About HWSD
Who We Are
Handweavers, Spinners & Dyers Guild Headquarters
Located at St George’s in Hobart, the Handweavers, Spinners & Dyers Guild Headquarters is a welcoming place for anyone interested in fibre, yarn and textile crafts.
While handweaving, spinning dyeing are at the heart of the Guild, our interests extend well beyond these traditional crafts. Members also enjoy knitting, crochet and felting, with these activities naturally growing from and complementing the skills of spinning and working with fibre.
Whether you are interested in creating yarn from fleece, dyeing and spinning your own fibres, weaving cloth, felting, knitting or crocheting, there is something to discover and enjoy.
The Guild is part of a vibrant statewide community, with 35 groups located across Tasmania. These groups provide opportunities to connect with others, share skills and knowledge, learn new techniques and enjoy textile crafts together.
What You’ll Find at Headquarters
The Hobart headquarters is home to a Yarn Store, Library and Equipment Library, available for members to use.
The Yarn Store offers a range of yarns and supplies for members to purchase, while the Library provides a wealth of books and information covering weaving, spinning, dyeing, knitting, crochet, felting.
The Equipment Library gives members access to equipment that can help them explore and develop their skills without having to own everything themselves.
Come and Visit
The Guild is open every Thursday from 9am–1pm, as well as on the second Saturday of each month.
Visitors are welcome to come along, have a chat, take a tour and have a go. You can meet Guild members, see the equipment and resources, ask questions, share ideas and discover the many different textile activities that take place within the Guild.
You don't need to be a member to try things out. Visitors can attend up to three sessions before deciding whether to join.
Interstate visitors are very welcome, whether you are visiting Tasmania for a few days or staying longer. Come and meet local textile enthusiasts, see what we do and share your own interests, skills and experiences.
Come along, meet us and discover the wonderful world of fibre and textile crafts — from fleece to fibre, yarn to fabric, and everything in between.
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 Sue Hastie.
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
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