London District Weavers and Spinners Guild

About London District Weavers and Spinners Guild

The London District Weavers and Spinners Guild is a community organization located in the Pottersburg neighbourhood on Churchill Ave. It serves local individuals interested in the knowledge and art of hand weaving and spinning. The guild provides a space for members and guests to share experiences, learn new crafts, and support one another through various educational programs and social gatherings. The organization offers a wide variety of hands-on workshops and classes, including Beginning Inkle Weaving, Beginning Twined Weaving, Off Loom Weaving, and Beginning Weaving on 4 shaft looms. Other specialized instruction includes Beginning Spinning, Introduction to Bobbin Lace, Coiled Basket making, and Wet Felting. The guild also hosts events such as the Fibre Art Festival and Sale, as well as lectures and demonstrations during its regular meetings. Members can participate in weekly informal gatherings held in person or via Zoom on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings. Founded on April 22, 1949, the guild originally began with fourteen members meeting at the Central Library to advance their interest in weaving. It was renamed in 1981 and incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 2004. The guild is recognized for its history of innovation, notably proposing and organizing the annual Exhibition of Canadian HandWeaving in 1953. Its current leadership includes President Renee Macrae, Secretary Keran MacLachlan, and Treasurer Donna Martin. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons, featuring social time followed by a formal meeting. These sessions are offered in a hybrid format at the East Lion's Community Centre or online via Zoom. The guild also maintains a presence on social media and provides a newsletter for updates.