Who we are
The Handweavers, Spinners and Dyers Guild of Tasmania,Inc aims to bring together everyone who practises textile and fibre crafts for their mutual benefit, for the advancement of their crafts and discussions, demonstrations and exhibition. Founded in 1971, the Guild has been continuously providing community, companionship and resources to all practitioners of the fibre arts and crafts.
Guild History
In October 1970, ten women met in a private home to encourage one another in their infant spinning and weaving efforts. News spread, numbers increased, and in August 1971 Fran Attrill was elected first President of the Handweavers, Spinners and Dyers Guild of Tasmania. You can read more about our history in our publication Textile Journeys. Our Current President is Eric Cave.
Yarn Store
Founded by Robyn Matheson, the Yarn Store continues to provide cost effective and quality materials to Guild members. Current Yarn Store Officer Sue Hastie is always open to new ideas and questions. Send Sue an email with your suggestions. The Guild Yarn Store is open Thursdays between 9:30AM and 1:00 PM, and the second Saturday of the month.Phone: 0418 485 868
Library
The Library is open to all members for research and borrowing, and also can be browsed online. All books, magazines, and DVDs are available to current financial members. Rates are extremely reasonable, with costs as follows
-
periodicals / magazines - 0.20 cents per month
-
Books - 0.50 cents per month
-
DVDs - $2.00 per month
Browse online from your pc, or mobile device.
Contact our current Library Officer via email.
​
​
Equipment
Equipment Officer Brian Smith will be happy to assist you in selecting from a range of equipment. Whether you are in search of Lazy Kates, Niddy Noddys, Carders, Warping boards, Hat Blockers, Wool Combs, Dyeing equipment and Inkle Looms, they are all available for you to borrow at reasonable rates and try before you buy.
Contact Brian via email with any queries.
Island Yarns
A hardcopy newsletter is sent 6 times a year to all financial members (February, April, June, August, October, December). This newsletter is a permanent record of Guild events, workshops and news, as well as containing articles on fibre related crafts for future reference. Island Yarns also carries advertising. See here for rates and article cut off dates. You can always email Editor Eva Ruzicka with news about your group, special event or to request a special interest article or feature.
