Events
The OHS hosts many events for our members. We have our biennial OHS Conference, as well as webinars on various topics throughout the year. In 2021 we offered a webinar series on Demystifying Flax, followed by our webinar series in 2022 featuring Amazing Alpaca Fibre. In January 2022 we welcomed Dr. Adrienne Hood to present "Beyond Keep Me Warm One Night: Dorothy Burnham - Weaver, Curator and Inspiration", a tribute to the life and works of Dorothy Burnham.
The OHS also supports regional events such as the biennial WASOON conference presented by the guilds of northern Ontario, and biennial regional seminars offered in various regions across southern Ontario.
Please see below for information about upcoming events. If you have any questions please reach out to us at info@ohs.on.ca.
2023 Webinar Series: Cotton
- Saturday, February 25, 4-5 pm: The History of Cotton – Roslyn Darling will talk about how cotton came to be so important in our everyday lives. With cotton fibres and yarns available to us from all over the world, Roslyn will take us on the trail of cotton and cotton fabrics through the centuries.
Bio: Roslyn Darling is a graduate of the OHS Spinning Certificate Program, and a member of OHS and the Toronto Guild of Spinners and Weavers. She was awarded her Master Spinner Certificate in 2019 and her In-Depth Study focused on blending cotton with fine protein fibres. Last year her cotton experiments included cotton and down blends to spin feathered yarns.
- Saturday, March 25, 10-11 am: Spinning Cotton – Jane Schuell will demonstrate how to card cotton and make a puni, spin cotton on a Tahkli spindle and a book charkha, and plying techniques.
Bio: Jane Schuell, an avid knitter and rughooker, was introduced to spinning 21 years ago when she wandered by chance into a Belleville Weavers and Spinners show and sale. She was instantly captivated and has since spent every spare moment learning to spin different fibres.
- Saturday, April 15, 12-1 pm: Weaving with Cotton – Ralph Johnston gives a brief look at some cotton yarns commonly used for weaving, the Cotton count system, and some true and tested weaving patterns to have in your repertoire.
Bio: Ralph Johnston lives in Sudbury, Ontario and has a weaving teaching studio in North Bay Ontario where he teaches weekly. With a wide range of eager and curious students who get to choose projects of their own choice and design, he gets to explore a wide range of interests.
- Saturday, May 27, 10-11 am: Dyeing Cotton – Samantha Van Noy will show how to dye cotton the Trailhead way. This talk will feature the steps of hand dyeing cotton with tips on dyeing your own at home.
Bio: Samantha Van Noy is the owner and creator behind Trailhead Yarns. After developing a severe wool allergy she started dyeing plant based yarns. As a fibre artist her goal is to produce beautiful supplies for other makers.
These webinars will be on Zoom. Each month, the link will be emailed to registrants.
Entire Series (Members) $60
Entire Series (Non-Members) $80
Individual Webinar (Members) $20
Individual Webinar (Non-Members) $25
To register:
OHS Members click here (Note: You must be logged in to your account to access this link)
Cotton Spinning Sample Kit
Participants can order a kit consisting of a tahkli (brass support spindle) and a variety of types of cotton. Due to international supply challenges, this kit will not be available in time for the Spinning Cotton webinar on March 25, so we plan to accept orders until April 1, and mail the kits out as soon as possible after that. $70 (shipping within Canada included.) The kit can be ordered at the links above.
Invitation to Collaborate
Pairs or groups of registrants consisting of spinners, weavers, and dyers will be invited to work together on a project inspired by this webinar series. If you need help finding a partner, OHS will find one for you! The project can be as large or as small as you choose, as useful or as frivolous, but should include some handspun cotton yarn and some handwoven cotton fabric. Ideally you will photograph and document the stages of your creation, and submit your records for inclusion in a future Fibre Focus article. We also invite collaborators to display their finished project at the OHS Conference in October.
2023 Fleece Assessment Workshop
Workshop Leader: Harriet Boon, Certified Ontario Wool Judge
10 am – 4 pm on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, 2023
Kimber Valley Farms, 236087 Beaver Valley Rd, Kimberley, ON N0C 1G0
This is the second OHS Fleece Assessment Workshop, following on the success of last year. Guided by Certified Ontario Wool Judge and long-time OHS educator Harriet Boon, participants will explore the characteristics of a wide range of fleeces – from Ontario and beyond. Shepherds and spinners are invited, and an exchange of experiences and information is anticipated. This workshop will be primarily hands-on learning: our hands will be in the wool as we explore the qualities and challenges of each unique fleece.
The workshop will be held in a large, well-ventilated horse arena with a dry dirt floor.
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and providing their own food. Drinking water and toilet facilities will be available.
OHS members $200; non-members $250
Maximum number of participants: 20
To register:
OHS Members click here (Note: You must be logged in to your account to access this link)
We are grateful for the financial support of Ontario Sheep Farmers.