Local knitter Diana Twiss was frustrated with her options in wool about 15 years ago.
She connected with the Langley Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild and was quickly on her way to creating custom, hand-spun yarns.
“I’m a knitter and I was unhappy with the kinds of fibre, the yarns, available.” Twiss said. “I just wanted to make my own. I was curious what it meant to make my own.”
Now, Twiss will have her yarn, as well as some of the things she makes from it, on sale at the annual guild show known as the Beyond Fibre Artisans’ Sale Nov. 7 and 8.
Beyond Fibre is the name because as much as the show is put on by the guild and features the work of more than 20 members in spinning, weaving, dyeing, felting, knitting, and more, there will be other artisans on site.
“It [the show] features the work of the members of the guild and other vendors like wood turners, soap makers, jewellers, leather work…” she noted. “It’s a really nice high-end sale and all the items are juried.”
Twiss further describes the show as elegant but accessible with a wide range of high-quality items.
Like Twiss, the artisans at the show have spent time learning their crafts. While she describes spinning as easy to start and be successful at, there’s more to it.
“It’s not like it’s a complicated craft,” she said. “Years ago everyone had to know how to spin… part of what was needed for your family’s survival… but it’s another thing to spin exquisite, beautiful yarn.”
In addition to the items like socks, tea towels, scarfs, and knitted hats on sale, there is a silent auction and door prizes at the event.
“There’s beautiful door prizes that are donated by guild members and vendors,” Twiss noted.
Loom weaving and yarn spinning demonstrations will be offered during both days.
Admission is by donation at the Fort Langley Community Hall at 9167 Glover Rd. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The local guild’s website is www.lwsg.org.
