History of Guild
 For
several years (1971 - 1974) a small group of
women had been meeting weekly toweave and spin.
Others had been weaving on their own. In 1973
Elaine Genser came to Prince George to teach
textiles at the College of New Caledonia...
students were interested in learning how to
weave and spin and the following year courses
were instituted. Elain encouraged the formation
of a guild and in June of 1974 an organizational
meeting was held at the college to determine
the degree of interest.
It was apparent from the turnout that
there was a need to form a guild and its aims
would be:
-
to foster the art of spinning
and weaving in the Prince George and surrounding
area.
-
to help stimulate each other
and to encourage beginners.
-
to collect looms and other
basic tools of weaving and spinning, literature
and other matter relative to the craft for
use of members.
A great deal of ground work was
done over July and August in preparation for that
first September meeting. The group became a member
of the Community Arts Council, thus becoming eligible
for grants. Letters were written to other guilds
with enthusiastic response and many suggestions.
Sheepherders were contacted. The Yarn Barn became
an agent for Leclerc looms. Winton school was
commissioned to build small looms and accessories.
Caledonia Books offered special discounts to guild
members. The college offered much needed instruction
and provided space for workshops. Courses in spinning,
off-loom and four harness weaving absorbed many
beginners as well as intermediates.
The first meeting was a huge success with many
showing up. Fleeces and looms were ordered,
a spinning workshop was set up and a slate of
officers elected. News of Irene Waller was related
to the group and slides of Convergence '74 which
was held in San Francisco were shown.
Programs and workshops are organized for all
levels of weavers and spinners. A newsletter
is a regular monthly feature.
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