JST Online Guild

Jane Stafford's Online Guild

I recently joined JST online guild and it is the best thing I have done for my weaving.

Joining a guild is something that I have wanted to do, but there is not one close to me and attending would be difficult.  I think a local guild would be fun & interesting to go to and a great way to learn.

If you are in the same circumstances, I highly recommend Jane Stafford Textiles online guild.  This is the second year of her guild which you can find at this link:  JST Guild

Jane is making a series of video lessons that are released in segments throughout the year.  It is like you are attending a weaving workshop, but better.  You can choose when to watch the lessons, download projects and lesson information, and take your time weaving samples and projects.

If you have questions, there is a forum where you can get them answered by Jane and her assistants.  The forum also allows you to share what you have woven with everyone in the guild and see what others have done as well.  The forum is also a great place to research questions and answers from the past.

You can join the guild at any time.  Your subscription is 1 year from when you join and the best thing is that you have access to ALL of the lessons for the entire year.  You can watch them as many times as you want and do the projects on your schedule.   I was able to watch all of last year's lessons and start on this year also.

The cost is $75. Canadian, so a little less in USD and it is well worth it.  I have improved my weaving greatly since joining.  My selvedges are beautiful and I have stopped using a temple.  Jane has a contagious love of weaving and a relaxed, enjoyable way of presenting everything.  I look forward to each new episode.

Jane does sell kits for making the projects.  The kit has the project notes and full cones of the yarns needed, but you can use you own stash or buy your yarns from your favorite source.

After weaving for 5 years now, I did not think I would learn much about looms, warping and dressing the loom, but, boy was I wrong.  There were so many little things that Jane talks about and shows you that you need to watch all of the lessons.

Here is a Video from Jane explaining the guild:  View Video

This is a list of future guild subjects:

2018. The Full Colour and Design Workshop : seven amazing samples and I unload my entire process for you to scoop up and make your own,
2019. Pushing the Boundaries of Plain Weave 1 : Warp Faced, Weft Face, Denting, Cramming and Denting and Supplementary Warps,
2020. Introduction to Collapsible Fabrics and Double Weave,
2021. Twills on 4 Shafts: Small threadings, large threadings, tie-ups, basketweave and twill combinations, undulating twill, double faced twill,
2022. Lacey Places: Canvas Weave, Huck, Swedish Lace, Bronson Spot, Bronson Lace
2023. Units, Blocks and Profiles: Overshot, Monk’s Belt, Summer and Winter, M’s & O’s

Finding Time to Weave

Where to find the time to weave?

Like most people, I have a busy life.  Taking care of my husband, dog, house, garden and yard plus many other things takes most of my day, but I still find the time to weave.

It is important for me to weave.  It is exciting, keeps my mind busy planning projects and relaxes me while physically weaving.  

I find time in small segments throughout the day.  15 minutes before leaving the house in the morning, an hour or so when I get home, another hour and a half after dinner, it all adds up.  While watching TV in the evening I often read to learn more techniques or play with drafts on my computer.

Some things, like threading, are actually better done in shorter spans.  I make fewer mistakes and don't get sore from doing the same thing for too long.

Weaving really helps my mental attitude, when I don't weave I find I am not as happy.  So, it is important for me to weave every day, even if it is only a short time.