The Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers
Xmas Fair Friday 27th & Saturday 28th November 2026 10.30am - 4pm. Free admission - for further information click here
Guild Day Programme
The Guild Programme is held on the third Saturday of the month (other than August). This is free to full members (usual £3 door money applicable).
Online members and visitors are very welcome and can purchase a ticket for talks at the cost of £10.
When booking a workshop or wanting further information please use the contact details for the session which can be found below.
Please check individual days for timings but general guild days begin at 10.30am and usually go on to about 3pm. Please bring a packed lunch or sandwiches can be purchased from the village shop downstairs. Teas and Coffees are included.
If booking a paid workshop please read our Workshop Cancellation Policy here.
Please note - £3 door money is payable by members on all Guild Day events.
For a printable version of our 2026-2027 Guild Day Programme click here.
October Guild Day
Saturday 17th October 2026
St Mary's Building, Steeple Ashton
The Nettle Dress
10:30am Morning Activity:
Have a go at spinning nettle fibre.
1.00pm Film Screening
A 68 minute film along with a 30 minute pre-recorded Q&A with Allan Brown and Dylan Howitt about the making of the dress and the film.
£3 door money
£10 for non-members.
Festive Gathering
Saturday 12th December 2026
10:30am
St Mary's Building, Steeple Ashton
All Members are welcome! This is an opportunity for all our groups to get together and celebrate the festive season together.
There will be mince pies, mulled wine, a Christmas Craft session, Raffle and a Christmas Quiz.
February Guild Day
Saturday 20th February 2027
AGM 11:00am
Show and Tell: 1pm - 2:30pm
St Mary's Building, Steeple Ashton
Members only
Members are invited to the AGM of the Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers.
This will be followed by a Show and Tell to celebrate the skills of the creative members we have in the Guild.
March Guild Day
Saturday 20th March & Sunday 21st March 2027
Talk and workshop
Talk: 'Ikat - A Global Introduction" 20th March 2pm
Members £3 door money, non-members £10
St Mary's Building, Steeple Ashton
Erica Just's talk will introduce the various Ikat techniques from around the world.
Workshop
Sunday 21st March 2027
10am - 4pm (members only £65)
St Mary's Building, Steeple Ashton
Design and create a small Ikat warp ready to use in card/tablet weaving.
Members only.
April Guild Day
Saturday 17th April 2027
Talk and workshop
Talk: Rush Harvesting and Weaving - Linda Lemieux
Members £3 door money, non-members £10
St Mary's Building, Steeple Ashton
Linda's talk is about growing rushes and harvesting them for the heritage crafts of woven basket work and rush chair seating.
Workshop
1pm - 3pm
£25 members only - booking essential)
St Mary's Building, Steeple Ashton
Linda will teach us how to make woven pots using rushes harvested in the south west.
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July Guild Day
Saturday 17th July 2027
Talk and workshop
Talk: 11am
Members £3 door money, non-members £10
St Mary's Building, Steeple Ashton
Natural Dyeing Journeys and Lake Pigments
Cathy Plummer and Nancy Freeman
Cathy and Nancy will show us work they have created on their journey to obtain the AGSWD Certificate of Achievement in Natural Dyeing.
Workshop
1:30pm - 3.30pm (members only £15 members only - booking essential)
St Mary's Building, Steeple Ashton
Making Lake Pigments (natural paints) from plants.
The Nettle Dress Film Screening
Date: 17th October 2026
Cost: £3 Door money
£10 for non-members
Morning Activity from 10:30 a.m : Himalayan nettle fibre tops will be
available for you to have a go with prior to watching the film. Try your
hand at spinning / blending them - £3 per 25g. Please email Kath
Steggall by 1st October if you would like fibre ordered for you @
Film Screening 1p.m. ( includes the 68 minute film, a 30 minute
pre-recorded Q&A with Allan Brown and Dylan Howitt about the making
of both the dress and the film, as well as the 16 minute ‘Nettles for
Textiles’ how-to film )
“Textile artist Allan Brown spent seven years making a dress by hand just from the
fibre of locally foraged stinging nettles. This is ‘hedgerow couture’, the greenest of
slow fashion and also his medicine.
It's how he survives the death of his wife and finds a beautiful way to honour her. A
modern-day fairytale and hymn to the healing power of nature and slow craft. Made
over many years by award winning film maker Dylan Howitt.
Darren Ball
Dates: 21st November 2026
Talk: 2pm
Darren uses a mixture of techniques including hand knitting,
contemporary beading, applique and embroidery to create his imagery,
bringing together methods of making learned over many years. His
machine embroidery is meticulously crafted into unique one-off pieces of
textile art, including portraits inspired by vintage knitting patterns.
Darren has a background in teaching fine art and fashion textiles.
Cost: Door money only to members, £10 for non-members (limited
places). Non-members please contact Sarah Bond
Christmas Fair
Friday 27th and Saturday 28th November 2026
Steeple Ashton
10:30am - 4pm
This popular Christmas Fair is well worth a visit to pick up some special hand crafted gifts. All welcome - admission is free.
Members please click here for further information along with Sales Form.
Festive Gathering
Saturday 12th December 2026
This is an opportunity for all our groups to get together to celebrate the festive season.
All members are welcome to come along. we will have a Christmas Craft Session, a Quiz, Raffle, mulled wine and mince pies.
As a thank you from the Guild for your ongoing support, door money is not charged for this day.
Skills Day
Date:16th January 2027
This day is dedicated to sharing our skills with others, and so several mini-workshops are being offered in morning and afternoon sessions, to do just that.
How to book a workshop:
Please email Kath Steggall programmewiltsswd@gmail.com State your first and second preference, and state if you would ideally like both.
Door money is payable as usual. You will see four of the six workshops have costs for materials which is in addition to door money. Costs for materials must be paid in advance, but please wait until you have heard back from me. (You could opt to add your £3 door money there and then, if you are paying by BACs.)
Please book as soon as you can, and before Saturday 21st November. Kath will get back to you by Wednesday 25th November.
Workshop A
Multi-colour Skein Dyeing Workshop
Tutor: Jenny Smart
Time: 10:30a.m 2 hours
Studio: Studio 1
Cost of materials: £12
Jenny will teach you how to use acid dyes to produce a 100g multicoloured skein of wool suitable for knitting, crochet or even weaving. Jenny will provide a wide range of colours so you can choose your favourite combinations. The merino wool will be pre-mordanted in advance to enable you to get straight on with the colourful dyeing part.
Cost includes the 100g mordanted skein of wool and the acid dyes.
What to bring: Apron and gloves
Workshop B
Corner -to- Corner Crochet Technique
Tutor: Julie Holmes
Time: 10:30a.m 2 hours
Studio: Studio 2
Cost of materials: £0 (bring your own yarn)
This is going to be a treat for crochet fans. Julie will show you step- by step how to
create a simple pattern or an image using this technique, working on a diagonal to create a square or rectangular piece. Julie will bring a selection of simple 2 colour pattern ideas such as the one in the image. Some basic crochet know
What to bring: Bring two contrasting balls of plain yarn and a crochet hook in a size suitable for your chosen yarn.
Workshop C
Weave images and shapes using a “Summer and Winter” weaving pattern
Tutor: Dawn Thompson
Time: 10:30a.m 2 hours
Studio: Studio 3
Cost of materials: £0
Participants should already be able to weave and will need to have a basic understanding of reading pattern drafts.
You will be taught how to design your own images and will then work in pairs to weave these designs on the looms provided.
The images for this threading will all be palindrome shapes (identical from the centre out), but notes will be provided for another threading that will enable numbers, letters and non-palindrome shapes to be designed.
“Summer and Winter” is a very stable weave structure so is ideal for things like tea-towels, bags or cushions.
What to bring: All equipment will be provided, but if you have squared paper please bring that along, and a pencil and rubber will also be useful.
Workshop D
Kawandi Patchwork Technique
Tutor: Sarah Bond
Time: 1:30p.m 2 hours
Studio: Studio 1
Group size: 8
Cost of materials: £4
A Kawandi is a traditional, hand-stitched patchwork quilt made by the Siddi community (people of African descent) in Western India. Learn the technique with Sarah in the depths of Wiltshire winter. You will make a mat or a pouch suitable for a phone, sunglasses, remote control or similar.
What to bring: All materials provided. Just bring a basic hand-sewing kit.
Workshop E
Supported Spindle Spinning
Tutor: Victoria Robinson
Time: 1:30 p.m 2 hours
Studio: Studio 2
Cost of materials: £1.50
A short introduction into the art of supported spindle spinning for our resident expert. Participants will be guided in supported spindle mechanics, how to set up their spindle and how to use it to spin their first single. Suitable for beginners and all equipment/ materials will be provided.
What to bring: Victoria will provide spindles and fibre so you don't need to bring anything but if you already have a supported spindle you’d like to use, you are welcome to bring it along.
Workshop F
Inkle loom weaving
Tutor: Kathy Davis
Time: 1:30 p.m 2 hours
Studio: Studio 3
Cost of materials: £3.50
Join Kathy in this have-a-go-session to create a band of weaving that can be used to make a delightful handmade key fob. Brilliantly satisfying you can get weaving immediately as the inkle looms will be pre-warped for you. Kathy will also give a demonstration on how to warp up an inkle loom so you can progress in the craft if you wish.
Costs include cotton thread, keyring components and the ‘hire’ of the inkle loom for one month following Skills Day.
What to bring: Nothing needed, just you.
AGM & Show and Tell
Date: 20 February 2027.
Time: AGM begins at 11:00 am prompt
Show and Tell begins at 1pm- approx 2:30pm
We look forward to welcoming as many members as possible to our annual
AGM. Being a membership organisation, it’s really important to be part of
the decision-making process and use your Guild vote to help ‘weave’ our
future direction (pun intended)! Remember only FULL members can vote
and you can do it by proxy, post or email if you can’t make it on the day.
This will be followed by a Show & Tell, after lunch, to celebrate the
wonderful skills of the creative members we have in the Guild. All levels of
work welcome from all groups, so don’t be shy! We’d love to see what
you’ve been up to.
Ikat Weaving - Erica Just
Dates: Saturday 20th March 2027 and Sunday 21st March 2027
Talk: Ikat -
‘A Global Introduction’ Date: 20th March Time: 2pm.
Workshop: Date: 21st March Time: 10am-4pm Cost: £65 to members
only (8 places available).
Talk:
Sharing samples from around the world, Erica’s talk will introduce the
various Ikat techniques from other countries. Erica will give a
background insight to her working practice, explaining her preferred Ikat
method and what inspires her work.
Cost: Door money to members, £10 for non-members (limited places).
Non-members - to book please contact Kathy Davis
Workshop
In this practical one day introduction you will learn how to design and
create a small warp. Instruction will be given on the binding and dyeing
process, including any troubleshooting help on yarn use. Suitable for
weavers and non-weavers alike who are interested in the process.
Participants will go away with a small warp ready for use in card/tabletweaving but the understanding to create warps for other weaving
methods and looms.
What to bring - Some materials are included in the cost of the workshop
fee. You will be asked to bring further items of basic equipment
(non-specialist) and some yarn - details will be sent on booking.
Cost: £65 Members only. Please book by emailing Kathy Davis
8 places available.
Rush Weaving
Date: 17th April 2027
Talk: 11am – Rush Harvesting and Weaving Linda Limieux
Workshop: 1.00pm - 3.00pm (2hrs) Cost: £25 Members only.
Linda has been working as a basket maker for over thirty years. Her
making practice is deeply rooted in place, ecology and respect for the
land, with her home on Dartmoor a constant source of inspiration.
Today, Linda will talk to us about growing rushes and harvesting them for
the heritage crafts of woven basket work and rush chair seating. Linda’s
teaching is not purely technique focused, and aims to cultivate a
reciprocal relationship between the maker and the wild world that has
given us this ancient craft.
Talk: Members door money only, £10 for non-members. Non-members
please contact Kath Steggall to attend (limited tickets) –
Workshop: Linda will teach us how to make woven pots using rushes
harvested in the south west.
What to bring: An apron
Cost: £25 pp for workshop (includes all materials and tools)
Additional bolts of rush and some tools available to purchase.
Please book by emailing Kath Steggall programmewiltsswd@gmail.com
12 places available. Members only.
Becks from Tiny Fibre Studio Workshop
Date: 15th May 2027
Talk: Spinning for Colour with Blended Tops
Time: 10am - 4pm
Cost: £45
If you can spin yarn but don’t always get the results you’re aiming for,
this class is for you! Learn how to move beyond your ‘default’ yarn and
start spinning with intention.We’ll explore how to fine-tune your wheel for
the ideal diameter and twist without having to change your natural
spinning style. You’ll also gain insight into fibre selection based on the
properties you need for specific projects.
Through hands-on practice with different drafting techniques, you’ll
create samples and learn how to calculate the right amount of fibre for
your dream project. Along the way, you’ll pick up tips for staying
consistent throughout your spin.
By the end of the class, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to
spin custom yarns tailored to your needs.
What to bring: A working spinning wheel or e-spinner -
participants will gain the most from this class if their wheel has multiple
ratios/speeds. More information on what to bring will be sent on booking.
Our other studios will be open for crafting.
Please contact Kathy Davis at programmewiltsswd@gmail.com to book
your place. 15 places available.
Wet Felting Workshop with Lesley Greaves
Date: 19th June 2027
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m with lunch break
Cost: £15 12 spaces
This will be an extended workshop session. Our own guild member,
Lesley Greaves will be demonstrating wet felting and showing examples
of this technique. It can be used for garments, 3D pieces such as
vessels and is an excellent medium for felted pictures. Try it yourself at
the workshop and have fun creating an original piece.What to bring: Apron and rubber gloves
Our other studios will be open for crafting.
Natural Dyeing Journeys and Lake Pigments
Date:17th July 2027
Cathy Plummer and Nancy Freeman
Talk 11a.m. Workshop 1:30- 3:30 p.m. (2 hrs) Cost £15
Cathy and Nancy will show us work they have created on their incredible
journey to obtain the AGSWD Certificate of Achievement in Natural Dyeing.
The work includes many experiments, samples, dyed clothing and colourful
quilts. Cathy Plummer’s article on Natural Dyeing was published in The
Journal in 2025.
Workshop : Making Lake Pigments (natural paints) From
Plants
Cathy will demonstrate the process from dye to paint. Participants will each be
able to start the process and have instructions for completing it at home. We
will also look at how to combine the pigments with different mediums such as
soy and gum Arabic. In addition, you will try using lake pigments to paint on
fabric.
Talk: Members door money only, £10 for non-members. Non-members
please contact Kath Steggall to attend (limited tickets) –
Workshop: £15 including all materials 10 places
Trip to Wingham Wool Works
Date: Friday 17th September 2027
Time: Lunch: Time and venue TBC. Visit: 2pm-4pm
Wingham Wool Works is finally on the geographical Wiltshire Guild
woolly radar! Having moved from Rotherham to Berkeley, Glos. in
2023/24 ‘Wingham’s’ is just north of Bristol, making it a perfect place for
a fun filled fibre Guild trip!
Ellie and Tom, the new proprietors, can welcome a group of between
8-25, so there’s plenty of space. The plan is to car share and arrive intime for lunch in or around the Berkeley area and then head to the
Wingham Wool Works shop for a tour at 2pm. The tour is free itself,
leaving more pennies to spend on some wonderful woolly goodness!
Kathy Davis will co-ordinate the trip, book the lunch venue and is happy
to be one of the drivers. Other details tbc when we know how many
members are interested. If the group is large we may need a
commitment in advance to secure a lunch venue for a large group.
Contact Kathy at programmewiltsswd@gmail.com if you’d like to come
along.
Otherwise, the Guild will be open for all crafts as usual on Saturday 18th
September.
This date is also membership subscription renewal date for 2027-2028.