September 2023

Guild members spinning at the RBST Suffolk Horse Spectacular.

It has been a very busy month and members of the Guild have been out an about demonstrating their weaving and spinning skills. The month began with a number of Guild members volunteering to weave and spin at the RBST Suffolk Horse Spectacular held at the Food Museum in Stowmarket. We welcomed a member from the Mid Norfolk Guild who joined us for the day. It was a beautiful September day and all visitors to the barn enjoyed seeing us spin and weave.

“He” Bear enjoying a relaxing day at St Mary’s Church Attleborough
Maureen’s weaving samples on display at St Mary’s Church Attleborough

For Heritage week members of the Guild volunteered to spin and weave at St Mary’s Church, Attleborough. This took place over two weekends and involved participating on both Saturdays. The first Saturday was very well attended, the second less so but members who volunteered had a lovely time and enjoyed spinning and weaving in a wonderful, historic building.

Also during Heritage week a Guild member joined members from Mid Norfolk Guild, Norwich City Guild and Norfolk Countryside Guild for Wymondham Vintage Day. The stand was in the Abbey and despite the rain it was a very busy afternoon. There was a lot of interest from the public in the spinning and weaving taking place.

On the hottest Sunday of the month, three very brave members volunteered to spin at the Langham Walled Garden open day, near Stanton. Fortunately they managed to get some shade under a gazebo. ‘She’ bear resorted to wearing her bikini it was so hot! It was a beautiful setting and a fun day was had by all.

“She” Bear sunbathing at the Langham Walled Garden Open Day.

For our September meeting Susan kindly gave a talk and a demonstration on the back-strap weaving she has been doing over the last year. She has been learning the weaving patterns from Peru under the guidance of Abby Franquemont. Susan explained the history behind the woven bands as well as explaining how she weaves using her back strap loom. She showed us how she spins the fibre to make the yarn to weave with. As well as her own weaving Susan also brought along some examples to show us of Peruvian weavings she has collected. Our thanks to Susan for giving such an interesting and inspiring talk; we are all much in awe.

Examples of Susan’s woven bands.
Two woven bands from her collection.
Susan’s woven bands with some of her collected pieces.