Kennet Valley Guild
Weavers, Spinners
and Dyers
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. Our members cover an enormous range of textile skills, with experience ranging from beginners to experts. We have recently celebrated our 40th Anniversary!
We're now on FaceBook. Join our community and keep up to date with posts and comments.
NEWS • NEWS • NEWS
SATURDAY 4th December
FULL DAY GUILD MEETING - 10am-5pm at St.Mary's Church Hall, Greenham
Don't miss it!
If you're coming along to the Church Hall meeting, please have a read through Page 3 of the September Shuttle for information about Covid19 safety protocols. Thank you.
Trophy Winners
Congratulations to all of our trophy winners.
EXHIBITION 2023
Now is the time to plan ahead. The venue for the 2023 Exhibition needs to be booked asap, so with that in mind, we need to agree on a theme. If you've got an idea for the 2023 exhibition theme, please let Pat know. We'll be voting soon so please put your thinking caps on.
THE KENNET VALLEY GUILD SHUTTLE
The September Shuttle is ready and waiting for your perusal. There's an in-depth exhibition report, an extremely interesting article from Anne about her recent dyeing activities, and Hamish has been out and about in society again, as have quite a few of our Members.
Enjoy!
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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.
Please note, submissions for the December edition need to be with Lynne by the end of November at the latest.
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 before we ask you to sign up.
All membership enquiries should be addressed to kvgtreasurer1@gmail.com
WHITCHURCH SILK MILL
Whitchurch Silk Mill, shop, Cafe and outdoor seating areas are open again from 9:30am-4:30pm daily.
Find out more about the mill on their web site https://whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/
Sad News
Kathleen Harris, a much loved and respected member of the Kennet Valley Guild has sadly passed away. In memory of his Mother, Kathleen's son Adrian has set up a Just Giving page for donations to Stroke Association.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kathleennharris
The March 2022 Guild Meeting will be dedicated to the memory of Kathleen.
Zoom Chat Links - a rich resource of info!
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.
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/
Lockdown Projects :-)
Take a look through these projects and be inspired to weave, knit, crochet, spin, make tapestries and so much more...
Sue Hiley Harris
Our Speaker for February, 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.
Exhibition 2021
Coming Soon! An overview of the Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers, Summer Exhibition at the West Berkshire Museum in Newbury. Our theme; I must go down to the seas again
Straw Plaiting
Samples shown at a talk on Straw Plaiting
