Guild Classes 2024
The Guild runs weaving, spinning, tapestry weaving, felting and knitting classes at the Guild rooms in Mt Eden throughout the year. These classes are all suitable for beginners and are taught in small groups by lovely, kind experienced teachers, so come along and learn new skills and techniques that will spark your creativity.
Schedule
Rigid Heddle Weaving
Date: Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 June
(2 Days)
Time: 9am-1pm
Tutor: Anne Stubbings
Raglan Jumper KAL
Dates: Thursday 2 May - Thursday 6 June
(6 Weeks)
Time: Weekly 7-9pm
Tutor: Hazel Watson-Smith
Discovering Felting
Date: Sunday 19 May
(1 Day)
Time: 10am-1pm
Tutor: Christine Roxburgh
Rigid Heddle Weaving (weekday)
Date: Monday 15 & Wednesday 17 July
(2 Days)
Time: 9am-1pm
Tutor: Anne Stubbings
Four-Shaft Weaving
Class nearly full
Date: Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 August
(2 Days)
Time: 10am-3pm
Tutor: Lenie Besseling
Creative Surfaces- Nuno Felting
Date: Sunday 21 July
(1 Day)
Time: 10am-3pm
Tutor: Christine Roxburgh
Spinning Level 2 - class filling fast
Date: Sunday 5 May
(1 Day)
Time: 10am-1pm
Tutor: Justine Stewart
Intro to Spinning - Class full
Date: Sunday 2 June
(1 Day)
Time: 10am-1pm
Tutor: Kim O’Connor
Spinning Level 2
Date: Sunday 14 July
(1 Day)
Time: 10am-1pm
Tutor: Kim O’Connor
Evening Crochet
Dates: Thursday 2nd May - Thursday 23rd May
(4 weeks)
Time: Weekly 7-9pm
Tutor: Justine Stewart
May
Evening knitting classes
Raglan Jumper Knit-a-long with Hazel.
Create a beautiful, simple, elegant raglan jumper. With the support and motivation of the group, your first (or seventh) raglan jumper will be a breeze.
Tutor: Hazel Watson-Smith
Hazel is an Auckland born and based knitter and fibre art enthusiast. In 2020, she rediscovered knitting and finds so much joy from making things with her
hands. Knitting is her meditation, a reason to put her phone down and relax, while still feeling productive.
Dates: Starting Thursday 2 May and weekly on a Thursday for 6 weeks until Thursday 6 June
Time: 7pm-9pm
Cost: $190 for non-Guild members and $170 for Guild members
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
Information:
The course will run weekly, over 6 weeks. You will learn or refresh basic knitting skills and advance your knitting to a full-scale garment top-down, seamless and in the round. Each week we’ll review the upcoming section of the pattern, go over any techniques that we’re unsure of, and troubleshoot any issues from the previous section.
Here is what we will cover:
Week 1: Neck
Week 2: Yoke
Week 3: Divide for arms
Week 4: Body
Week 5: Sleeves
Week 6: Finishing & Showing off
Pattern:
Raglan jumper Pattern
What you need to bring:
Yarn: Worsted weight (150m/50g) 250-400g - depending on the size you want to make.
Check your size in the pattern, but I recommend getting one skein extra just in case. Any colour or combination of colours. We prefer natural fibres (wool, merino, alpaca etc.) but understand that some people have wool allergies or an aversion to wearing animal products.
Needles: Two sets - 5.5mm circular needles (80cm) and 4mm circular needles (80cm)
Evening crochet classes
Foundations of Crochet
An introduction to crocheting for beginners with Justine. Maximum 8 participants.
Tutor: Justine Stewart
Justine is mad about all things fibre and craft. She taught herself to knit when about 8 years old and from there went on to learn about cross stitch, tapestry, tatting, spinning, dyeing and crochet. Her current passions are knitting, crochet and spinning and she can be found doing something crafty most days of the week, helped by her black cat Pepe.
Dates: Starting Thursday 2nd May and weekly on a Thursday for 4 weeks until Thursday 23rd May
Time: 7pm-9pm
Cost: $125 for non-Guild members and $110 for Guild members
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
Information:
The course will run weekly, over 4 weeks. Justine will teach you the basic techniques of crochet, leading to making two types of granny squares. Granny squares can then be joined and made into the classic blanket but also used to create exciting garments. For inspiration check out this pattern.
Here is what we will cover:
Week 1: How to hold the crochet hook; how to tension yarn, the anatomy of a stitch and how to create stitches starting with chain, double and treble stitches.
Week 2: How to crochet a traditional granny square; how to count stitches, how to secure changes in colour including the Magic Join, and how to darn in ends.
Week 3: Joining granny squares using different techniques.
Week 4: Advanced: another granny square pattern including a new stitch, the puff stitch. How to read stitch patterns.
Each week we’ll briefly review the previous class and go over any techniques that we’re unsure of.
What you need to bring:
8 ply (DK) or 10 ply weight yarn, in at least three different colours.
4mm crochet hook for 8 ply and 5mm crochet hook for 10 ply.
A notebook and pen or digital device for making notes.
We prefer natural fibres (wool, merino, alpaca etc.) but understand that some people have wool allergies or an aversion to wearing animal products, so just bring along whatever suits you.
Spinning classes
Level 2 Spinning on a spinning wheel with Justine (maximum 6 participants).
Class filling fast
This class is for those who have a grasp of the basic concepts of spinning and for spinners who want to extend their knowledge. It is the perfect follow-up class to our Introduction to Spinning on a Spinning Wheel.
Tutor: Justine Stewart
Dates: Sunday 5th May
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $80 for non-Guild members or $65 for Guild members.
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
Information:
Justine will help you to extend your knowledge of spinning, drafting and plying.
A kit will be supplied with all the fibre you will need.
What you need to bring:
Your own working spinning wheel, if you have one. Email us at handweavers@xtra.co.nz if your wheel needs repairs and we will refer you to a spinning wheel repairer. If you do not have one, the Guild has wheels you can use. Please advise us in your enrolment form or by email (handweavers@xtra.co.nz) if you wish to use a Guild spinning wheel for this class.
Three bobbins to fit your wheel
A niddy-noddy. There will be a limited number available in the class.
Pen, notepad and smartphone to make notes or video.
Snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Felting classes
Discovering felting with Christine (maximum 8 participants).
Always wanted to try wet felting? This is the day to come and learn the basics, as well as some techniques for different effects, to start you into the world of felt making. This class is suitable for beginners.
Tutor: Christine Roxburgh
Christine was taught by her grandmother how to spin and use natural dyes and this introduced her to the delights of wool and fibre arts. In 2009 she discovered felting and since then her passion and fascination with felt has completely absorbed her.
Date: Sunday 19 May
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $90 for non-Guild members, $80 for Guild members.
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts). More details will be sent to you when you register.
Information:
Using various techniques, Christine will teach you how to make a piece of felt , which can be left as your own reference piece or made into a bag, cushion or whatever you like.
You will learn:
How to lay out wool for strength and flexibility.
Felting methods and how to full (compress or combine fibres)
How to calculate shrinkage, use a resist and include yarns, silk fibres and fabrics for different effects.
A kit will be supplied, which includes:
All wool, assorted silks, cotton fabrics, silk fibres and yarns
Eco detergent
Mosquito netting
Rollers
Notes
What you need to bring:
Scissors, suitable for cutting fine fabrics and wool.
2 pieces of bubble wrap, about 70cm x 60cm (newer pieces not with the bubbles burst!).
Empty plastic 2L milk bottle (or similar). The ones with a moulded handle are good - we will make small holes in the lid.
2-3 old towels and a sponge or microfibre cloth for soaking up extra water.
Splash-proof apron, if you have one.
Pen to add to your notes.
Waterproof bag or bucket to carry wet felt and bubble wrap home.
Snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
June
Spinning classes
Introduction to spinning on a spinning wheel with Kim (max 6 participants).
Class full
This class is for beginners and those wanting to refresh the basics of spinning with the spinning wheel. There is a follow-up class that will teach concepts in more depth.
Tutor: Kim O’Connor
Dates: Sunday 2 June
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $80 for non-Guild members or $65 for Guild members.
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts). More details will be sent to you when you register.
Information:
Kim will teach you the basics of how to spin, draft and ply.
Included in your course fee is a kit with all the fibre you will need for the class.
What you need to bring:
Your own working spinning wheel, if you have one. Email us at handweavers@xtra.co.nz if your wheel needs repairs and we will refer you to a spinning wheel repairer. If you do not have one, the Guild has wheels you can use. Please advise us in your enrolment form or by email (handweavers@xtra.co.nz) if you wish to use a Guild spinning wheel for this class.
Three bobbins to fit your wheel.
A lazy Kate, if you have one.
A niddy-noddy, if you have one. There will be a limited number available in the class.
Snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Rigid heddle weaving classes
Weaving a scarf on a rigid heddle loom with Anne (2 days, maximum 4 participants).
An introduction to weaving on the Rigid Heddle loom. This class is suitable for beginners.
Tutor: Anne Stubbings
Anne has over twenty years’ experience crafting and teaching. She is a keen weaver, spinner, dyer, knitter and embroiderer.
Dates: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June
Time: 9am-1pm
Cost: $250 for non-Guild members or $210 for Guild members
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts). More details will be sent to you when you register.
Information:
Anne will help you to set up a rigid heddle loom and take you through the steps involved in weaving a two-coloured scarf. You will also learn finishing techniques to enhance your fabric and create a scarf that is unique to you.
A kit will be supplied with pure New Zealand wool yarn for your warp and your weft. Before the class, Anne will contact you to ask about your colour preferences.
Looms and weaving accessories will be provided for you to use in the class.
What you need to bring:
Snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Pen, notepad and smartphone to make notes or video.
July
Spinning classes
Level 2 Spinning on a spinning wheel with Kim (maximum 6 participants).
This class is for those who have a grasp of the basic concepts of spinning and for spinners who want to extend their knowledge. It is the perfect follow-up class to our Introduction to Spinning on a Spinning Wheel.
Tutor: Kim O’Connor
Dates: Sunday 14th July
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $80 for non-Guild members or $65 for Guild members.
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
Information:
Kim will help you to extend your knowledge of spinning, drafting and plying.
A kit will be supplied with all the fibre you will need.
What you need to bring:
Your own working spinning wheel, if you have one. Email us at handweavers@xtra.co.nz if your wheel needs repairs and we will refer you to a spinning wheel repairer. If you do not have one, the Guild has wheels you can use. Please advise us in your enrolment form or by email (handweavers@xtra.co.nz) if you wish to use a Guild spinning wheel for this class.
Three bobbins to fit your wheel
A niddy-noddy. There will be a limited number available in the class.
Pen, notepad and smartphone to make notes or video.
Snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Rigid heddle weaving classes (week day)
Weaving a scarf on a rigid heddle loom with Anne (2 days, maximum 4 participants).
An introduction to weaving on the Rigid Heddle loom. This class is suitable for beginners.
Tutor: Anne Stubbings
Anne has over twenty years’ experience crafting and teaching. She is a keen weaver, spinner, dyer, knitter and embroiderer.
Dates: Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 July
Time: 9am-1pm
Cost: $250 for non-Guild members or $210 for Guild members
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts). More details will be sent to you when you register.
Information:
Anne will help you to set up a rigid heddle loom and take you through the steps involved in weaving a two-coloured scarf. You will also learn finishing techniques to enhance your fabric and create a scarf that is unique to you.
A kit will be supplied with pure New Zealand wool yarn for your warp and your weft. Before the class, Anne will contact you to ask about your colour preferences.
Looms and weaving accessories will be provided for you to use in the class.
What you need to bring:
Snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Pen, notepad and smartphone to make notes or video.
Felting classes
Creative Surfaces- exploring Nuno Felting with Christine (maximum 8 participants).
Nuno (Japanese for ‘cloth’) felting is a type of wet felting with the addition of fabric. This technique greatly increases the variety of surface design possibilities and is often used to make lightweight wearable items, but is also used to create wonderful surface textures.
Tutor: Christine Roxburgh
Date: Sunday 21 July
Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: $175 for non-Guild members or $150 for Guild members
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts). More details will be sent to you when you register.
Information:
The class will run over five hours with a brief break for lunch. Come and enjoy trying different combinations of fibres and fabrics to see the fabulous effects that can be made. We will concentrate on textural and surface decoration techniques using different fabrics in interesting ways. You will make a selection of samples, which will be a great resource for your future felt making projects.
A kit will be supplied, which includes:
Fine micron wool, assorted silk, cotton and natural-fibre fabrics, pre-felts etc.
Usual feltmaking equipment will be supplied for use in the class, but if you have your own favourites, you are welcome to bring them to use.
What you need to bring:
Scissors, suitable for cutting fine fabrics and wool.
2 pieces of bubble wrap, about 70cm x 60cm (newer pieces not with the bubbles burst!).
Empty plastic 2L milk bottle (or similar). The ones with a moulded handle are good - we will make small holes in the lid.
2-3 old towels and a sponge or microfibre cloth for soaking up extra water.
Splash-proof apron, if you have one.
Waterproof bag or bucket to carry wet felt and bubble wrap home.
Lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
August
Weaving classes - Class nearly full
Weaving a patterned scarf on a four-shaft loom with Lenie (2 days, maximum 6 participants).
An introduction to weaving a patterned scarf on a four-shaft loom. This class is suitable for beginners.
Tutor: Lenie Besseling
Lenie started weaving in the Netherlands and has been weaving, spinning and dyeing yarn ever since. Her preference is to weave with finer, natural yarns to create items that can be worn, such as scarves, tops, jackets and hats. Lenie loves the whole process and action of weaving: the colours, techniques and the patterns you can achieve.
Dates: Saturday 17 August and Sunday 18 August
Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: $300 for non-Guild members or $250 for Guild members
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts). More details will be sent to you when you register.
Information:
The class will run over two days. On the first day you will learn how to calculate the yarn needed for the size of the warp; wind the warp and set it up on the loom. Lenie will also talk about the patterns you can use on four-shaft looms. On the second day you will weave your scarf, learn how to finish it off and remove it from the loom.
Equipment required:
Participants who have their own loom, please bring:
A four-shaft loom
A warping board
A reed hook
A heddle threader
Warp sticks or corrugated cardboard
Participants who do not have a loom:
Guild looms will be provided for you. Please advise us in your enrolment form or by email handweavers@xtra.co.nz if you wish to use a Guild loom for this class.
All other equipment will be provided
What you need to bring:
200g 4ply (or thicker) yarn, in at least two colours. Woolfest in Kumeu on 25th May will be a good place to look.
Measuring tape, scissors.
Pen, notepad and smartphone to make notes or video.
Your lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Equipment
We have some equipment you are welcome to use for classes, if you don’t have your own. For spinning and four-shaft weaving classes, please let us know if you need to borrow a wheel or loom.
If you are bringing your own equipment, please make sure it is in good working order.
Cancellation
If a class is cancelled, your fee will be refunded in full.
If you cancel within 14 days of the course start date, your fee will be refunded in full.
If you cancel within 7 days of the course start date, 50% of your course fee will be refunded.
Venue and parking
All classes are held at the Guild rooms in the Textile Arts Centre, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden. The rooms are located behind the Nicholson Park tennis courts and can be accessed via 25 Poronui St or the Disraeli St entrance to Auckland Normal Intermediate School (Gate 2). Parking is only available during weekends and evenings in the Auckland Normal Intermediate School carpark off Disraeli St or on the street during school hours. Parking is also available in Poronui St., but time limits apply.
Health and Safety
We encourage people attending events at the Guild rooms to take responsibility for the safety of themselves and others while at the Guild rooms and to stay home if you feel unwell.
How to register for our classes
Please use the online enrolment form below to register two weeks before the class date.
Payment will secure your place in the class, so please pay online as soon as possible.
How to pay
Please pay by direct debit to the Handweavers & Spinners Guild
Account number: 12-3011-0808690-000
Quote your surname and course title in the reference fields.
We collect your personal information to organise our classes. This data is stored securely and we never share it.
