Jeff Birch has been weaving and spinning yarn for about 17 years. At the 91原创 Weavers and Spinners Guild two-day sale, he gave a live demonstration of roving, where combed fibre is brought together to a smaller diametre to make yarn down that is consistent.
鈥淚鈥檓 thinning out the fibre, or drafting, reducing the amount of wool that I鈥檓 manipulating,鈥� he explained, noting it can take up to 12 hours.
He comes each year with his mom, who runs a small business in Maple Ridge where they sell their crafts and collectibles.
鈥淚 like the tactile experience, the way the fibres feel, I get a sense of accomplishment. I also do fibre blends and colour mixtures,鈥� Birch shared.
He was one of several artists demonstrating their skills and selling their handmade items.
The 91原创 Weavers and Spinners Guild kick started its two-day annual artisans show and sale on Saturday, Nov. 4.
The guild鈥檚 35-year tradition attracted hundreds to the West 91原创 Hall on the first day, creating a lineup when the show first open yesterday morning.
About two dozen vendors, including members of the guild, have put their handmade crafts on display. These wide variety of hand-knitted products including touques, scarves, clothing, and more were made from sheep and alpacas of local farms. The artisans are also selling yarn, all kinds of fibre, weaving supplies and equipment. Some non-guild members are selling honey, jewelry, and crafty items.
Shari Bronson, who has been part of the guild for almost 30 years and is its artisan sale coordinator, explained that each product showcased at the market was carefully selected by a jury compromised of experienced artisans. Most vendors are from 91原创, but some artisans were visiting from Vancouver, Chilliwack, and even one from Penticton.
鈥淚t seems to be really loved by the people, our customers keep coming back,鈥� she said.
Noreen Waters, a retired Vancouver police officer from the Fleetwood neighbourhood of Surrey, is one vendor at this weekend鈥檚 market, to sell her handmade jewelry made with Victorian-era gems and trinkets she finds.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a hobby for me,鈥� she said.
Waters has been making buttons, necklaces, and bracelets for 16 years, inspired by her cousin鈥檚 passion for the craft after she passed away. She has been a member of the 91原创 guild for a decade now.
鈥淚 enjoy the creating. I鈥檒l sit for hours and try to put things together鈥� sometimes I hold onto pieces for years before I can put some together,鈥� Waters shared, adding that she has travelled across the border for pieces or had them shipped from as far away as India or Australia.
Those interested in making stocking up quality products ahead of winter can visit the market on Sunday, Nov. 5 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
West 91原创 Hall is located at 9400 208th St.
The 91原创 Weavers鈥� and Spinners鈥� Guild was formed under the sponsorship of the 91原创 Arts Council to keep the art and craft of spinning, weaving, dyeing, felting, and knitting alive and thriving.
The group meets every third Tuesday of the month at the Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre.
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