Information, Education and Workshops
Toronto Guild of Spinners and Weavers has an extensive library, housed at Riverdale Farm, from which members can borrow during in-person meetings or by arrangement.
Our monthly meetings feature respected speakers and opportunities for members to ask questions and share information.
Drop In at Riverdale Farm
TEXTILE DROP-IN
Guild members join Riverdale Farm staff to host weekly textile drop-ins at the Farm most Thursday afternoons. All are welcome to watch, chat, learn, or bring a project to work on – it’s totally free! The Farm provides some equipment, including Lendrum spinning wheels, for visitors to use. Guild members will often be on hand to explain what they are doing and respond to inquiries from the public.
When: Thursday afternoons, 12:30 – 3 pm
Where: The Meeting House, Riverdale Farm, 201 Winchester St., Toronto, M4X 1B8
Special Events
Various fibre events are happening in Ontario and further afield on a regular basis. Do check out the calendar to see what’s coming up soon.
Spinning
Ontario Handweavers and Spinners
Spinning education is provided through Ontario Handweavers and Spinners. Visit their website to view an outline of the OHS Spinning Certificate program.
YouTube has a number of videos for spinning. Here are a few:
Spinning wool yarn on a bobbin-driven wheel
Preparing and spinning wool yarn on a flyer-driven wheel
Setting up and spinning on a Lendrum (flyer-driven) wheel
Julia Lee is a member of the guild and a spinning teacher in the east Toronto area. Email to enquire about lessons at provenanceyarnsandtextiles@gmail.com.
Weaving
In Toronto, there are two weaving schools that offer studio classes (see website links for dates):
City of Toronto
Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough
Toronto District School Board (Etobicoke)
Mimico Adult Centre
255 Royal York Road, Etobicoke
Ontario Handweavers and Spinners
Weaving education is provided through Ontario Handweavers and Spinners. Visit their website to view an outline of the OHS Weaving Certificate program.
Local Stores and Studios
The following local yarn, fibre and haberdashery stores have occasional weaving workshops:
There are also a few businesses that offer weaving classes and lessons:
Loom Studio, 15 Adrian Ave Studio 150, Toronto, ON M6N 5G4
EweKnit & Craft, 832 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M2
The Knit Café, 1350 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y2
The Workroom, 1267 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L5
Ontario Handweavers and Spinners
Spinning and weaving education is provided through Ontario Handweavers and Spinners. Visit their website to view an outline of the OHS Certificate programs.
Haliburton School of the Arts
With a well-established reputation for excellence, the Haliburton School of Art + Design (HSAD) has been a forerunner in arts and crafts education for over four decades. The Haliburton campus runs several week-long summer courses in spinning and weaving.
MEMBERS WHO TEACH:
Ruth Hepburn, Textile Designer and Weaver www.ruthhepburn.co.uk
Joe Lewis, Fibre Quarterly E-Zine of Canadian Fibre and Textile Arts www.velvethighway.com
Julia Lee, Spinning Teacher and Spinner for Hire in east Toronto area www.provenanceyarns.com