DURHAM GUILD OF SPINNERS, WEAVERS AND DYERS exists to provide an enjoyable  environment for members to practise their skills , learn new skills and share skills with each other and with anyone interested in learning these ancient crafts of Handspinning, Weaving and Dyeing.

 

We have members of all ages and backgrounds and we come together on the first Saturday of each month in St Oswald's Church Institute,(Church Street, Durham, DH1 3DQ).

We are affiliated to the national Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers (www.wsd.org.uk), which produces a quarterly Journal and organises a biennial Summer School and National Exhibition.

 

We regularly have informal or formal workshops and demonstrate skills in public at craft fairs, heritage centres, etc. 

 

The Guild has spinning and weaving equipment for loan to members so that they can try out new skills before investing in equipment. We also have an extensive library of textile related books and magazines. 

 

Meetings are generally held on the first Saturday of each month from 10.00 to 16.00 at St. Oswald's Institute, Church St, Durham DH1 3DQ.

 

A Guild meeting usually follows this format:

 

10.00-10.30 - members arrive, set up their equipment then settle down for a chat with tea and coffee, supplied for a small donation

10.30-11.00 - Guild business is discussed

11.00-12.30 - workshop or skill sharing

12.30-13.00 - lunch break (members bring their own lunch but tea, coffee & biscuits are provided)

13.00-15.30 - workshop or skill sharing

15.30-16.00 - packing up

 

Anyone not participating in the workshop tends to bring their own spinning, weaving, knitting projects to work at whilst catching up with news and events.

 

You are welcome to visit us for a meeting to see what we do and to have a chat with members. Visitors pay £5 for a meeting (which includes refreshments). If you would like to become a member, please contact secretary.durhamguild@gmail.com and she will give you the details. Current annual subscriptions are £36 adult, £18 students/young person, £45 family membership.