Learning the Ropes
Many members of KHWS have furthered their knowledge of the historical and technical elements of the fibre arts by participating in courses, seminars, and workshops. The Ontario Handweavers and Spinners (OHS) offers certification and Masters courses in weaving and spinning and St. Lawrence College offers textile and design courses related to fibre. Among the many Guild members who have contributed to fibre education, Susi Reinink and Beth Abbott assisted in the creation of courses to support fibre artists. Bethany Garner enjoyed sharing her knowledge at several workshops for new students and particularly loved teaching how to dye a warp and use indigo.
Susi Reinink is a Master Weaver who has taught weaving in the Guild since she joined in 1977, as well as through the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners. She was instrumental in developing the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners' online Weaving Certificate program, which allows weavers to learn from home. Here she discusses her own training in the fibre arts, her role in the creation of the program, and reflects on how weaving education has changed during her lifetime.
Weaver and textile artist Bethany Garner, who is an active member of the fibre arts community, helped to establish the Textile Arts Program at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. She taught in the program for 23 years. She discusses the inspiration behind the program and how being a college instructor encouraged her to broaden her experience in, and perspective of, the fibre arts.