FAQ
Q. I would like to learn to spin but work on Thursdays when your guild meets. Can you help?
A. Our guild currently offers 'night' spinning each 2nd Tuesday of the month from 7:00pm – 9:30pm at Littlehampton Hall. You could bring your own wheel or use one of the guild's. If you have suitable fibre, bring it or we may have some to practice with. Alternatively, the Handspinners and Weavers Guild SA at Mile End offers beginner spinning classes several times a year. See more at https://sites.google.com/site/handspinweavesa
Q. I would like to learn to weave on a loom, can you help?
A. We recommend you begin by joining a class with Bev Bills who offers Beginners to Advanced, traditional, creative, 2, 4 & 8 shaft at her Studio at Brooklyn Park, Mon 9:30-2:45 and Sat 1-4. Email Bev at bbills@bigpond.net.au Once you've learned the basics, and if you have a portable loom (eg rigid heddle), you could bring it to our guild meetings. Most 4th Thursdays of each month, some of our guild members who weave meet at a member's home to share advice and ideas.
Q. We would like someone to come to our location (eg school, old folks home, open day, show) to demonstrate spinning / weaving. Can you help?
A. Volunteer members of our guild demonstrate our craft at various locations each year. Please contact our Secretary (Contact Form) with details of date/s, times, location, space available, and contact details well in advance. We will try to help out.
Q. I have fleece (sheep or wool) I'd like to donate, can you advise?
A. Some guild members occasionally accept donated fleece but to be useful for spinning it needs to be free of vegetable matter, faeces, double-cuts (very short pieces), leg fleece and insects. If your fleece fits these requirements, please contact our guild secretary via our Contact Form Most guild members spin yarn that has been commercially cleaned and prepared for spinning though some like to spin from raw fleece. Our guild has a list of regular suppliers of raw fleece including sheep wool, alpaca, mohair and angora rabbit.
Q. I would like my pet's fur to be spun so I can knit a scarf or similar, can you help?
A. We recommend you explore possibilities at https://spinningpetsyarn.com.au/ in Victoria.
Q. I have spinning / weaving equipment I would like to sell, can you advise?
A. We have an annual Equipment and Fibre Day late each year where guild members only may sell equipment and/or fibre. Our membership is very affordable an offers many benefits, see ... (link to information leaflet perhaps). It is very difficult to suggest prices for items as it depends on demand, brands, condition.
Q. I have spinning / weaving equipment I would like to sell, can you advise?
A It is relatively easy to sell a spinning wheel by advertising on one of many Facebook pages such as Facebook Marketplace, your local Facebook community page, or 'Australian spinners and weavers chat & Buy Sell Swap', Selling looms is more difficult because of their size and because many weavers now prefer the easily transportable rigid heddle looms, but still worth a try. Should you be unsuccessful in selling and would consider donating equipment, please see the next Q&A.
Q. I have spinning / weaving equipment I would like to donate, can you advise?
A. If the equipment is in good order, it may be of use for newer members in particular. Please email details with photos via our Contact Form.
Q. I have been given or bequeathed a quantity of commercial and/or handspun fibre. Can I donate it to your guild?
A. Please contact our Secretary via the Contact Form. We have a Trading Table at our guild meetings where members are able to pay a donation to our guild for items such as fibre. If not 'sold' on the day, it is taken to an op shop.
Q. I'd like to learn basketweaving, do you provide lessons?
A. We have several guild workshops each year. About once a year we have a basket-weaving workshop. You may prefer to approach Basketry SA who meet at Mile End regularly and there are affiliate groups elsewhere. See their website at https://basketrysa.wixsite.com/basketrysa/about-us