The following workshops have been offered over the past few years.
Date: Oct 28th, Nov 4th and 11th from 1:30pm to 4:30 pm
Location: Brentwood Bay
Cost: $150 for Guild members and $190 for non-Guild members.
Wheels may be available for the workshop, if you are a Guild member you can also rent a wheel after the workshop is over.
This workshop will get you started in the world of spinning, you’ll learn some of the terms used for wheels and fibre as well as several spinning techniques and plying. Fibre will be provided for an additional $25.
Week 1: Learn to names of all the parts on the spinning wheel, and different wheel set-ups (double drive, Scotch tension, Irish tension), learn to spin Short Forward Draft
Week 2: What does it mean to spin Worsted or Woolen? What’s the difference between batts, roving and top? What if you want to buy a fleece? Learn to spin Short Backward Draft. Practice on using combs and handcarders.
Week 3: What should you look for or look out for when purchasing a wheel? Learn to ply.
See the Workshops for registration details.
Learn the vocabulary and basic skills of making your own fabric on a 4-shaft loom. The instructors will lead you through making a warp and dressing a loom as well as weaving techniques and planning a project. No experience or equipment is required, but if you have your own loom, please let the instructor examine it before class. An extra materials fee may be required for your final project.
September 23rd, (not October 14th) to October 28th, 2023
Five Saturday afternoons – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
A sixth class may be added if necessary.
Number of Students: Maximum 6, minimum 3
Cost: $350.00 guild members ($390.00 for non-guild members)
Workshop registration form is available on the Victoria Handweavers’ and Spinners’ Guild web site: vhwsg.ca/activities/workshops/. Workshop fees are payable by e-transfer – See registration form. Phone 250-721-1873 if you require more information.
Date: April 8th, 15th and 22nd from 1:30pm to 4:30 pm Location: Brentwood Bay
Cost: $150 for Guild members and $190 for non-Guild members.
Wheels may be available for the workshop, if you are a Guild member you can also rent a wheel after the workshop is over.
This workshop will get you started in the world of spinning, you’ll learn some of the terms used for wheels and fibre as well as several spinning techniques and plying. Fibre will be provided for an additional $25.
Week 1: Learn to names of all the parts on the spinning wheel, and different wheel set-ups (double drive, Scotch tension, Irish tension), learn to spin Short Forward Draft
Week 2: What does it mean to spin Worsted or Woolen? What’s the difference between batts, roving and top? What if you want to buy a fleece? Learn to spin Short Backward Draft
Week 3: What should you look for or look out for when purchasing a wheel? Learn to ply.
Visit the Workshops page for registration details.
April 29th ( not May 20th) to June 3rd , 2023*
Five Saturday afternoons – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
*A sixth class on June 10th may be added if necessary.
Number of Students: Maximum 6, minimum 3
Workshop registration form available on the Victoria Handweavers’ and Spinners’ Guild web site: vhwsg.ca
Cost: $350.00 guild members ($390.00 for non-guild members)
payable by e-transfer – See registration form.
Description:
Learn the vocabulary and basic skills of making your own fabric on a 4-shaft loom. The instructor will lead you through making a warp and dressing a loom as well as weaving techniques and planning a project. No experience or equipment is required, but if you have your own loom, please let the instructor examine it before class. An extra materials fee (approx. $25.00) may be required if you wish to have special yarn for your final project.
Date: March 11th /23. Workshop will be a full day, you will need to bring your lunch and drinks.
Register no later than Feb 15/23 Register here
Number of participants: 8-10 spinners
Cost: $120/person for VHWSG members OR $160/person for non-members.
Instructor: Vanessa Bjerreskov (Master Spinner graduate 2017)
Yarn Construction for Fibre Artists: What makes certain yarns better for certain projects? Why do a perfectly lovely yarn and a great pattern sometimes just not work out? Yarn construction impacts the suitable end use of a yarn. When you are attempting to figure out a pattern for stash yarn, or trying to find yarn for a pattern, it’s important to know how yarn construction factors interact so you can make an informed decision.
Workshop Description:
Yarn Construction for Spinners (one-day workshop): Following up on the February lecture, Vanessa Bjerreskov will join spinners of the VHWSG for a day experimenting with yarn construction techniques. Break out of your default spin in thoughtful and deliberate ways and create the yarn that will work for the end use you envision! We’ll also examine different fibres and make decisions about how best to spin them for great end products.
Experience Needed: This would be a beginner/intermediate class; ability to spin a consistent singles on a wheel, some experience spinning with woollen techniques would be good but is not essential. For spindle-only spinners, I can accommodate them if they have experience with both suspended and supported spindles.
Date: Oct 29th, Nov 5th and 12th from 1:30pm to 4:30 pm
Location: Near Fairgrounds on the Saanich Peninsula
Cost: $150 for Guild members and $190 for non-Guild members.
Wheels will be available for the workshop, if you are a Guild member you can also rent a wheel after the workshop is over.
This workshop will get you started in the world of spinning, you’ll learn some of the terms used for wheels and fibre as well as several spinning techniques and plying. Fibre will be provided for an additional $25.
Week 1: Learn to names of all the parts on the spinning wheel, and different wheel set-ups (double drive, Scotch tension, Irish tension), learn to spin Short Forward Draft
Week 2: What does it mean to spin Worsted or Woolen? What’s the difference between batts, roving and top? What if you want to buy a fleece? Learn to spin Short Backward Draft
Week 3: What should you look for or look out for when purchasing a wheel? Learn to ply.
To register visit the Workshops page on the guild website.
This class is now full.
We will be having a Basket weaving workshop making a Zarzo flower basket (gathering basket), with Johanne Byskov. There will be room for 8 participants.
Cost: will be approx $35/person
Date: June 25th
Location: Central Saanich (address will be sent to registered participants)
Register but please do not send payment until June 1.
September 18 – October 23, 2022 Five Sunday afternoons (not the 9th which is Thanksgiving) – 1:00 pm to 5:00pm
Maximum Number of Students: 6
Cost: Members $320.00 Non-members $360.00
Workshop registration form and payment information is available on the Victoria Handweavers’ and Spinners’ Guild web site: vhwsg.ca
This class will introduce students to various weave structures. Any one of these could be an in-depth class of its own, but here you will get a taste of different structures, looms, and fibres. This will be a ‘round robin’ class: each student will receive a warp and details for threading your loom at home before coming to class. The looms will be taken to (and left at) the studio for the duration of the class so students will be able to work on each one. Students, please indicate which structure you wish to put on your loom.
1. M’s and O’s
2. Bronson Lace
3. Swedish Lace
4. Summer & Winter
5. Crackle
6. Overshot
Workshop looms are available from the Guild to guild members if you don’t have your own to bring to class.
Date: March 12th, 19th and 26th from 1:30pm to 4:30 pm
Location: Near Fairgrounds on the Saanich Peninsula
Cost: $150 for Guild members and $190 for non-Guild members
This workshop will get you started in the world of spinning, you’ll learn some of the terms used for wheels and fibre as well as several spinning techniques and plying. Fibre will be provided for an additional $25.
Week 1: Learn to names of all the parts on the spinning wheel, and different wheel set-ups (double drive, Scotch tension, Irish tension), learn to spin Short Forward Draft
Week 2: What does it mean to spin Worsted or Woolen? What’s the difference between batts, roving and top? What if you want to buy a fleece? Learn to spin Short Backward Draft
Week 3: What should you look for or look out for when purchasing a wheel? Learn to ply.
Wheels will be available for the workshop, if you are a Guild member you can also rent a wheel after the workshop is over.
30th April to the 4th June 2022
Five Saturday afternoons (not 21st May – Victoria Day long weekend) – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Number of Students: 4
Cost: $350.00 for guild members ($390.00 for non-guild members)
Learn the vocabulary and basic skills of making your own fabric on a 4-shaft loom. The instructor will lead you through making a warp and dressing a loom as well as weaving techniques and planning a project. No experience or equipment is required, but if you have your own loom, please let the instructor examine it before class. An extra materials fee (approx. $20.00) may be required if you wish to have special yarn for your final project.
September 12th to October 25th, 2021
Five Sunday afternoons (not the 19th or Thanksgiving) – 1:00 pm to 5:00pm
Number of Students: One space open
Learn the vocabulary and basic skills of making your own fabric on a 4-shaft loom. The instructor will lead you through making a warp and dressing a loom as well as weaving techniques and planning a project. No experience or equipment is required, but if you have your own loom, please let the instructor examine it before class. An extra materials fee (approx. $20.00) may be required if you wish to have special yarn for your final project.
Cost: $350.00
Fill out the Guild Workshop registration form,
AND
Send a cheque payable to The Victoria Handweavers’ & Spinners’ Guild
Mail to:
Victoria Handweavers’ and Spinners’ Guild, University Heights R.P.O. Box 31125, Victoria, BC V8N 6J3
We will be offering this Zoom workshop by Linda Hartshorn on Jan 29, Feb 5 & 6th 2022.
The workshop runs 2 1/2 days. On the full days lectures are 3 times a day, usually 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm our time. The 4 pm is a review and sharing of the student’s work. The last day is one lecture at 10 am usually.
Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Cost: Cost for non-Guild members will be $200 (does not include supplies). Currently there are 6 spaces open.
Material List:
Floor or table loom, 8 or more shafts, in good working order. Loom will be pre-warped according to instructions. Two boat shuttles with bobbins, scissors, weft yarn in a variety of colors and weights, tape measure. Pen, pencil and paper for notetaking and drafting exercises. Computer, internet access and Zoom capability.
Those interested in this workshop can fill out the Workshop Registration form and email a pdf me workshops@vhwsg.ca.
This workshop is currently FULL. If people are interested in another workshop with Kim, we can start a waitlist. Please email workshops@vhwsg.ca
This Workshop will be on line, a computer with Zoom video and audio will be required to participate in the workshop. The workshop is planned for later in Sept/21 but we are required to confirm participation by March. If you are interested in taking the workshop, please email workshops@vhwsg.ca to confirm.
Workshop Description:
Session I: Backward Worsted Draft Twist and its Nuances
Session II: 2 Ply yarns
Session III: 3 ply yarns
Note: Students would spin singles as homework for Part II and Part III. Also leaving about 2 weeks between Part I and II gives people time to spin the singles for the plying exercises in Part II. Part III can be one week after Part II as there is not as much homework.
Date: Sunday afternoons Sept 20 to Oct 25th (not including Thanksgiving)
Time: 1:00pm -5:00pm
Location: Weaving studio at Sunhill Farms (Old West Saanich Rd)
Cost: $210 for Guild members and $260 for non-Guild members
Materials: Looms and materials included
Class: Minimum 3 Maximum 6
Learn the vocabulary and basic skills of making your own fabric on a 4-shaft loom. The instructor will lead you through making a warp and dressing a loom as well as weaving techniques and planning a project. No experience or equipment is required, but if you have your own loom, please let the instructor examine it before class. An extra materials fee (approx. $20.00) may be required if you wish to have special yarn for your final project.
Please fill out a Workshop Registration form c/w cheque ( https://vhwsg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/VHWSGworkshopregform.pdf )
Date: Sunday afternoons January 19, 26, February 2,9 & 16th, 2020
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Location: Weaving studio at Sunhill Farms (Old West Saanich Rd)
Cost: $165 for Guild members and $215 for non-Guild members
Materials: You may use your own yarns or order from Jane Stafford Textiles
Class: Minimum 3 Maximum 8
Plan your next project under the guidance and mentorship of experienced weavers, make your warp and dress your loom. Bring and use your own loom (or arrange to use a floor loom at studio).
The first class will be planning your project and determining the type and amount of yarn you will need. You may use your own yarns or order for your project from Jane Stafford Textiles.
Please fill out a Workshop Registration form c/w cheque ( https://vhwsg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/VHWSGworkshopregform.pdf )
Date: Bronze March 7, 2020 (FULL); Silver March 8, 2020
Time: 9:30am-4:00pm with a lunch break
Location: Victoria Community Living 3861 Cedar Hill Cross Rd (same place as our Drop-Ins)
Cost: $90/session (per day) for guild members and $120/session (per day) for non-guild members
Class Size: Up to 13 people will fit comfortably in the room
Materials: You will need to bring a computer with Fiberworks loaded on it. There is a trial copy for free but you cannot save your designs or print them.(Check out the website for more information:
http://www.fiberworks-pcw.com); Small binder or writing pad to take notes.
Registration: Please fill out a Workshop Registration form c/w cheque ( https://vhwsg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/VHWSGworkshopregform.pdf )
Bring your lunch and snacks, tea and coffee will be provided
Day 1 Bronze Level: (FULL)
The focus is on the Bronze version, but it’s OK if participants have Silver
Basic editing functions
Drawing tools
Adding colours
Making your own colours
Inserting and deleting
Varying thread thickness
Selection, copy and paste
Moving ahead
Repeats
Designing in the tie-up
Liftplans
Introduction to Block Substitution
Saving and organizing your files
Printing and image capture
Day 2 Silver Level:
Advanced functions available in Silver
Shaft shuffler
Block substitution
Free form design.
Pattern lines and Networks
Interleaving
Parallel repeats
The Sketchpad
Running the Dobby Loom
Layout considerations and threading
Loom and port setup
Weaving – sequence options
Corrections and Unweave
Marking out a range
Adding, editing or removing picks mid sequence
Diagnostic tools
If the loom section is omitted, I will do a quick review of key points from Day 1.
This Workshop is now FULL
Nov 16th and 30th
1:00-4:00 pm
3 Students Max
$100 including Supplies and Equipment
Want to learn how to spin and create beautiful yarn in colours and textures that you want? Then come and join us for a beginning spinning class. You’ll learn how the wheel works and how to take care of it.. You’ll practice spinning with rolags, roving, batts and top and create your first yarn. Learning to ply will also be covered. There will also be some discussion on fleece preparation, using hand carders and drumcarders. Bring your own wheel if you have one and for those that don’t, there will be a wheel available to use.
Jill is currently in the Master’s Spinners program at Olds College in Alberta. She and her husband are actively involved in the farming community and Jill has been teaching kids in the 4H Club the value of the fleeces from their sheep, teaching them to spin, prepare and even dyeing.
The workshop will feature 4 lace weave projects on 4 different floor looms. I will take a motif and translate it into blocks and then into a project draft with the tie up. You will learn the blocks and rules for these lace weaves. The looms will be warped and ready for you.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact by e mail: kathready@shaw.ca.
Sunday afternoons starting May 26, 2019, 4 weeks possibly 5 with 4 hours class time each week.
$190 for Guild Members; $230 for non-members, materials fee included
4 students maximum
Prerequisite: Need to have taken a beginners weaving class and be able to read a simple draft.
To register fill out the Workshop Registration form and bring it with payment to a meeting or send it by post to the Guild mailing address.
This class is intended to be a sampler of weave structures including lace and two-shuttle weavings. This is a ‘round robin’ class, so students will weave samples in the studio on a variety of looms during class time. Directions to Sunhill Orchard Studio will be supplied to registered students.
Dates: September 22, 29, October 6, 20, and 27, 2019 (Sunday afternoons) 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Minimum 3 students, Maximum 9 students.
Cost: Members $335 / Non-members $385 (includes materials)
Workshop application available on the Guild website under ‘Forms’. Please complete and submit
Learn to skirt a fleece and assess its wool qualities. This workshop will reflect the Olds College Fibre Week class on Wool Judging. It will be a hands on examination of a number of different local sheep fleeces. We will review scoring sheets and you will go home with samples. The workshop will be held in a warehouse in Sidney on Saturday, June 1, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Coffee and tea provided.
Maximum participants: 6
Instructor: Jill Yelland-DeMooy
No workshop fee.
Please complete workshop application form from the Guild website and submit to Guild mailing address.