Who we are and what we do
The Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers was formed in 1977 when Jan and John Shailes got together with some friends in their sitting room to spin. As time went on, more people came along, and the group decided to join Berkshire Guild. In 1979, the growing band, struggling to get to Sonning for Guild meetings, took the plunge and formed their own Guild in Newbury, which has been in existence continuously since then. We have 80+ members, who between them cover an enormous range of textile skills, with experience ranging from beginners to experts. We have just celebrated our 40th Anniversary!
We're now on FaceBook. Join our community and keep up to date with posts and comments.
NEWS • NEWS • NEWS
Drum roll...it's what you've been waiting for...the new edition of The Shuttle.
Thank you Lynne for putting it all together and to all of the contributors.
It's a very interesting issue with lots of personality. Find out about the Guild Challenge. Enjoy!
Ruth Saunders' marathon at 104 !
Life member Ruth Saunders is undertaking a marathon 25 mile walk in support of Thames Valley Air Ambulance
Ruth has been in lockdown for months and wants to help.
If you would like to donate to Ruth's marathon effort appeal, please use this link to the Just Giving page.
Good luck Ruth from everyone at the Kennet Valley Guild.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ruthsaunders104
Whitchurch Silk Mill has reopened so please spread the word and visit this fantastic heritage gem. There's a special exhibition of archive silks to wander around and the cafe is open for takeaway drinks and cakes. Sounds like a good day out!
Guild member, Pat Foster has launched her new web site which we thoroughly recommend you take some time to enjoy.
Pat recently published The Draft Book by Jeremiah Fielding 1775 (edited by Pat, and Guild Members, Janet Dunbar and Lynne Harper). Many of our Guild members wove the samples that feature throughout the book. If you're interested in history and weaving it's a must for your book shelf. Pat invites anyone who chooses to weave any of the drafts to send her photos of the process and finished piece.
The book is proving to be enormously popular here in the UK and in the USA.
You can order a copy on Pat's web site. https://www.patfosterweaverdyer.com/
New! - Zoom Chat Links
For everyone who would like to follow up on our discussions and the shared resources that emerge at our Zoom Meetings - enjoy perusing these links. The subject matter is diverse and reflects the interesting conversations we have.
November Guild Meeting and
Sue Malvern's Talk
'Estonian Textiles'
Friday November 6th - 10:30am
Sue will cover aspects of spinning, weaving, dyeing, knitting, braid making and embroidery.
Invitations will be sent out nearer the time. If you don't receive one and you would like to join us, please get in touch via kvgwebmaster@gmail.com
Nettles For Textiles
If you enjoyed hearing Allan's talk or couldn't join in on the day; have a look at his web site for a comprehensive overview of the subject. There are videos, and all manner of inspirational information to give you the bug for nettle fibre spinning.
Thank you Allan - we all enjoyed your talk immensely.
Lockdown Projects :-)
What does a Kennet Valley Guild member do when we're all locked down? Get busy!
Take a look through these projects and be inspired to weave, knit, crochet, spin, make tapestries and so much more...
Guild Meetings Cancelled - A note from our Chairman
August 24, 2020
Dear Members,
The extraordinary times continue and I hope you are all well.
We have decided to cancel all meetings for the forseeable future. But we are embracing a new way to communicate with you - ZOOM! Look out for membership emails for an overview of the meeting sessions and how to get involved.
Please keep an eye on the Facebook page and the website as we hope to use them for everyone to share their activities. Photos are always welcome for the Facebook and web site gallery.
Stay safe and healthy
Louisa
