Heritage Weavers and Spinners Guild of Calgary

The Heritage Weavers & Spinners Guild of Calgary is pleased to be participating in Historic Calgary Week 2026: Chinook Country – Influences and Icons

PUBLIC IS INVITED! You do not need to be a member of the Guild.

July 25, 2026
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Austrian Canadian Cultural Centre (outdoors)

Discover how traditional dyeing knowledge continues to inspire and shape contemporary textiles. In Alberta, natural dyeing is influenced by Indigenous knowledge, the prairie landscape, and today's vibrant craft community.
Join us for a hands-on introduction to natural dyeing using locally sourced materials. Learn how onion skins, carrot tops, marigolds, and other natural materials can create beautiful colours on wool, and enjoy the opportunity to try it for yourself.

Whether you're a fibre artist, history enthusiast, gardener, or simply curious about traditional crafts, we'd love to see you there!

For more information about Historic Calgary Week:
https://www.chinookhistory.ca/historic-calgary-week

Interested in becoming a member?

Membership at the Guild has many benefits! Questions? Email us at
[email protected] Or you can register online through the website.

Members! Whether you're new to inkle weaving or looking to expand your skills, our library has a wonderful selection of books waiting to inspire you. This is a highly portable activity to take it on the road.

Interested in becoming a member? Email us at [email protected]

The Heritage Weavers & Spinners Guild of Calgary is pleased to be participating in Historic Calgary Week 2026: Chinook Country – Influences and Icons

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

July 25, 2026
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Austrian Canadian Cultural Centre (outdoors)

Discover how traditional dyeing knowledge continues to inspire and shape contemporary textiles. In Alberta, natural dyeing is influenced by Indigenous knowledge, the prairie landscape, and today's vibrant craft community.

Join us for a hands-on introduction to natural dyeing using locally sourced materials. Learn how onion skins, carrot tops, marigolds, and other natural materials can create beautiful colours on wool, and enjoy the opportunity to try it for yourself.

Whether you're a fibre artist, history enthusiast, gardener, or simply curious about traditional crafts, we'd love to see you there!

For more information about Historic Calgary Week:
https://www.chinookhistory.ca/historic-calgary-week

Inspired by the Kids Demo draft, a few of us had fun at the guild trying out many different colours on a tea towel project.

Are you interested in learning more about dyeing yarn? If so, join us on July 25 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. HWSG is participating in Historic Calgary Week 2026 and we will be hosting an interactive dye session outdoors at the Austrain Canadian Cultural Centre.

Questions about membership? Email us at [email protected]




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We look forward to seeing you next week at the Calgary Stampede.

Every year our guild volunteers at the Stampede to showcase spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, and more. We’re located in the Sheep Showcase, demonstrating how we transform wool into traditional and modern arts and crafts.

Thinking about trying rigid heddle weaving, or looking for your next project?

Our Guild Library has a wonderful selection of books dedicated to rigid heddle weaving, whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your skills. From techniques and project ideas to colour, texture, and design inspiration, there's something for every weaver.

One benefit of being a Guild Member is being able to borrow these books and more from our library. Interested in becoming a member? Contact us to learn more or sign up through our website.

Have you found a favourite rigid heddle book or project? We'd love to hear your recommendations in the comments.

How much 8/2 cotton yarn do you think it takes to weave 6 handwoven tea towels? Including both the warp and the weft, choose your guess:

A) 500 yards
B) 1000 yards
C) 3000 yards
D) 6000 yards

(approx. based on a 30-32" finished towel). Put your answer (A, B, C, or D) in the comments!

We'll reveal the answer tomorrow.

Answer: D

The answer is... approximately 6,000 yards of cotton yarn!

That's enough yarn to stretch:

🏈 Across 50 football fields laid end-to-end
🚶 About 5.5 km
📍 Roughly the distance from downtown Calgary to the Calgary Zoo

And that's just for six handwoven tea towels!

As with most weaving calculations, as some have mentioned, the exact amount depends on many factors, including yarn size, sett, weave structure, dimensions, and loom waste. This estimate was based on a typical tea towel project and was intended as a fun way to think about the amount of yarn involved. A lot!

Thinking about passing along your fibre arts equipment?

We are always grateful for donations of looms, spinning wheels, accessories, and other weaving and spinning tools. Each piece has the potential to inspire learning and creativity within our Guild. Donations are considered individually based on member needs and available studio space.

Email us at [email protected]