Prairie Fibre – Full Circles
Free Demonstrations
Every Saturday 2 to 4 pm, January 24 to April 11, 2926
With thanks to: Saskatoon Spinners and Weavers Guild, SK Arts, and Prairie Fibreshed
Join us at the Saskatchewan Craft Council gallery for free drop-in demonstrations and discussions about fibre arts and the many ways plant and animal fibre can be processed, transformed, and made anew. Meet the artists and artisans in the exhibition and learn more about the textiles that do so much for us!
Winterruption Fibre Art Hands-On Demo
Saturday, January 24, 12 – 4 PM
On Saturday, January 24, as part of Winterruption, you’re invited to visit the Saskatchewan Craft Council Gallery on Broadway Avenue! Artist Jude Haraldson and volunteers from the Saskatoon Spinners and Weavers Guild will be leading drop-in participants through a family-friendly, hands-on yarn spinning demonstration. Colouring pages by illustrator Anna Hunter will also be available. Come warm up and learn more about creating fibre art with locally sourced materials.
Spinning and Thrum Knitting Demonstrations with Cathy Merkley
Saturday January 31st, 2 – 4pm
Learn about yarn spinning and thrum knitting with artisan Cathy Merkley, as well as hear about the qualities and various grades of Alpaca wool. Cathy Merkley is co-owner of Alpaca Naturally, out of Outlook, SK. We regret that no Alpaca will be present in the gallery.
Spinning Flax into Linen with Diana Bekkaoui
Saturday February 7th, 2 – 4pm
A discussion and demonstration of spinning several varieties of flax. See the way that flax fibres are processed into linen from Diana Bekkaoui, candidate master spinner (Olds College Master Spinners Program).
Needle Felting for Valentines with Carole Carter & Barbara Schmidt
Saturday February 14th, 2 – 4pm
A Valentines Day themed demonstration of dry felting wool fibres! A hands-on activity may be available to teens and adults only (sharp tools involved). Watch this space for more information.
Handwoven Garments with Janice Sandford Beck
Saturday February 21st, 2 – 4pm
Janice will conduct a weaving demonstration of the techniques used in creating her Homesteader Sweater in the exhibition, which is inspired by living off the land, stepping back from industrialism, and a tunic of her mother’s, purchased from an English woolen mill in the 1980’s.
Natural Dyes in Saskatchewan with Melissa Schubert
Saturday February 28th, 2 – 4pm
Learn about natural plants grown and used for dyeing pieces in the exhibition! Melissa Schubert will provide samples of fibres dyed with plants grown locally, such as marigolds, madder root, and Japanese indigo.
Knitting Cables & Lace with Lesley Sutherland
Saturday March 7th, 2 – 4pm
View a demonstration of knitting techniques used in fibre art pieces from the exhibition, such as Shoreline and Moonflower. The artisan may provide a hands-on activity – watch this space for more information.
Felting Wool with Donna Stockdale & Mo Junk
Saturday March 14th, 2 – 4pm
A demonstration of wet-felting techniques by the artisans. Donna and Mo will also provide samples of their results from experimenting with felting wool from a variety of sheep breeds.
Waste-Free Fibre Art with Amanda Brown
Saturday March 21st, 2 – 4pm
A display and demonstration of creative techniques that reduce or eliminate waste in weaving and spinning.
Revisiting an Ancient Fibre with Kara Perpelitz
Saturday March 28th, 2 – 4pm
Discussion and demonstration of processes using Stinging Nettles, from harvesting to weaving.
Sheep Breeds in Saskatchewan with Peggy Gwilim
Saturday April 4th, 2 – 4pm
A discussion of suitable uses of wool from various breeds of sheep. Peggy Gwilim will provide a display of samples and share her knowledge of expert fleece judging, and how this knowledge applies to fine craftwork.
We’re located at:
813 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7N 1B5.
We’re open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm, closed Sundays and statutory holidays