Established in 1948, The Algoma Weavers' Guild (AWG) is the longest continually running weaving guild in the province. From its inception, the AWG has promoted weaver education regularly holding workshops for both beginner, youth, seniors, and experienced weavers. AWG often invites participation from neighbouring guilds in Michigan, U.S.A. and Elliot Lake, ON. The Algoma Weavers' Guild has been operating out of the Sault Ste. Marie Museum for the past 5 years, allowing for the Guild to continue to engage with the public, host meetings, skill sharing, workshops, and provide community programming. Being present in the Sault Ste. Marie Museum has also allowed for a continued engagement with the history and culture enhanced by the vast collection, archives, and research holdings within the Museum.
Current Programming
Introduction to Handwoven Tapestry - A Course by Monica Murphy
Handwoven tapestry has been described as “painting with yarn”. Learn the techniques of weaving tapestry on a frame loom. The simplest of weave structures can be used to produce unique images; your own original designs.
6 Wednesdays, 1 PM - 3:30 PM October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27; 2024. Tuition: $65.00
Project: A sampler of tapestry weaving techniques, 6 inch/15 cm width
Includes: 15 hours of instruction Tapestry frame loom 20 in x 16 in/50 cm x 40 cm (yours to keep) Cotton seine twine warp Woollen yarns; you have a choice of colours from our supply.
Supplies to bring: Dinner fork, to use as yarn tool Ruler, 12 inch/30 cm, plastic or wood, NO metal or metal edge Notebook and pen or pencil
To register: Book your place with Monica, phone 705-253-7585 (voicemail available). If you are leaving a message, please leave your name, phone number, and best time of day to return your call. There are only 5 places available in the class, so register ASAP!
Pay tuition to confirm your registration. Registration closes Friday October 4, 2024. Payment instructions given at time of phone registration.
Rag Rugs and Beyond - A Course by Russ Mason
Learn the basics of weaving on a four-harness floor model handloom, while weaving your rag rug.
8 Tuesdays, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM. October 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10; 2024. Tuition: $180.00
Project: Rag rug - perhaps your family’s next heirloom!
Includes: 20 hours of instruction Use of all equipment, including a floor loom Rug making materials
Supplies to bring: Optional: cotton sheet, queen or king sized, to cut into strips for weaving - not necessary for first class Notebook and pen or pencil
To register: Book your place with Russ, email: [email protected] Or by phone: 705-759-2086 (voicemail available) If you are leaving a message, please leave your name, phone number, and best time of day to return your call. There are only 4 places in this class, so register ASAP.
Pay tuition to confirm your registration: Registration closes Friday October 4, 2024 Payment instructions given by return confirmation email, or at time of registration by phone.
Past Programming
Algoma Weavers Guild’s Beginners’ Course 2023
4-Shaft Weaving Course for Beginners: 4 Saturdays: Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11. 10:30 am to 3:45 pm, at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum (690 Queen St. E) Bring a brown bag lunch. Tuition: $100.00
Includes: 18 hours of instruction by members of the Algoma Weavers’ Guild Use of all equipment during the course (on-site and during the 4 Saturdays only) All supplies (yarns) included; you have a choice of colours from our supply. Project: cotton table runner
To register: Book your place with Monica, by phone 705-253-7585; first come, first served. We have only 8 places, so please respond ASAP.
To confirm your registration: Pay the tuition fee by 4 pm on Friday, October 6th. If the fee is not paid, your spot will be opened to the waiting list. Payment by cheque or money order payable to “Algoma Weavers’ Guild”; mail to:
Algoma Weavers’ Guild - Beginners’ Course Sault Ste. Marie Museum 690 Queen Street East Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2A4
Or by cheque or cash by hand in a sealed, addressed envelope to the Office at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, hours: 10 am to 4 pm. Tuesday - Saturday.
Be sure your name is on the outside of the envelope.