Van Gogh WeaverHAND WEAVING

Handweavers Guild – GCW

The Guild of Canadian Weavers (GCW) is active in promoting the art of handweaving in Canada and throughout the world.. I recently became a member and have learned some history about this very active guild. Thanks to Lynn Heglar, Margaret Hahn, Dita Runkle and Anne Thomas for information they have kindly provided. Also, thanks to the Winnipeg Real Estate News, and an article by Jo-Anne Tabachek, “Local Weaving” Aug. 29, 1997 from which some of this information is summarized.

The GCW was founded in 1947 by 3 experienced and dedicated weavers, Miss Mary E. Black, from Nova Scotia, Mrs. Ethel M. Henderson of Manitoba and Mrs. Mary Sandin of Alberta. The Guild met at the Manitoba Branch of the Canadian Handicrafts Guild. Weaving courses were taught, monthly meetings included a “show and tell” and collections of samples were developed. The Guild library was started in 1954, with the purchase of 2 books. This library has now grown to an extensive collection of books, videos, sample collections, and special studies that are loaned out to members. Prior to this, weaving wasn’t promoted in Manitoba’s early years, as textiles were mainly imported from Britain. Ventures such as commercial production of flax and hemp, a fulling and woolen mill were not successful. In order to raise the technical and artistic standards of hand weaving in Canada, the GCW developed a Master Weaver testing program. Through a series of levels of achievement, beginner, intermediate, senior and master weaver certificates could be attained.

Due to the vast geographic expanse of Canada, it was felt that this could be done by mail order. Each participant is able to work at his/her own pace on the required projects. Completed levels are submitted twice a year for marking. On the successful completion of a level, the next level can be continued on.

Anyone interested in handweaving is invited to join the Guild of Canadian Weavers. You don’t have to live in Canada to join. Members receive a New Members information package containing the Handbook, Test Requirements and a Library and Membership list. All members have access to the Guild library and receive a quarterly Newsletter filled with samples, projects and interesting articles.

Canadian Guilds.
If your guild would like to be included in this list of web sites, please let me know.

Guild of Canadian Weavers

The GCW website has information on joining the Guild, member services and test requirements.

GCW Test Requirements

Hand Weaving Books
Weaving on a Little Loom (Everything you need to know to get started with weaving, includes 5 simple projects

The Key to Weaving: A Textbook of Hand Weaving for the Beginning Weaver
The Weaver’s Companion (The Companion Series)
Learning to Weave
The Big Book of Weaving: Handweaving in the Swedish Tradition: Techniques, Patterns, Designs and Materials
The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory
A Weaver’s Book of 8-Shaft Patterns: From the Friends of Handwoven
Krokbragd: How to Design & Weave
Doubleweave: On Four to Eight Shafts
Double Weave: Theory and Practice<
Magic of Doubleweave: The Best of Weaver’s (Best of Weaver’s series)
Weaving In the Arts: Widening the Learning Circle
DIY Woven Art: Inspiration and Instruction for Handmade Wall Hangings, Rugs, Pillows and More!
>On the Loom: A Modern Weaver’s Guide

AFFILIATE LINKS
As an Affiliate (Influencer)
I earn income (pennies) from qualifying purchases.
Thank you for your support.

SHOPPING: EBay.com
EBay Used Weaving Looms
EBay Used Spinning Wheels
EBay Wool Roving
EBay Nalbinding
EBay Natural Plant Dyes
EBay Crochet Thread
EBay Knitting Yarns


LOVECRAFTS KNITTING PATTERNS

Christmas Gnome Pattern

LONGTHREAD MEDIA VIDEO

Krokbragd on Inkle Loom

LONGTHREAD MEDIA SUBSCRIPTIONS

HANDWOVEN MAGAZINE
PIECEWORK MAGAZINE
SPINOFF MAGAZINE
LEARN LONGTHREAD MEDIA

PAIVATAR HANDMADE

Paivatar Handmade

Paivatar on YouTube
Visit my YouTube channel for how-to craft videos.

Or Please visit my Channel on Rumble for more how-to videos.
https://rumble.com/Paivatar

LIVE STREAMS - Paivatar Studio
KICK
TWITCH MAKERS&CRAFTING
YOUTUBE