Full of wool, the Langley Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild (LWSG) held their annual artisan sale, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2, at West Langley Community Hall.
LWSG was formed in 1971 to promote the craft and keep the art of spinning, weaving, dyeing, felting, and knitting alive in the community.
Sandra Kiechle, the coordinator said the event has been held for nearly 30 years and that the group was up about 100 members.
“Everything for sale here must be handmade by the artisans, but all of the money raised goes to it’s members and to keep the guild going,” Kiechle said.
Scarves, pillows, tea towels, blankets, clothing and everything one could imagine with a fuzzy feel was up for sale at the market – all hand spun, knitted, or weaved by people who learned or improved their craft through the guild.
People could also stock up on their yarn and material supply; Margaret Sampson, owner of Semiahmoo Suffolks, a farm south of Cloverdale, had a variety of sheep’s wool in various different states and styles.
”I have a dozen of sheep that produce spinning wool. Buyers can use for a variety of different products and dye it if they wish,” Sampson said.
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Sampson even had Llama fibre and hides for rugs, blankets, and decor up for sale, but her table filled with white wool was the major attraction for attendees.
“From taking it off the sheep to having it ready to spin, that takes a couple months,” Sampson explained.
Potters, jewelers, broaches, and hand crafts were also present, and had to be locally handmade to to be part of the show.
By far the most unique aspect of the LWSG sale was the live demonstrations of spinning and looming
“It’s a whole lot of work to make your clothes so we we want to raise awareness and educate people on what’s involved,” Kiechle explained.
Ann Embra spun like there was no tomorrow on her wheel, a hobby that she’s been doing for well over three decades.
After cutting the tips of the wool off, Embra demonstrated the process by combing and straightening the locks before linking it on to an existing thread to create a ball of yarn.
Diane Grant said she has been working on her loom for 18 years now, starting up as hobby through her mother-in-law and reading books. Grant described the love and passion for using the device as going down a “rabbit hole”
“We give workshops, demonstrations, and take part in smaller festival and in the PNE,” Kiechle said, even noting that a local school had them come in to take part in their Renaissance fair. “This market is our biggest of the year.”
Kiechle said the guild is open to new members and meets every third Tuesday of the month at United Churches of Langley in Murrayville, 21562 Old Yale Rd.
People can visit www.lwsg.org for more information.
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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