About Marion
Marion tells how she and the other kids would ride the ferry that ran from the island to the peninsula, then when the ferry operator came to collect the five cent fare they would jump into the water. Of course they spent most of their young lives on or in the water so swimming to shore was no problem.
A teacher at her grade school taught her to spin at age 9 and she was introduced to weaving by another teacher when she was 12. She has been spinning and weaving ever since.
As owner of "Knit N' Stitch" in Newport Beach for 18 years she became a recognized authority on most fibre arts skills and has taught spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, quilting, tatting, lacemaking and even macrame! Knit N' Stitch evolved into a needlepoint finishing business with several employees and they made pillows, wall hangings, glasses cases and just about everything that could be made using needlepoint.
After selling the business she was asked by Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California to be the Ghost Town Spinner/Weaver and held that job for 15 years until retiring in 1999.
Retirement was never really an option so when the Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, California asked her to be their Mission Spinner/Weaver she jumped at the chance and now volunteer's her time there 3 or 4 days a week. If you visit the Mission, you'll probably find her there spinning merrily and telling tall tales to crowds of visitors.
Marion lives in San Juan Capistrano with her husband, 8 floor looms, 3 table looms, 2 tapestry looms, 7 spinning wheels, 2 sewing machines and one cat. She is an author, lecturer, judge and teacher. In addition, Marion is the Southern California Representative for the Handweavers Guild of America and after serving one term as President of the South Coast Weavers and Spinners Guild she was re-elected a few years later 5 years in a row!. For over 20 years she has demonstrated spinning and weaving techniques at the Orange County Fair and has judged many events.
Lectures & Instruction by Marion
Come Spin With Me- Demonstration of spinning all types of fibers. I arrive in costume(with bonnet on head). I bring two spinning wheels and lots of drop spindles so audience can participate. Stories, lots of hand spun yarns, weaving with handspun etc. etc....Time: 1 1/2 hours. Fee: $150.00
Here Comes The Bag Lady!- Presentation of over 50 handwoven bags. Stories of how they were created. The HOW-TO of the construction and embellishments. Time: 1 hour. Fee: $150.00
Tassel Making- A hands on tassel making workshop. All materials for tassels will be provided. A good follow-up for the Bag Lady session if more time is required. Time: 1 Hour. Fee: $50.00
Spindles Galore- A showcase of over 20 different types of drop spindles showing how they spin all kinds of fiber into yarn. History of spindle spinning with stories of long ago. Time: 1 hour. Fee: $100
Instruction
- Weaving
- Spinning
- Knitting
- Crochet
- Needlepoint
- Macrame