Fernie Museum

See how yarn is transformed into cloth by weaving on a loom, including a demonstration of a double-woven corduroy rug. Yarns made from a variety of natural fibres will be on display for examination and comparison. There will be a number of different weaving looms on hand,  i.e. warp-weighted, tapestry, horizontal 4-shaft. The historical significance of each will be discussed and demonstrated how each is used to make cloth.

Admission: Drop In; Included in Museum admission
Instructors: Gayle Vallance

Silk is a natural fiber produced by the Bombyx mori moth and a number of wild Tussah moths. It is sometimes called “worm spit,” because the fibre is excreted from the salivary glands of the moth’s caterpillar, and it is used to build a cocoon inside which the worm gradually changes into the moth. We will demonstrate how silk fibre can be unwound from the cocoon to produce a strong, lustrous strand, and how multiple fibers can be spun into heavier yarns that can be woven into exquisite cloth.

This workshop will show how loose wool fibers can be felted together to form a solid vessel that can be used as a cup, a luminary or cell phone holder. Instructors will give detailed instructions and guidance as the felting proceeds. The fee will cover the cost of wool in a variety of colours, and embellishments that can give the project your own personal touch.

The Fernie Museum is pleased to welcome back the Fernie Spinners & Weavers Guild for a second show featuring new work focusing on the sustainability and environmental aspects of hand made and locally produced garments.

In this new exhibit, the Fernie Spinners and Weavers Guild looks at fashion through the lens of sustainability and showcases how the natural fibre arts have a direct role to play in the growing Slow Fashion movement. Content encourages viewers to explore ways we can help make a shift away from the many negative impacts of Fast Fashion systems.