Guild Classes 2025
The Guild runs weaving, spinning, tapestry weaving, felting, crochet 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
Evening class
Learn to Knit with Hazel
3 weeks, maximum 6 participants
Dates: Starts Thursday 1 May, runs for three Thursdays until 15 May
Time: 7-9pm
Lace knitting with Margaret
Maximum 6 participants
Date: Saturday 17 May
Time: 2-5pm
Evening class
Learn to Crochet with Justine
6 weeks, maximum 6 participants
Dates: Starts Thursday 1 May, runs every Thursday until 5 June
Time: 7-9pm
A Weaving Taster on the Rigid Heddle Loom with Anne
Maximum 6 participants
Date: Sunday 11 May
Time: 2-5pm
A lovely Mother’s Day activity
Discovering Felt: Learn to Felt with Christine
Maximum 8 participants
Date: Sunday 18 May
Time: 9am-12.30pm
Learn to Spin with Justine
Evening class
Maximum 6 participants
Dates: Starts Thursday 26 June, runs every Thursday until 24 July
Time: 7-9pm
Spinning with Annette
Opposite ends of the spectrum 2:
Worsted spinning
Maximum 8 participants
Date: Saturday 21 June
Time: 10am-1pm
Weaving a Patterned Scarf on a Four-shaft Loom
with Lenie
Maximum 6 participants
Dates: Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June
Time: 10am-3pm
Weaving a Scarf on the Rigid Heddle Loom
with Anne
Maximum 4 participants
Dates: Sunday 13 and Sunday 20 July
Times: 9am-1pm
Learn Tapestry Weaving with Carla
Maximum 6 participants
Date: Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August
Time: 10am-4pm
Learn to Knit Socks with Justine
Maximum 8 participants
Dates: Thursday 11 September 7-8pm
and Saturday 20 September 2-5pm
Weaving a Scarf on a Rigid Heddle Loom with Anne
Maximum 4 participants
Dates: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October
Time: 9am-1pm
May
Crochet
Learn to crochet with Justine
Evening class
An introduction to crochet for beginners
6 weeks, 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 1st May and running every Thursday night till the 5th June.
Time: 7pm-9pm
Cost: $295 for non-Guild members and $275 for Guild members
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
In the class:
The course will run weekly, over 6 weeks. Justine will teach you the basic techniques of crochet, in rows and in rounds. To start with we’ll learn stitches and if you learn on cotton you can have some handy dish cloths to take home. We’ll progress to working in the round making 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.
Week 1: Crochet dishcloth cotton and a 4mm or 5mm hook. 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. Instructions for yarn to use for week 2 will be given so that you can make a pair of slippers from week 2 onwards.
Week 2: Working in rows, increasing and decreasing to make a slipper. Homework is likely to be the second slipper! They get lonely on their own.
Week 3: Working in the round. How to crochet a traditional granny square in multiple colours, changing colours, what to do with all those yarn tails
Week 4: Joining granny squares using two different techniques. Working a single colour granny square, working simple borders. How to read stitch patterns.
Week 5: Back to working in rows - keeping ends of rows neat, how to keep the right amount of stitches, some different patterns. Another granny square variation.
Week 6: Revision and planning your first project. Bring a pattern you’d like to work on once the course has finished and we can start reading it and working on swatches. If you don’t feel inspired to work on a project we can keep working on revising any techniques you want to know more about and finishing samplers from previous classes.
Each week we’ll review the previous class and go over any techniques that we’re unsure of.
What you need to bring:
Yarn:
8 ply (DK) or 10 ply weight yarn, in at least three different colours. If you want to make something useful right from the start, bring cotton and you will be able to make dishcloths from your very first stitches.
Week 2: To make the slippers: 250-275m of 10-ply/worsted weight wool or wool/acrylic mix
4mm crochet hook for 8 ply and 5mm crochet hook for 10 ply.
Pen, notepad or digital device to make notes or video.
Darning needle with a large eye and blunt tip
Craft scissors
Locking stitch markers are really handy if you have them or can get some.
Knitting
Learn to knit with Hazel
Evening class
An introduction to knitting for beginners
3 weeks, maximum 8 participants
Tutor: Hazel Watson-Smith
Hazel is an Auckland born and based knitter and fibre art enthusiast. She is also the past President of the Handweavers and Spinners Guild. 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 1 May then weekly on Thursday 8 May and Thursday 16 May.
Time: 7pm-9pm
Cost: $150 for non-Guild members and $125 for Guild members (TBC)
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
In the class:
The course will run weekly, over 3 weeks. Hazel will teach you the basic techniques of knitting and how to read a pattern, setting you up for success. You will knit a set of fingerless gloves.
Week 1: Casting on, knitting & purling
Week 2: Casting off, mattress stitch and weaving in ends
Week 3: Second glove
Patterns:
What you need to bring:
Yarn:
150g worsted weight yarn. if you are unsure, we recommend visiting Knitnstitch or Loopine or your local yarn store for advice.
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:
4.5mm circular needles (anything between 60cm and 120cm would be okay) or straight needles.
Weaving
A weaving taster on the Rigid Heddle loom with Anne
A lovely Mother’s Day activity
Maximum 6 participants
This 3-hour workshop is suitable for complete beginners, as well as those with basic rigid heddle experience, who wish to try out a new technique.
Tutor: Anne Stubbings
Anne is passionate about crafting; she is a keen weaver, spinner, dyer and knitter. She is an experienced teacher, and loves introducing people to the exciting world of weaving.
Dates: Sunday 11 May
Time: 2-5pm
Cost: $125 for non-Guild members or $100 for Guild members
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park Tennis Club).
In this workshop you will:
Learn and practice the basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom.
Learn how to create colour and curves using dyed wool fibre.
Create a unique piece of fabric that can be made into a pouch or used as a piece of art.
Basic sewing skills are needed if you choose to make the pouch. Participants receive written instructions for making a buttoned or zippered pouch that they can make at home.
Equipment / materials included in your course fee:
Anne will prepare your loom before the workshop; you’ll be working with New Zealand wool fibre and yarn. Before the class, Anne will contact you to ask about your background colour preference.
Looms and weaving accessories will be provided for each participant.
What you need to bring:
Snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Pen, notepad or digital device to make notes or video.
Lace knitting with Margaret
Lace knitting, reading knitting charts and adding beads to your knitting
Do you look at lace knitting charts and just see gobbledygook and wonder how to make sense of it? This class will help you to tackle those patterns you love the look of, but that have been too overwhelming in the past. This class is for all knitters, preferably with some experience and who can follow a pattern.
Tutor: Margaret May
Margaret has been knitting since she was 5 and has a passion for knitting lace shawls. She has exhibited these at both Creative Fibre National and Handweavers and Spinners Guild Exhibitions. She has been teaching both knitting and spinning classes for many years and loves sharing her skills and knowledge with others.
Date: Saturday 17 May
Time: 2-5pm
Cost: $150 for non-Guild members and $110 for Guild members
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
In the class you will:
learn how to read knitting charts
learn basic lace stitches and make a swatch
learn how to block your knitted lace swatch
learn how to add beads to your knitting to add that extra sparkle
Equipment / materials included in your course fee:
A kit will be provided for all your class requirements.
What you need to bring:
your favourite 4.5mm knitting needles
if you have a 0.60 or 0.75 crochet hook, bring it as well, but if you don’t Margaret will have hooks for you to use and/or buy.
snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
pen, notepad and smartphone to make notes or video
Felting
Discovering Felt: Learn to Felt with Christine
An introduction to wet felting for beginners
Maximum 8 participants
Tutor: Christine Roxburgh
Always wanted to try wet felting? This is the morning to come and learn the basics, as well as some techniques for different effects, to start you into the world of felt making!
Date: Sunday 18 May
Time: 9am-12.30pm
Cost: $125 for non-Guild members, $100 for Guild members.
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
In the class:
You will make a piece of felt using different techniques, which can be left as your own reference piece or made into a bag, cushion or whatever you like.
You will leave with lots of ideas waiting to be tried out!
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.
Equipment / materials included in your course fee:
A kit, which includes:
All wool
Assorted silks, cotton fabrics, silk fibres and yarns
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.
June
Weaving
Weaving a Patterned Scarf on a Four-shaft Loom with Lenie
An introduction to weaving a patterned scarf on a four-shaft loom, suitable for beginners.
Maximum 6 participants
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 31 May and Sunday 1 June
Saturday 19 July 2pm: Follow-up session. Lenie will be available for anyone who needs help with their scarf.
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).
In the class:
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, 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 good quality 4ply (or thicker) yarn, in at least two colours. Woolfest in Kumeu on 24th May will have a great choice!
Lenie would like you to make sure you buy strong yarn, suitable for weaving. The type of cheaper yarn sold for knitting in places like Spotlight is often quite stretchy and this would not work for your scarf. Please don't buy yarn thinner than 4 ply as this would take too much time to set up any width.
Measuring tape, scissors.
Pen, notepad or digital device to make notes or video.
Your lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Spinning
Spinning with Annette: Opposite ends of the spectrum 2: Fibre preparation and Worsted spinning
Maximum 8 participants
This class is designed as a follow-up to the Opposite Ends of the Spectrum 1 Woollen spinning class, but they are independent of each other so you don’t have to do both, however, the class is for spinners with some experience.
Tutor: Annette Montgomery
Dates: Saturday 21 June
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $95 for non-Guild members or $85 for Guild members.
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
In the class we will:
discuss the range of fibre preparation from woolen to worsted and what creates semi-worsted and semi-woolen
learn about the properties of a worsted yarn
use hackle/mini combs to prepare fibre
learn how to spin with a mini comb
learn about different drafting methods
learn techniques to ensure you can repeat a type of yarn: WPI; measuring; using a spinners control card.
learn how to spin to the crimp
discuss twist and design
Equipment/materials included in your course fee:
A kit will be supplied with all the fibre you will need, but you are welcome to bring your own fibre.
What you need to bring:
Your own working spinning wheel, if you have one. 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.
3 or 4 bobbins to fit your wheel.
A lazy-Kate if you have one
A niddy-noddy if you have one
Snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
June/July
Learn to spin with Justine
Evening class
Maximum 6 participants
Tutor: Justine Stewart
Dates: Starts Thursday 26 June, runs every Thursday until 24 July
Time: 7-9pm
Cost: $245 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:
Over the course of six weeks, Justine will guide you through the fundamental techniques of hand spinning. You'll learn how to prepare and draft fiber, begin the lifelong practice of mastering the art of spinning it into yarn, and finally how to ply your singles to create a balanced, finished yarn. This comprehensive introduction will give you the confidence and foundation to continue your spinning journey. The aim of this 6-week format is to allow students to progress at their own pace with supervision.
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.
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.
Tutor: Anne Stubbings
Anne has over twenty years’ experience crafting and teaching. She is a keen weaver, spinner, dyer, knitter and embroiderer.
Dates: This course runs over two Sundays, 13 and 20 July
Times: 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).
In the class:
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.
Equipment / materials included in your course fee:
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.
A loom and weaving accessories will be provided for each participant.
What you need to bring:
Snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Pen, notepad or digital device to make notes or video
Weaving
Weaving a Scarf on the Rigid Heddle Loom with Anne
An introduction to weaving, suitable for beginners
Maximum 4 participants
August
Tapestry Weaving
Learn Tapestry Weaving with Carla
An introduction to tapestry weaving, suitable for beginners
Maximum 6 participants
Tapestry weaving involves weaving coloured threads over and under a warp to create a decorative textile.
Try your hand at tapestry weaving in this fun class where you will learn basic techniques to complete your own small woven tapestry from start to finish. The class will include some hints on colour theory and design as well as showing you inspiring work from around the world.
Tutor: Carla Millard
Carla has been involved in art and fibre crafts since childhood, and has a degree in Visual Art. Carla has been weaving Tapestry for 10 years and teaching beginners since 2018. She has exhibited work in NZ and UK.
Dates: Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August
Time:10am-4pm
Cost: $325 for non-Guild members or $275 for Guild members
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
In the class:
You will learn how to tapestry weave using various beginner level tapestry weaving techniques.
· You will create your own tapestry from start to finish.
You will learn about tapestry world-wide.
You will be given information about where you can get materials for future projects.
You will learn how to warp up the frame for your next project.
Equipment and materials provided and included in the course fee:*
A pre-warped tapestry frame you can keep.
A design.
A choice of yarns for the weft. *Students are welcome to bring their own weft yarns as the selection of colours provided for the class may be limited. 8-12 ply smooth textured wool is best for this project. Please choose a strong, firm yarn rather than a soft one and the different yarns should be the same weight.
Card used to support cartoons.
If you need glasses for reading, please bring them.
What you need to bring:
Pen, notepad or digital device to make notes or video.
Scissors.
Ruler (for use as shed stick).
Table fork (to use as beater).
Your lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
September
Suitable for people who already have basic knitting skills, the class will run over 2 sessions. One hour in the evening on Thursday 11 September to set you up and then three hours on Saturday 20 September.
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: Thursday 11 September for one hour from 7-8pm then Saturday 20 September 2-5pm
Cost: $100 for non-Guild members and $90 for Guild members.
Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).
In the class:
Justine will teach you how to knit a pair of socks, working both socks at the same time, from the toe up to the cuff, using the Magic Loop technique, with a heel turn in German short rows.
Once you’ve mastered working two socks at a time you’ll never be left with one sock without a mate, and you’ll never wonder whether you’ve worked the same number of rows (and stitches!) in both.
Week 1 - cast on at the toe, work the toe increases and start working up the foot to the heel turn. Homework will be to finish working the foot up to the point of turning the heel.
Week 2 - turn the heel and finish the ankle/cuff.
What you need to bring:
Yarn:
*100g sock yarn (4 ply) wound into two balls. You can either use a swift and yarn winder, or here’s how to do it by hand.
If you really don’t want to work 4-ply socks, we can rework the pattern for 8-ply using a bit of maths.
2.25mm or 2.5mm circular needles, 80-100cm length (NOTE: this method of working socks two at a time cannot be done on DPNs and it’s more difficult on shorter circulars).
Pen, notepad or digital device to make notes or video.
Darning needle.
Craft scissors.
Fine stitch markers, at least 4.
*Yarn called ‘sock yarn’ has a small percentage of nylon in it for durability. Alternatively, you can use a plastic free yarn, but bear in mind that it will need to be a strong yarn, with a high twist, otherwise your socks will wear thin and develop holes pretty quickly.
Knitting
Learn to Knit Socks with Justine
Maximum 8 participants
October
Dates: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October
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).
In the class:
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.
Equipment / materials included in your course fee:
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.
A loom and weaving accessories will be provided for each participant.
What you need to bring:
Pen, notepad or digital device to make notes or video.
Snacks / lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Weaving
Weaving a Scarf on the Rigid Heddle Loom with Anne (weekend)
An introduction to weaving on the rigid heddle loom. This class will run over two days and is suitable for beginners.
Maximum 4 participants
Tutor: Anne Stubbings
Anne is passionate about crafting; she is a keen weaver, spinner, dyer and knitter. She is an experienced teacher, and loves introducing people to the exciting world of weaving.
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.
If you need to borrow equipment for the class, please let us know.
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.
