Programme
The Somerset Guild hosts a busy programme of informative and inspiring talks and workshops
2026 Guild programme
17th January 2026. From Fair Isle to Football Boots'. Vikki Haffenden will be giving a talk about machine knitting. Kathy Wright plus other members of the Taunton Machine Knitting Club will be giving demonstrations on domestic knitting machines.
21st February 2026: Sarah Guest of Love Somatics, Crafting without pain; Somatic tools for spinners and weavers. An illustrated talk about how Somatics may help relieve aches and improve your posture whilst crafting.
21st March 2026:Charlotte Martin the owner of Somerset based Fruitbat Textiles will be talking about establishing her independent business as a weaving and dyeing practitioner.
18th April 2026: In-house Skill Sharing day. Members of the Guild are encouraged to offer small, informal workshops on a favourite craft skill they would like to share with other members.
16th May 2026: Fiona Morris, Patchwork Knitting. Fiona’s talk will focus on the possibilities of patchwork knitting, including knitting with your own handspun yarns.
20th June 2026: The Guild’s Annual Fleece Fair. Locally sourced fleece and fibres will be on sale along with fibre related stalls and demonstrations.
18th July 2026: Ria Burns. Indigo Dyeing workshop, full day workshop learning to dye using the Indigo plant. Limited places, booking essential.
August 2026 (Date TBA): Outside event, spinning and weaving at Dawes Twineworks in West Coker. (timing to be finalised).
19th September 2026: Angie Parker, author of Krokbragd Weaving, will be talking about her take on the weft-faced weaving technique originating from Scandinavia. Angie will be selling signed copies of her book on the day.
17th October 2026: Becks of Tiny Fibre Studio. Spinning and Plying with Purpose. A workshop to for those wishing to learn how have more control in their spinning techniques. Limited spaces, booking essential.
21st November 2026: Frank Herring and Son. David Herring will bring a pop-up shop from their main Dorchester shop and offer wheel maintenance and a demonstration.
December 2026 (Date TBA): Christmas social event. Shared lunch and show and tell.
Other events of interest
2025:
If you would like to find out about the August visit to the Eko Alpaka Farm near Dulverton, please look at the blog / magazine article in the hyperlink. There is also an interview with Brenda Gibson ‘ A Life in Fine Threads’
Dorset Guild Open Day to show off core skills: weaving, spinning, dyeing and felting. Sat 27th September 10.30 Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Sunninghill Preparatory School, Culliford Road North, Dorchester, DT1 1QG. From hyperlink, use the arrows at the bottom left of the page to scroll through the programme
Avon Guild is celebrating its 50th year with an exhibition. Save the date 31st Oct - 2nd Nov in SPARKS in Broadmead Bristol.
Unflappable. Fashioning the 1920s Costume Exhibition Killerton House Until 2nd November
Yeovil Literary Festival Patrick Grant (from the Sewing Bee) is talking about his book on sustainable clothing ‘Less’ on 24th October
Devon Open Studios until 21st September
Somerset Open Studios 13th – 28th September – see attached flier from Lia Jenkinson. Is there anyone else showing work, whether textile or other skill? We will be interested to hear and visit.
World Textile Day Saltford, between Bath and Bristol Saturday 4th October. Speakers not yet announced
Other Guilds
Demonstrations by Guild Members
The Guild is often asked to provide demonstrators at events. Do let us know if you are interested in hosting demonstrators or offering your skills as a demonstrator. Please come and see us and say hello if you are visiting an event.