Workshops

How do I register for a Workshop?

To register for a workshop - email your interest to register  to kinghws@gmail.com. At this time, please notify us regarding any special requirements such as allergies, service dogs etc so we can let other students know. Once you receive a confirmation reply, your payment will be requested to reserve your place in the workshop. This payment will hold your spot in the workshop.

NOTE: Participants under 18  must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

How do I pay for a Workshop?

Once your registration has been confirmed by the workshop coordinator, you will be provided with instructions for payment:

 - by cheque or cash.  Cheques (payable to KHWS) or cash for workshop payment may be dropped off at our studio or sent by mail to the address below. 

- by e-transfer (specific instructions will be provided to you when your workshop is confirmed)

Kingston Handloom Weavers and Spinners
Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning
205 - 370 King Street West
Kingston, ON
K7L 2X4

Equipment and Material fees

Materials and printing fees are payable to the instructor. Supplies/equipment lists will be distributed closer to the workshop.

Studio looms or spinning wheels are available to reserve (included in Introductory Workshops). Work must be removed from looms within 2 weeks of a workshop, after which a rental fee will be charged if the loom is not required for another workshop.

What if I have to Cancel?

If for some reason, you have to cancel, we might be able to fill your spot and give a partial refund. There will be a penalty to cover administrative time. If your spot can’t be filled, there may be no refund at all. Please understand that instructors plan for a certain number of participants. If a workshop is cancelled by KHWS (e.g. if there are insufficient registrations), then a full refund will be given.

If you are not yet a Guild member contact us HERE for more details. NOTE:  Our membership year begins June 1 and ends May 31.

In addition to scheduled workshops, we offer introductory classes whenever we have enough participants. If you and three friends want a particular workshop we can make arrangements.

You do not need to be a member to register for a workshop, but members benefit from reduced workshop fees.

Guild members have access to our studio equipment and extensive library.

We have mentors in spinning, weaving, basketry,  and felting.

Introduction to Weaving on a Table Loom

Date: Saturdays September 19th, 26th, and October 3rd
Time:  10am - 4pm

Cost: $271.20 ( $288.25 for non-members)  This includes HST.

Description:  For new and interested weavers, also suitable as a refresher class.

In these 3 sessions you will learn the basics of weaving using a table loom or a rigid heddle loom.  Table looms are slightly simpler to use than floor looms, but the techniques learnt will apply to both types of looms.  

You will learn how to prepare the loom and weave a small item such as a sampler or scarf.  We will also discuss planning a weaving project and understanding patterns.  Teaching is geared to the needs and pace of each student.
Requirements: Beginner friendly

Instructor: Norma Rosier - Norma has been weaving for over 40 years, and was a professional rug and tapestry weaver for many years. She now weaves for fun on several looms, and enjoys teaching classes for beginner weavers.

Felted Hats

Date: Sunday September 20th
Time:  9am - 4pm

Cost: $288.15 (includes HST)

Description: An opportunity to learn from the renowned Jo Barr!

Come join us for this workshop with a visiting artist from Australia to learn how to make your very own felted hat. Participants will choose their wool colours and work on a hat block sized to them to create a felted hat, hat band, and small hat ornament. This workshop uses wet felting techniques, so bring a towel and be prepared to get your hands wet.

We start by making the flower ornament to get used to the techniques, then create our hats. The workshop price includes use of a hat block and all materials you will need to make your item - just bring your own towels and your enthusiasm.

Requirements: Should be familiar with felting basics, but beginners welcome

Instructor: Jo Barr is  an award winning Australian textile artist specialising in handcrafted wet felt hats and fibre art. Alongside creating her own work, she teaches felt-making workshops across Australia, sharing traditional wet felting techniques with a strong focus on creativity, craftsmanship, and connection through textiles.

Project on a Rigid Heddle Loom

Date: October 17th
Time:  9:30am  - 4:00 pm

Cost: $118.65 ( $135.60 for non-members), participants bring their own materials for weaving

Description: In this workshop, you will learn to warp a rigid heddle loom for a small project (choose a scarf, coasters, or table runner). Once the items are woven, we will learn about taking them off the loom and finishing them. No experience needed. Bring your own yarn and get help from the instructor in designing your project. If you’re up for a challenge, connect with the instructor ahead of time to talk about interesting colour designs or weaving techniques (like using pickup sticks or weaving houndstooth!).

Requirements: Beginner friendly

Instructor: Brandy Hyndman - I  am a cancer researcher at Queen’s University by day. In the summers I can be found outside riding my bicycle and in the winters out playing in the snow. I got hooked on weaving after taking the Rigid Heddle Weaving workshop at KHWS 2018. Since then, I’ve been excited to share the power of these little looms with others, tackling everything from plain weave to 4 shaft twill patterns.

Introduction to Spinning on a Wheel

Date: October 18th AND October 25th
Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Cost: $203.40 ($237.30 for non-members), plus a $30 materials fee payable to the instructor on the day of the workshop

Description: Students will learn how to use a spinning wheel to produce a singles yarn on the first day.

They will have time to practice this technique before the second day, when they will learn to ply the yarn to produce 2 ply yarn. (Guild wheels may be borrowed - with a deposit - to take home)

They will also be introduced to the use of colour in designing yarn.

Requirements: Students can bring their own wheels* or inform the instructor if they need to borrow one from the guild.

* Your own wheel needs to be in good working order; there is no time in this workshop to make significant adjustments to a wheel.

Members may also use a Guild wheel for an additional 2 weeks after the end of the workshop.  ( a deposit is required).

Instructor: Stacey Robb

Introduction to Inkle Looms

Date: November 21st
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: $118.65 ($136.60 for non-members) - includes hst

Description: ​​Inkle looms are small looms used to weave narrow bands (think belts, trims, guitar straps, etc.).  In this workshop, the focus will be on the basics of warping and weaving on an inkle loom. Project planning – including choosing materials and designing patterns – will also be covered.

A materials list will be supplied.

Requirements: Beginners welcome!

Instructor: Alison Ginn is a long time KHWS member and instructor with a wealth of information to share. Known for her tablet weaving, she creates beautiful woven pieces to delight the eye.