Activities

Frome Weavers Spinners and Dyers focusses primarily on weaving, using a variety of looms such as large floor looms, table looms, tapestry looms and inkle looms.

Facilities for spinning are available at our premises.  This is an area we are working to build on more.  Dyeing cannot currently be undertaken at our premises, but dyeing is undertaken in members’ homes.

Our premises are open every day to DBS cleared members, though our main social meeting days are Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Beginners

There are no formal tutors, but new members are guided through the basic techniques by a one to one mentor and are supplied with instructions.  They then work alongside the other members, asking for help when they require it or finding answers in our library, online etc.

Benefits for full members

Full members have the following benefits: Access to the premises at any time, use of the full range of our equipment, access to yarns, loans of equipment as set out in our loans policy, use of our extensive library, loans from our library, voting rights, membership of the national association (Association of Guilds of Weavers Spinners and Dyers) and insurance cover.

Working together

We all contribute by sharing what we know and taking time to help each other so that we learn and enjoy our craft together. It is a very relaxed and informal way of learning. All members share joint responsibility in the running of the group and housekeeping, and work together to prepare and run exhibitions, sales, courses and community events.

Some quotes from newer members

I have had my own 4 shaft  loom for around four years but hardly used it.  Since coming to the workshop at Frome I have been shown so much of the technique and I have gained confidence.

Being a mother of two young children can be very overwhelming at times. FWSD is a place where I can go to when it suits me, but with the knowledge that at certain times there are others there to help and socialise with when needed.  Simply put, it gives me an opportunity to breathe among all the busyness of being a mum of two, and therefore greatly improves my mental wellbeing.

All the members are so lovely and friendly, and they share all their knowledge. No question is too daft for them. I love going to the weaving group.

Sales

As we progress, we help to support the group by donating one item for sale for every two that we produce for ourselves using yarns from the large stock that we hold. 

These donated items, plus some personally produced items, are sold at reasonable prices to raise funds at our sales. The sales are usually held in separate premises close to the centre of Frome during the Independent Market in July and December.

Fees and Costs

We rent our premises.  This expense and other running costs have to be met entirely by the membership.  Money is raised in four main ways: by a monthly subscription, by a small day fee for each day of attendance, by sales of work and by running courses and events.

The monthly subscription is £20.

The day fee is £2, which includes tea, coffee and biscuits.

There is an initial fee for new members, which covers the first three months, and includes tuition.  On becoming a full member, the above fees apply.

Additionally, members pay for the yarns used from stock, or are welcome to supply their own yarns.

Visit us

If you would like to see more and find out more, get in touch.  We will be delighted to arrange a visit for you to look round, have a chat and see what we offer first hand.

Click below to contact us