Stratford-upon-Avon Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers

 This month was our Guild's 51st anniversary, so we celebrated with a buffet spread and some more social-oriented activities. We went through and presented our UFOs (UnFinished Objects) and why they were incomplete, what we intended to do with them. Lots of good ideas were shared! We also showcased on this year's Chair Challenge: a A5 bunting to represent the guild. They were all wonderful, which meant it was hard to vote for the favourite! But in the end, Linda Ledger's bee bunting out of old t-shirts brought home the prize. If you missed it, it's not too late, anybody willing to offer bunting is appreciated. The idea is to string them together and use it on the Gazebo during demonstrations. Next month, we'll talk about weaving essentials and prepare the wraps for Ikat weaving. There will be rigid-heddle looms for people to try on!

One of our lovely members, Debbie Watson presented a talk on growing your own dye garden! Interlaced by stories and experiments, we learned about the challenges of planting, harvesting, storing and using homegrown dyes. Debbie's methodology was very organised and scientific, by comparing the dyes on multiple textiles. It was greatly inspiring, can't wait to buy some seeds before the good weather disappears.   

On Saturday 21st March, our meeting focused on Spinning. As one of our 'Lets Learn Together' sessions, its a chance to share our knowledge within the group and learn as we go.  Spindles a plenty. Basic spinning techniques on the  wheel and the spindle, novelty yarns, English long draw, and any other techniques that we  can share. Spinning tools from e-spinners, wheels and spindles were available to try brought by members and provided from the Guilds equipment. Ruth's Ashford wheel was sold!

We're back in person the Methodist Hall, after a particularly wet winter! Pat Atkins kicked us off with a talk on warp-weighted looms. This is one of the first looms in human history, and is still used to this day in Scandinavia. And what an endeavour that was! If you didn't have a chance to try it yourself, and were sitting too far, we'll upload a video of it on the Members' Only blog , check it out! It definitely doesn't have the convenience of modern looms. Pat's presentation was funny and instructive. She gave us unique insights into the experiences of weavers and women of that time. Our next meeting will be on March 21st, we'll sharing skills around spinning. Don't forget your wheel (or spindle👀) and see you there!

  This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY Wishing everyone  a very Happy New Year  and all our best wishes  for a Healthy and Crafty 2026 and beyond.

Our next Guild meeting is this coming Saturday 13th December.  Doors open as usual at 10.15 am for a 10.30 am start.  All very welcome. Our December meeting will be following its traditional form, crafting, usually something a little different from our normal creations, and chatting & enjoying festive food with our friends.  This year we will be trying out Indian Block printing, Linda will be our main source of inspiration and information though many of us have done this before so it could be a real sharing of skills. Please bring along any blocks and fabric paints that you have, kitchen roll or something similar to mop up, cotton or similar fabric to print onto and if you have pieces that you have produced before, or bought, it would be lovely to see those too.  Linda will be bringing water based fabric dyes, suitable for children.  There will be pieces of card to mix your colours on, paintbrushes and foam brushed to transfer paint to your bl...

Next guild meeting will be the 2025 Open Day! This is a day where anybody can come in for free to try out our guild and crafts, and we're excited! With the exhibition this August and our 50th year anniversary, we have been working to fulfil our core mission: Stimulate the interests in the crafts of Spinning, Weaving, and Dyeing! So join us to welcome visitors and potential new members on Saturday 18th October! This is an occasion to show off our skills, our finished products and teach our tools. We will be in the Foyer of the Methodist Hall, so finding us should be more straightforward than usual.  Visitors are welcome from 11am to 3pm, you can stay for a long or as little as you'd like. Beginners and experts alike. All ages can come but any child under 16 years old must stay accompanied. Service dogs (and service dogs in training) are accepted. The Methodist Hall is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp leading to the front door. Tea, coffee and cakes will be available thanks to ...