True yarn. The Tzouhalem Spinners and Weavers Guild have been going strong for just over 50 years.
"It's wonderful knowing that people continue to practice these crafts, once considered a necessity in order to have fabrics to wear, to sleep between, to keep the weather out," said exhibit coordinator Alison Irwin. "Now we can do this because we enjoy the doing and love the challenge of working through the process from idea to project."
The dream of weavers and spinners forming a club in Duncan began when a group of seven who shared a common thread met one November afternoon in 1973. Now, a little more than 50 years later, they have more than 80 fibre enthusiasts on their roster. Spinning, which is typically done with natural fibers such as wool, flax, cotton, or silk, is the process of producing thread out of raw fiber, while weaving is the process of taking threads and turning them into cloth, which is most often carried out on a loom.
To mark the historical milestone from last fall, members of the guild will host an exhibit showcasing more than 50 projects on display in the Priscilla Lowe Gallery out of the Cowichan Valley Museum located at 130 Canada Ave. from July 15 to the 28 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., where they will showcase a variety of both new and past colourful hand-spun and handwoven projects. Attendees can also expect to see a spinning wheel, spindles and looms, one of which will be set up for visitors to try their hand at weaving. Other highlights will include fibre, knitting, bobbin lace, kumihimo braids, and baskets.
"One or two members will be on site throughout the exhibit who will be able to chat with visitors, demonstrate whatever handwork they've brought with them, and answer questions," said Irwin.
Irwin, who has created many pieces to date, has been spinning and weaving with the guild for the last 45 years, and over that span has worn many hats including secretary, two-time president, workshop coordinator and presenter, a conference rep for the Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds, spinning and weaving chairperson for Cowichan Exhibition, and has even been the editor for the guild's newsletter, back when they were typed, photocopied and mailed out, Irwin notes.
"I remember telling my sons who are now in their mid-40s when they were much younger that I considered my membership in the Guild to be equivalent to going to college without the higher cost of tuition and being able to live at home," said Irwin. "There is always an opportunity to learn something new about a weaving technique. Sharing this passion with like-minded individuals is also a huge plus. Show-and-tell has to be the best part of each meeting when we get to hear about and see projects people have made."
It has been some time since the guild was small enough to meet monthly in the homes of its members, so now they meet 10 months of the year inside St. Peter’s Church Hall on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month with July and August generally reserved as a break from business with more of a focus on informal get-togethers. The guild is always looking to welcome more members to join for a $50 annual fee, which goes towards the rent at St. Peter's Church Hall. For more information on the guild visit www.tzouhalemspinnersweaversguild.com.
"Anyone considering joining is welcome to come to a meeting to find out more about the guild before committing to the annual fee," said Irwin. "To attend a special workshop, there is generally an additional charge, that will depend on the fee for the instructor, supplies, length of workshop, and venue. I hope seeing what is on display and listening to our members will hopefully make attendees of our exhibit aware that spinning, weaving and all fibre arts are not dying arts, and that they continue to play an important part in our lives."
