 angora / merino pencil roving to make gorgeous felt scarves with an energetic design.  The roving will be “scribbled” onto silk to make a fine, soft, laminated fabric with unique textures and patterns.   Just to make things a bit more interesting, we will also incorporate nuno felting as a design element.

For angora producers, this class will show you how to increase the profitability of your wool by expanding your value-added markets.   This is a light-hearted class.  The felting is easy.  Everyone will leave with a one of a kind angora / merino / silk scarf.

No experience necessary.   Price for the full day felting workshop includes all materials ( silk fabric & fibers), supplies and use of tools.

members – 50.  non- members – 60.

Leslie has 35 years of experience with angora rabbits and fiber arts.  She has been featured in several magazines including Country Woman, Spin-Off and the TV program, Town and Country Ontario.  Leslie has consulted for the National Research Council of Canada.  She is the co-author of Completely Angora, a founding member of IAGARB and its current president.

An award winning felter, Leslie enjoys the unique qualities of angora fiber for its warmth, strength and weightlessness.  She lives on a small farm in Ontario, Canada which she describes as a “Duck and Bunny Farm”.  For fun, she is teaching her Border Collie, Molly to read.

For more information and to register, contact Gail Smith:  angoralady at aol dot com

weekend schedule

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

9 AM          JUDGING BEGINS

10 AM TO 12 PM   HOW TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN

12 PM TO 1 PM LUNCH BREAK

We do enjoy the party atmosphere of our lunches together.  Lunches are Potluck Crockpot and dessert buffet.  Please bring a ladle to serve up your creation.   Bring your own choice of beverages and remember that the Grange Hall does not allow any alcohol on the premises.   We will provide bread and bowls.

1 PM TO 2 PM HOW TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN Continued

2 PM TO 2:30 PM BREAK

2:30 TO 4 PM ONLINE MARKETING VIA ETSY

 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

 

9 AM JUDGING BEGINS

9 AM TO 10 AM SYNCHRONIZED WOOL CLASS

10 AM TO 12 PM SCRIBBLE LACE SCARF WORKSHOP

12 PM TO 1PM POTLUCK LUNCH

2 PM TO 4 PM SCRIBBLE LACE SCARF CONTINUES

 

As always, we appreciate everyone’s efforts to pitch in and clean up.  

 

Make checks payable to:

Gail Smith

503-873-3128

Your payment in full holds your space in the workshop.

Refunds are given only if workshop is cancelled.

 

Please remember any rabbits for sale must be at least 12 weeks of age and pedigreed German Angora.

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Wishing everyone Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year!

christmas-bunny1 (copy)

 

 

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Katie and Bungalow Farm's Odessa Reg. 2004 g./yr. ©Bungalow Farm Angora

Katie and Bungalow Farm’s Odessa Reg. 2004 g./yr. ©Bungalow Farm Angora

LEARN MORE on how IAGARB members raise angora rabbits, shear wool, and produce yarns.

 

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SCENES FROM SAFF

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair is a great venue for IAGARB.  IAGARB had an informational booth and Leslie, IAGARBs President, presented workshops on Angora Management and Angora Shearing.  Both workshops were well attended.

Leslie led a shearing class at SAFF.  She demonstrated the German Red Clipper and explained its advantages.

Leslie led a shearing class at SAFF. She demonstrated the German Red Clipper and explained its advantages.

 

 

First shear (copy 2)

IAGARB Members Lynn and Kim

IAGARB Members Lynn and Kim

And the fur flew!

And the fur flew!

Kim working with the Red Cippers

Kim working with the Red Clippers

Our beautiful Blizzard Yarn!

Our beautiful Blizzard Yarn!

A selection of Scribble Lace scarves showcased what can be done with our 50/50 pencil roving.

A selection of Scribble Lace scarves showcased what can be done with our 50/50 pencil roving.

Very Happy New Owner of a Scribble Lace Scarf.

Very Happy New Owner of a Scribble Lace Scarf.

 

 

 

 

 

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A Beautiful German Angora Doe

Michaele Bailey, owner of Basketful of Bunnies in Levant, shows off Alberta, one of the German Angora rabbits she raises for the production of fiber.

Michaele Bailey shows off her German Angora doe, Alberta for an article in her local newspaper.  Alberta was recently IAGARB registered with a Gross Annual Weight (wool production) of 1972 grams.  Well done Michaele!

For a look at the article featuring Michaele and Alberta you can click on this link.

 

 

Bangor Daily News photo by Ardena Hamlin, previously published in the Weekly

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2013 AGM: IAGARB MEMBERS KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN

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Photos of some of Friday’s Events:   Some photos of the first day of the 2013 AGM

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AGM 2013 Sneak Preview

 

 

IAGARB members at Niagara Falls, Canada on the first day of the AGM Events.

IAGARB members at Niagara Falls, Canada on the first day of the AGM Events.

 

Just a quick shot of some of us at Niagara Falls.  This was our first day and we gathered for a trip to Niagara, wine tasting and lunch along Lake Ontario near St. Catharine’s and then a side trip to the Asian Market to pick up some yummy things for an impromptu dinner.

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AGM 2013 The Canadian Celebration 

Welcome to Canada / Bienvenue au Canada!

 

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

 

We have an exciting schedule planned for you!

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013

Our kick-off begins with a tour of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America – Niagara Falls.   We will leave in the morning to view the spectacular falls and take pictures at this iconic location.

 

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Next stop, Niagara Wineries – we have made arrangements at two of our favorite wineries.    We will start at 13th Street for lunch and tastings.  We have a arranged a special lunch including dessert of their regionally famous butter tarts.

We will then move on to Creekside to sample their award winning wines at a private tasting in their barrel cellar.   Always a good time, they describe their approach as “Serious wine from an irreverent bunch.”

For more information you can explore their web sites.

http://www.13thstreetwinery.com

http://www.creeksidewine.com

Dinner by consensus.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Registration testing:  9:00 am – until finished.

10:00 am – Rabbit Anatomy Class / Cooking Class

Learn about the inner workings of your rabbits via a slide show presentation.

A light lunch of soup and salad will be offered.

Afterwards, prepared meat rabbit carcasses will be divided into two recipes:  a Thai Curry by “Chef” Rosalie and Schnitzel by “Chef” Leslie.  Recipes included.  As an added bonus, we look forward to a Goat Cheese Making demonstration by Jane Killpack.

We will bring all of the locally sourced threads together for an early dinner of rabbit, wine and Ontario Monforte sheep, goat and cow cheese.   Side dishes, a vegetarian option and dessert will be included.

And then a bit of work – Sated and sassy, we will review the updates to our 26 year old constitution.

Read more about the exquisite quality of Monforte cheeses:   http://story.monfortedairy.com/inside-monforte-dairy

SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2013

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that knitting designer, teacher and famous author, Sally Melville will be our workshop leader.   In the continuing spirit of a Canadian Celebration, Sally hails from Ottawa, Ontario.

sally

Sally has written and / or co-authored:

  • Warm Knits, Cool Gifts, 2010
  • Mother Daughter Knits, 2009
  • The Knitting Experience Book 3, Color, 2005
  • The Knitting Experience Book 2, The Purl Stitch, 2003
  • The Knitting Experience Book 1, The Knit Stitch, 2002
  • Sally Melville Styles, 1998

and the latest, available March 26, 2013:

Knitting Pattern Essentials: Adapting and Drafting Knitting Patterns for Great Knitwear by Sally Melville (Mar 26, 2013)

Our event will be held 20 minutes outside Brantford, Ontario at the Onondaga Community Centre.  Overlooking the Grand River, this is a charming old brick church / community centre with a kitchen.   When you register, directions will be sent to you.  GPS is not always accurate in this area.

Class Schedule:

9:00 am Coffee, tea and cookies

9:30 am – 12:30 pm:

ESSENTIAL SKILLS (3hr)

No matter how advanced and accomplished we are, there are habits or holes in our knitting repertoire. Perhaps we rely upon the same cast-on, the same increase, the same decrease; perhaps we are confounded by selvedge stitches; perhaps we knit without the awareness that we have choices.

This workshop explores and explains the many techniques we should all have in our repertoire. We’ll talk about which are best suited to each situation and why, and we’ll practice them all with lots of hands-on experience.

SKILL LEVEL beginner intermediate and beyond. (Very experienced knitters get a lot from this class, and so do newer knitters.)
ENROLLMENT 24
SET-UP classroom, flip chart and markers
SUPPLIES TO BRING yarn, knitting needles, crochet hook
HOMEWORK none

HANDOUTS 10pp

12:30 pm to 1:30 pm:

Lunch, Cheese Tasting, and Shopping.

  • Please bring your own lunch.  Coffee, tea and water will be provided.  There are no close restaurants.
  • Cheese Tasting – we will have a selection of fantastic Monforte Sheep, Goat and Cow cheese for you to try and buy.  There will be no tasting charge for people who have registered for classes.
  • Shopping – Angora fibre and Angora Yarns will be available for purchase.   Sample of pieces made from our Co-op yarns will be on display.

1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

KNIT TO FLATTER AND FIT

A knitter who spends the time and energy to make her own clothes should be rewarded with a result that makes her happy and proud. It should fit, it should flatter, and there should be no mystery as to how this happened. But sadly, and too often, this is not the result. Why? Because the knitter chooses the wrong pattern OR chooses the right pattern but follows the directions without questioning them OR makes the right garment but wears it with the wrong thing.

There are a few simple rules to follow for successful knitting: start with styles that flatter, knit with appropriate decisions for a personalized fit, and then wear it with something that makes it look wonderful! This workshop covers all these decisions and puts the power for successful results into your competent hands. Yay!

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT 24
SETUP classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord; flip chart and markers.
HOMEWORK It is essential that this exercise be completed. You will be disappointed if you don’t do this! And please read this carefully, including the NOTE at the bottom.

1.        Dress in something close fitting. (We need to see your real silhouette. You may wear only lingerie, or you may add a bodysuit, a leotard, or tights. But do wear supportive lingerie.)

2.      Standing straight, with arms  slightly away from your side and feet together, have someone take a straight-on, full body (head-to-toe) photo of you. (Have the photo fill the screen as much as possible.)

3.        Print the photo onto plain paper (enlarging it to 8-10″ tall).

4.        Trace your outline only with a heavy black pen: we don’t need your photo anymore, only your outline. Bring your outline to class.

SUPPLIES TO BRING a couple of pages in at least 2 colors of light-weight (20lb or lighter but NOT tracing paper), light-colored paper (that you can trace your outline through); scissors; measuring tape; pencil; eraser

HANDOUTS 4pp

NOTE TO PARTICIPANTS Common homework and supplies errors are the following: arms too far from sides, feet not together, head not included, paper too heavy or too light (tracing paper does not work), photo brought instead of just silhouette, silhouette not outlined or not outlined heavily enough.

IAGARB Members’ Dinner

7:00pm – ?

This is the dinner we have all been waiting for!  Nova Scotia Lobster, drippy herbed lemon butter, PEI potatoes, salad with maple vinaigrette, blueberry pie.  Great conversation late into the night! (an alternative to lobster can be provided)

As usual, we will all chip in equally.   Members who wish to enjoy this dinner will be emailed privately as to the current market price.  Cost for this dinner is not included in the Members 4-Day Package.

 

SUNDAY

9:30 am – 10:30-ish am

We will begin our day with inspiration from Sally Melville’s talk “Why We Do What We Do.”

WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO: the importance of working with our hands

This presentation speaks to what knitting (or other hand work) offers—-from alleviating boredom, to engaging in the creative process, to teaching skills that help us through all aspects of life. Participants will see examples of knitting (although this talk applies to all hand work) while thinking about this work through lenses as diverse as quantum physics, psychology, and global economics.

A light brunch will follow.

Immediately afterwards, the doors will close for our IAGARB AGM Business Meeting and Awards Presentation.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The DaysInn is located off the Wayne Gretsky Parkway exit of the Highway 403. It sits kind of backwards between the Lynden Park Mall and Zehrs Plaza.

 

http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/ontario/brantford/days-inn-brantford/hotel-overview?reg=Local-_-all-_-DI-_-all&cid=IP_Local&wid=local

The rates are normally 94.00 to 129.00 + taxes.  We have reserved our block at $72.00 (83.52 taxes in) per night.

This hotel is pet friendly.  The normal pet fee is 15.00 per night.  This fee has been waived as long as the animals remain in their carriers with a tarp underneath.

Breakfast is included – standard waffle, bagel, cereal, hard-boiled eggs, juice, coffee and tea sort of thing.  If you require something more, Williams Coffee next door can provide that.  There is also a Goodness Me (mini Whole Foods) directly across the street.
DaysInn has a large lounge area open for after hours sittin’ and knittin’.

The rooms have been blocked under the name IAGARB.  When you make your reservations, give them the name IAGARB for your special rate.  The rooms will be held for us until March 27.

 

TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS, PLEASE TURN TO THE AGM WORKSHOP PAGE.  

Payment is through Paypal, but you don’t need to have a Paypal Account to use the shopping cart.  Credit and Debit Cards are accepted through Paypal.

Please read through all the package options before selecting.

 

 

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