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Helpful LinksCheck out some of these fiber related sites that we've found to be helpful resources. Don't see your favorite sites listed? Share them with us! Send them to info@heritagespinning.com. Handweavers Guild of AmericaI've been a member of the Handweavers Guild of America since I took up weaving. I firmly believe in supporting the organizations that support us, whether it be in business or in art. HGA publishes a quarterly magazine, Spindle Shuttle & Dyepot, that is a bit "artsy," but offers a fresh weaving perspective. They also have learning groups for spinning, weaving, dyeing, and basketmaking, in addition to sponsoring a national certification program through which you can earn a "Certificate of Excellence" in each of these topics. HGA also sponsors a biannual international conference and expo called Convergence, which is scheduled for June of 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The National Needlearts AssociationThe National Needlearts Association is the trade organization for knitting and needlework shops. They hold tradeshows where we go to learn about the latest in our industry. We’ve been a member since 2001, and in 2006, I was fortunate enough to teach "The Zen of Spinning" to yarn shop owners. Fun stuff! The Spinning and Weaving AssociationThe Spinning and Weaving Association is a new trade organization that invites membership from the general public. I was fortunate enough to become involved nearly from the beginning (I design the quarterly email and print newsletters and serve on the membership committee). It was formed to encourage and promote spinning and weaving to the general public and retailers. It has become a very synergistic group that strongly supports HGAs "Spinning & Weaving Week" in October of each year. Watch for big things to happen because of SWA and its vibrant communicating membership. The Knitting Guild AssociationThe Knitting Guild Association is perhaps best known to most knitters because of its magazine, Cast-On. TKGA is also a learning organization promoting knitting through guild and individual memberships. They sponsor correspondence classes that teach knitting basics and topical subjects such as Mosaic Knitting, which I am currently enrolled in, and the Master Knitters program, which I am two-thirds of the way through. Lots of work, but I've learned so much. Crochet Guild of AmericaI truthfully don't know much about the Crochet Guild of America, but its goals are similar to TKGA with a learning and certification bent. If you are a crocheter, you will likely find this a good organization to belong to. Michigan League of HandweaversHandweaving has a long and strong tradition in Michigan and it continues with the Michigan League of Handweavers. The League brings together the guilds and weaving individuals from around the state. They sponsor a nationally respected weaving conference with classes on the off years of HGA's Convergence. Comprehensive Sheep Breeds Listingwww.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep Learn about the breeds of sheep and the type of wool each provides. I bet you didn't know there were so many different types of sheep! A great resource for fiberists and potential shepherds. Interweave PressPublishers of Spin-Off and Handwoven magazines, and many great fiber books. How-to tips, instructions for beginners, list of guilds, events listing, and other fiber resources. Stonehedge Fiber MillThis is where we send raw fiber to be processed. They do lovely blends and can even make yarn from your own fiber animals. The best part is, they plan to remain small and devoted to their farm so you know the fiber you send in is the fiber you get back HJS StudioVisit the studio of Holly Shaltz and read her tutorials for fiber handling. An inspiring site. Also, check our spinning and weaving pages for links to equipment manufacturers. Many of them have wonderful how-to information and troubleshooting tips posted on their websites. |
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