“Back in the Saddle Again” at the Amador County Fair
with Del Oro Spinners and Weavers
written by Kathleen McPherson
For 37 years Del Oro Spinners and Weavers have warped and twisted the themes from the Amador County Fair to fit their fiber adventures as they created a display that engaged the public and brought new interest into their world of fiber. The theme this year, ‘Back In The Saddle Again,” fit both our region and the long pause between fairs.
Del Oro got “Western.” You can’t have a theme like that unless you honor the Silver Screen Cowboy who made the song popular, so, enter Gene Autry. A herd of others joined our stampede and we were on the trail to a successful display. Our backdrop featuring longhorn cattle and Jimson Weed, was painted by Colleen Justi. We added inkle bands, rope machines, pin looms to make stick horses, felted flowers for hats, card woven bands, beaded scarves, Susie Hodges inspired boas for pony manes and tails, kumihimo braids for fancy shirts, and bow loom woven bridles, But our Poet “Lariat” tells it best.
Back In The Saddle Again
or
Who Is that Rhinestone Cowboy?
A song from the past, the signature tune, of the one and only Gene Autry ,
is the inspiration for Del Oro this year as they tackled the fair theme with glee.
Cowboys and Cowgirls of the Silver Screen and the flashy attire that they wore
set the stage for Del Oro to show you just how they dressed Silver Screen troubadours.
Scarves, fringe, and horse manes danced in the wind as they galloped across the screen.
As the camera closed in, they sang us a tune and costumes would glitter and gleam.
Smiley pockets, piping, and rhinestones of course made each of these outfits unique.
Check out the way these embellishments are done, we have featured many techniques.
Not to forget their equine co-stars, tacked in silver, they dazzled us all.
We’ve honored a couple, we put them on sticks! And brought them out of their stall.
We wove them with love, and tacked ‘em up right with bands that are made many ways.
You can’t be Back In The Saddle if your four-legged friend isn’t featured in our display.
We’ve made ropes, and reins, piping galore; we’ve beaded everything in sight
Weaving was done on many kinds of looms and we dyed some silk scarves to delight.
You’re invited to explore, then come see us next door, we’re in the Pokerville den.
Del Oro members “Embellished the West” now that we’re “Back In The Saddle Again.”
The Poet Lariat