The TGSW will be at the Riverdale Farm Fall Festival with weaving and spinning demonstrations and hands-on activities again this year! We hope to see you there. Please check the Fall Festival event for event timing.
The TGSW will be at the Riverdale Farm Fall Festival with weaving and spinning demonstrations and hands-on activities again this year! We hope to see you there. Please check the Fall Festival event for event timing.
Jessica York is the owner and operator of The Branch Ranch, a unique farm nestled in the rolling hills of Northumberland near the village of Warkworth, Ontario , growing select varieties of basketry willow for basket weaving, garden ornaments, crafts, living willow structures and cuttings. Jessica’s love of willow and weaving began with woven living willow trees. Jess was inspired by the diversity of willow craft, and when the business was offered for sale, Jessica jumped at the opportunity. The Branch Ranch combines all the things Jess loves; the outdoors, offering a creative outlet and human connection through this age old craft.
In addition to the presentation from Jessica, our treasurer Maria will present our 2022-2023 Financial Report, and members will have a chance to ask questions.
Guild members and visitors are welcome to meet on the front porch of Simpson House in Riverdale Farm. Bring a portable project or just come and chat.
27
28
29
30
October
REGULAR MEETINGS
MONTHLY GUILD MEETINGS Beginning April 2023 we will resume holding in-person meetings at Riverdale Farm. We will continue to hold some meetings virtually. Our Member’s Meetings are held from September-June, with a break for the summer. Check out the Calendar for up-to-date information. If you are interested in spinning or weaving, you are welcome to join us as a guest at one of our monthly meetings. When: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30 – 9:00 pm for in-person meetings; 7:00 – 8:30 pm for virtual meetings Where: Invitations and details are sent to Guild members a week before each meeting.
TEXTILE/SPINNING DROP-IN Guild members join Riverdale Farm staff to host textile drop-ins at the Farm once a week in the afternoons. All are welcome to watch, chat, learn, or bring a project to work on– it’s totally free! Occasionally we have themes, such as a regular Spinning Clinic. At some of the drop-ins, the Farm provides some equipment, including Lendrum spinning wheels, for visitors to use. If you want to take your yarn home, bring a Lendrum bobbin. Equipment is not available to borrow at all drop-ins. When: Summer 2023: Tuesday afternoons, 1 – 3 pm (through September 2023) at the Simpson House Porch. Where:Riverdale Farm, 201 Winchester St., Toronto, M4X 1B8
IN THE COMMUNITY
The Guild generally participates in the following Riverdale Farm events , demonstrating fibre processing, spinning, weaving, and other textile skills to the public. After a hiatus during the pandemic, we look forward to resuming these events this Spring.
FAMILY DAY Riverdale Farm is a great place to spend Family Day, with lots of fun activities taking place, including weaving and spinning demonstrations and activities that the whole family can enjoy.
SHEEP CELEBRATION Riverdale Farm opens its doors with the farm’s popular Spring Festival at which Guild members use the fleece shorn from the farm sheep to demonstrate the skills needed to wash the wool, prepare it for spinning, make yarn, dye it, and weave it into cloth. Come and watch the process, from sheep shearing on!
FALL FESTIVALS See the Guild in action on the second weekend in September at the Riverdale Farm Fall Festival, and at the Cabbagetown Festival too!
