The Selkirk Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild — an icon in the West Kootenay cultural community for 44 years — is holding their Annual Sale and Exhibit on Friday, Nov. 17 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Castlegar at Canada’s Best Value Inn, 1935 Columbia Ave.
Admission is free to explore this feast of fibres: handwoven, hand-knit, felted and sewn from a variety of fibres.
If you are looking for something special, you are sure to be delighted with unique scarves woven and knit with silk, bamboo, and other exotic yarns, including the traditional standby: wool.
Fine wool yarns made from Merino fleece keep you warm without being scratchy.
And speaking of wool, there will be hand-knit woolen socks to keep feet cozy this winter.
Of course, the Guild Sale would not be complete without the now famous tea towels. At first, people say, “I couldn’t possibly use these in the kitchen.”
At the sale this year, the guild will have a display of handwoven tea towels created by the members that have been used over the years and laundered by machine, just to prove that they last and are still beautiful.
“Some very talented new weavers and spinners have joined us. They have brought fresh new ideas along with their growing skills and excellent workmanship, and we are proud to be adding their work this year,” states President Harlamovs. Guild members will be present during the sale to answer questions about weaving and spinning, and visitors will be mesmerized as the fibre is spun into yarn or thread.
The Selkirk Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild has been an important part of the Castlegar cultural scene for 44 years.
Currently, with a membership from Castlegar, Robson, Trail, Fruitvale, Rossland, Nelson, and Grand Forks, they hold meetings at their weaving studio at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre (across from the Castlegar Airport) from September to June at 10 a.m. and invite those interested in their traditional craft.
For more information, phone Sandra at 250-365-7084.