Friendship

Whether through serving on the Board of Directors or the Committees; attending workshops, seminars, conferences, and fibre events together; or sharing stories over the 100-inch loom, KHWS provides a community for many of its members. These personal stories highlight the important social role of the Guild.

Many members live in areas outside of Kingston and sometimes find it difficult to attend monthly meetings and events. In these communities, small fibre groups related to KHWS have formed to remain connected. Christine English, a member of the "Fibrerats" group, talks about her experience living outside of Kingston as a member of the Guild.

In 2021, the Kingston Handloom Weavers and Spinners lost an important member of their community. Bridget Lewis was a Master Weaver and Master Spinner who ran and coordinated workshops in the Guild and mentored many beginner weavers. She worked as an Occupational Therapist at the Child Development Centre in Kingston, and travelled the world to pursue her love of fibre and to expand her knowledge of weaving techniques and materials. She received the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners Award of Merit for her contributions to the fibre arts and to KHWS. A testament to Lewis's influence within the Guild, the majority of members interviewed for the Threads of History project shared their memories of her. Nancy Bowman recounts meeting Lewis and highlights her contributions to the group. 

A sweater sewn by Bridget Lewis, using handwoven fabric.