Kennet Valley Guild
Weavers, Spinners
and Dyers
Who we are and what we do
The Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners and 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. Our members cover an enormous range of textile skills including weaving, spinning and dyeing, with experience ranging from beginners to experts.
We're now on FaceBook. Join our community and keep up to date with posts and comments.
NEWS • NEWS • NEWS
Next Meeting
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SATURDAY 5th November 2022
St.Mary's Church Hall, Greenham. 10:00am - 5.00pm
Speaker: Marietta Richardson - Natural Dyer & Spinner
The daughter of a talented dressmaker, Marietta grew up in a household surrounded by textiles, but it was knitting and working with wool that inspired her, until in 2016, she fell down the rabbit hole of Spinning, Dyeing and Weaving and became an active member of the London Guild. Marietta now coordinates the Dyeing Interest Group for the London Guild and is the current Chair.
Her talk will cover her journey into natural dyeing, what she has learnt along the way including the challenges she has encountered.
Marietta continues to be inspired by nature's bounty and complexity.
The dyeing landscape has changed and new challenges need to be addressed.
I hope we can discuss these together.
THE KENNET VALLEY GUILD SHUTTLE
The June 2022 Shuttle is ready and waiting for your perusal.
If you would like a printed version the Shuttle, please click the button below and print directly from the file or ask a friend or family member to help you.
JOIN THE KENNET VALLEY GUILD
If you're interested in joining the Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers you can come along to two meetings FOC
before we ask you to sign up. We offer single and family memberships with concessions for senior citizens.
All membership enquiries should be addressed to kvgtreasurer1@gmail.com
EXHIBITION 2023
Exciting news! Our theme is 'Circles & Spheres - An Exploration'. The exhibition will be held at West Berkshire Museum.
Now we can really get creative! Let your imaginations go wild! We'll be setting up some workshops that will link to the theme during 2022, which will give us an opportunity to create exhibits together. More news on these in 2022.
WHITCHURCH SILK MILL
Visit Whitchurch Silk Mill, Shop and Café.
The Mill (Tue-Sun & Bank Holidays) 10:30am - 5pm
Riverside Café (Tue-Sun)10:30am - 4:30pm
Find out more about the mill on their web site https://whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/
From Fleece to Pleats
Paul Henry, Kilt Maker extraordinaire entertained us with tales of tartan through history and in his workshop where he makes bespoke hand made kilts for clients across the globe.
Sue Hiley Harris
Weaver, Spinner and Sculptor Sue Hiley-Harris, shared her creative journey from art school in Australia to contemporary working weaver and sculptor, based in the Brecon Beacons.
Silk Spinning Workshop
Sue Hiley-Harris recently hosted a silk spinning workshop in Newbury. Sue's silk spinning expertise enthralled the group and everyone enjoyed learning new techniques to experiment with at home.
Straw Plaiting
Samples shown at a talk on Straw Plaiting