2023 programme

This years theme is all about colour! 

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January 21st
Social day

February 11th
Introduction to natural dyeing - using onion skins 

March 11th
David Herring
Spinning wheel clinic a.m
Talk: rigid heddle weaving p.m
no charge - donation to his chosen charity

April 15th
Spinning wheel speed dating

May 13th
Jessica Cutler
Weaver - subject to be confirmed

June 10th
Eco printing (in house)

July 8th
Fleece and Fibre day

August
no meeting

September 9th
Summer School show and tell

October 14th
Evaluation Day + Forms

November 11th
AGM & Members sales day

December 9th
Social day & shared lunch

Events and Exhibitions 

                   Evaluation Day
                     
Saturday 14th October is our Evaluation Day
The Categories
The Lesley Neate Trophy - Make an item using only natural coloured fleece or fibre. Use any type of breed, or variety of breeds, to show of the many different shades that natural fibres offer. The size of the item is not important. The point is to show skill in making use of the natural palette.
The Coldharbour Trophy – Produce an item of any size, using a multi-shaft loom, rigid heddle, tapestry or braid loom.
The Joan Boardman Trophy – Knit or Crochet an item from your own hand spun yarn. It may hand prepared fleece, natural or dyed, or commercially prepared tops. Show off your skills and creativity, by making something unique.
The Edna Gibson Trophy – Spin a skein of yarn, of no more than 100 grams in weight. It may be as plain or as fancy as you wish. You may use any fibre that it is possible to spin, plain, ‘designer’, or with inclusions. It can be any thickness, within the 100 gram limit. Demonstrate your imagination and skill.
The Eleanor Matthews Trophy – This is awarded to a knitted item, chosen from across the categories, which the Evaluator considers to have the best finish.
The Dye Trophies – There are two identical trophies, one each for Natural Dyeing and Synthetic Dyeing. Enter a single skein, multiple skeins or item up to a total of 100 grams. You may only enter one category, not both.
The Shetland Challenge Trophy – This challenge alternates between Shetland Lace one year, and Fair Isle the next. A pattern will be provided. The item must be knitted with your own hand spun yarn, which must be Shetland wool. Originally, it would have been hand spun from your own prepared fleece. Now, commercially prepared Shetland fibre is also permitted, but it must be made clear on the entry form which has been used.
The Members Choice/Joyce Cook Trophy – Awarded to the item which is voted, on the day, as overall favourite across the categories.
The Tyro Trophy – Awarded to a member with less than one year’s experience in the chosen craft, the winner will be chosen from across all categories.
The Evaluator’s Choice – This Trophy, made by Ted Selwyn, is awarded to the item the Evaluator considers to be the most outstanding entry, across all categories.
The Chair’s Challenge Trophy – The Chairperson’s choice, from entries in the Chair’s Challenge.
Any member fortunate enough to win a Trophy may not enter the same category the following year. Any item may only be entered in one class/category.

All entries need to arrive before 11:00am
There are links to the Information and Entry forms below.

Evaluation Day Information
​Evaluation Day Entries

Are You: 
Thinking of joining our Guild.
A novice who wants to improve his/her skills.
Interested in the wide range of projects made by our members?
A knitter who wants to make his/her own yarn.

Come along to our annual Evaluation Day
10.00am – 3.30pm
Saturday, 14th October
America Hall. De La Rue Way - Pinhoe - Exeter - EX4 8PX
 
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Fleece and Fibre Day

Saturday 8 July 2023
10.00 am to 2.00 pm

America Hall
de la Rue Way
Pinhoe
EXETER
​EX4 8 PX 

Shetland Challenge!

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Shetland fleece either prepared completely from a fleece or use commercial.
Top in 5 different colours. 
Linda’s very comprehensive instructions and pattern
​(link below). 
All entries will be judged at the next evaluation day at Octobers meeting. 

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Good luck to all who participate.


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  Pattern here! 

An exhibition to showcase our 70 year history and current artistic achievements of our guild members.

Entry is from 10am and is free, with easily accessible free parking. the Abbey grounds provide a wonderful setting with gardens, cafes and rich ambience. 
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There will be a chance to purchase local handcrafted items created by people dedicated to their craft.