Prepare to be fleeced in Mill Bay
Alison Irwin, of the Tzouhalem Spinners and Weavers Guild, provides weaving tips to Susan Hatt and Jocelyn Harder of Victoria during the annual Fleece and Fibre Fair.
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The recent Fleece & Fibre Fair in Duncan was an hors d’oeuvre for this month’s Tzouhalem Spinners & Weavers Guild’s interactive Weavers’ Sale at Mill Bay’s Loft gallery, guild members say.
“Walls that normally hold framed pictures will now be the backdrop for a veritable smorgasbord of colour, texture and pattern,” said Alison Irwin, “all executed in fine threads or heavier yarns made from silk, cotton, wool, mohair or other fibres.”
For the past year, guild members have been busy with spinning wheels, looms, knitting needles and Kumihimo braiding stands creating articles for this sale, she explained.
“With the festive season coming up, visitors are certainly encouraged to keep their Christmas lists in mind.
“Many items on display are one-of-a-kind, so the Weavers’ Sale at the Loft could be the perfect place to shop for that perfect gift.”
A couple of little looms will also be set up in the gallery-cum-studio space.
“They’re there for people to try out, just to see what’s involved in throwing a shuttle and changing a shed,” said Irwin.
“You won’t have to look far for help because guild members will be in attendance throughout the sale.
“Many will also have a small project of their own on the go, something to keep their hands busy while they mind the ‘studio’ and greet visitors.”
Specific demonstrations happen on the Saturdays: Nov. 7 was bobbin lace; Nov. 21 will be locker hooking; and Nov. 28 inkle weaving.
On Nov. 14, a lecture at Pine Lodge Farm features Florence Feldman-Wood of Andover, MA.
The editor-publisher of The Spinning Wheel Sleuth will spin yarns about Clues to Researching Textile Tools.
Her lecture — a fundraiser for the Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives, and Shawnigan Lake Museum — occurs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the farm at 3191 Mutter Rd., Mill Bay. Tickets are $15 at the door and at both museums, from guild members, or call Els van Dam at 250-743-0851.
Your ticket:
What: Tzouhalem Spinners & Weavers’ Guild Weavers’ Sale
When: Daily except Sundays until Dec. 3
Where: Loft Gallery above Valley Vines to Wines, Mill Bay Centre
Tickets: Free. Call 250-743-4647 or 746-6330
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