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Story: Right now you may be wondering, “What is the North Peace Spinners and Weavers Guild?”

Our guild is a non-profit group of individuals who foster and promote the fiber arts in the Fort St John and Hudson Hope areas. Fiber arts include a variety of activities such as spinning yarn from raw fiber, weaving, dyeing fiber including the use of natural and synthetic dyes, and felting. Education and demonstrations held at public events such as the annual Fall Fair and Art in the Park on Canada Day provide the public with opportunities to share in our enjoyment of the creation of a variety of fiber arts.

Members benefit from the mutual support, exchange of ideas, camaraderie, educational retreats, workshops, and equipment rental. This past year our guild was involved in many activities. Spinning days are held once per month at individual members’ homes where spinning is accompanied by good food and company. Recently we undertook a successful shawl project in which 18 shawls which were woven, knitted and crocheted by individual members and will now be donated to the local women’s shelter. Guild equipment housed at the ArtsPost facility provides a venue for members to weave group projects. There, new members have the opportunity to learn from experienced weavers and to collaborate on projects.

This year, projects included, double weave wool blankets, thick and thin cotton blankets. Currently a waffle weave warp is being planned for placemats and table runners. An annual retreat was organized at the Blueberry Camp last winter for 3 days of fun, laughter and a variety of fiber arts creations. A workshop was hosted in Spring featuring Master Spinner, Michelle Boyd, who taught a workshop entitled, “Spinning Superior Socks.” Our guild holds retreats and workshops regularly and can be appreciated by newcomers and long-time spinners and weavers alike!

Guild meeting are held the third Saturday of each month. Please check the Fort St. John Community Arts Council Website (www.fsjarts.org) for more details on our guild and for contact information. New members are very welcome.