Vancouver Island Fibreshed

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts – Jan 9
2025-01-09 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver)
Drop-In on 2nd Thursdays (Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13 ) from 6 – 7:30pm at the Courtenay Library Multipurpose Room.

Bring your fibre crafts (knitting, crochet, spinning, etc.) and spend time with community members at the CV Community Fibre Crafts evenings at the Courtenay Library. Drop in, no registration needed.

Do you want to learn how to spin sheep’s wool into yarn? We’ll have spindles and fleece you can try working with! Some supplies and mentorship available.

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts - Dec 12
2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:30
Drop-In on 2nd Thursdays (Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12, Jan 13 ) from 6 – 7:30pm at the Courtenay Library Multipurpose Room.

Bring your fibre crafts (knitting, crochet, spinning, etc.) and spend time with community members at the CV Community Fibre Crafts evenings at the Courtenay Library. Drop in, no registration needed.

Do you want to learn how to spin sheep’s wool into yarn? We’ll have spindles and fleece you can try working with! Some supplies and mentorship available.

Supplies sponsored by the Comox Valley Community Foundation and the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program.

VIF Monthly Meeting - Dec 2024
2024-12-09 19:00 - 20:30
VIF Monthly Meeting, 2nd Monday of every month, 7 – 8:30pm. Held via Zoom to allow participation from all across our region.
Email info@vancouverislandfibreshed.ca for Zoom link.

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts - Nov 14
2024-11-14 18:00 - 19:30

VIF Monthly Meeting - Nov 11
2024-11-11 19:00 - 20:30

VIF Monthly Meeting - Oct 21 at 7pm
2024-10-21 19:00 - 20:30
Note: for October, we will meet on the 3rd Monday – Oct 21.
VIF Monthly Meeting, 2nd Monday of every month, 7 – 8:30pm. Held via Zoom to allow participation from all across our region.
Email info@vancouverislandfibreshed.ca for Zoom link.

Cowichan Fleece and Fibre Fair
2024-10-19 10:00 - 16:00
Vancouver Island Fibreshed will have an information table at the event.
Cowichan Valley Fleece & Fibre Fair 2024
Join us for a glorious gathering of all things fibre: hand-dyed yarn, hand-spun yarn, rovings, woven goods, fleece, knitted fashion, felting & oodles of fibre-lover’s paraphernalia. Fun shopping, tasty lunch and plenty of camaraderie.
A feast for the senses!

Appreciation, learning and camaraderie…
The Cowichan Fleece & Fibre Fair is the oldest fair on Vancouver Island. Each year, hundreds of people attend to purchase everything from buttons and accessories, to clothing, yarn and fibre.
This year’s exciting lineup includes over 30 vendors – many familiar friends as well as new community. Come see what they are all about!

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts - Oct 10
2024-10-10 18:00 - 19:30
Drop-In on 2nd Thursdays (Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14 ) from 6 – 7:30pm at the Courtenay Library Multipurpose Room.

Bring your fibre crafts (knitting, crochet, spinning, etc.) and spend time with community members at the CV Community Fibre Crafts evenings at the Courtenay Library. Drop in, no registration needed.

Do you want to learn how to spin sheep’s wool into yarn? We’ll have spindles and fleece you can try working with! Some supplies and mentorship available.

Supplies sponsored by the Comox Valley Community Foundation and the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts - Sep 12
2024-09-12 18:00 - 19:30

VIF Monthly Meeting - Sept 9
2024-09-09 18:00 - 19:30

Fibrations Festival - Aug 18
2024-08-18 10:00 - 16:00
Fibrations Festival
Sunday Aug 18, 10am – 4pm
at Fernwood Community Centre
1240 Gladstone St, Victoria, BC
Vendor list: https://www.kbnfibres.ca/fibrations
Vancouver Island Fibreshed will be sharing a tent with the Victoria Handweavers and Spinners Guild.

VIF Monthly Meeting - Aug 2024
2024-08-12 19:00 - 20:30

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts - Aug 8
2024-08-08 18:00 - 19:30
Drop-In on 2nd Thursdays (Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sep 12, Oct 10 ) from 6 – 7:30pm at the Courtenay Library Multipurpose Room.

Bring your fibre crafts (knitting, crochet, spinning, etc.) and spend time with community members at the CV Community Fibre Crafts evenings at the Courtenay Library. Drop in, no registration needed.

Do you want to learn how to spin sheep’s wool into yarn? We’ll have spindles and fleece you can try working with! Some supplies and mentorship available.

Supplies sponsored by the Comox Valley Community Foundation and the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts - July 11
2024-07-11 18:00 - 19:30
UPDATE: The library has to close early on Thursday so we can’t meet inside this month. We will meet on the plaza outside the library and decide whether to sit outside on the Art Gallery or perhaps all go to Mudsharks for tea/goodies and knitting on their patio… At least the heat has broken and now it’s just pleasantly warm!

Drop-In on 2nd Thursdays (Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sep 12, Oct 10 ) from 6 – 7:30pm at the Courtenay Library Multipurpose Room.

Bring your fibre crafts (knitting, crochet, spinning, etc.) and spend time with community members at the CV Community Fibre Crafts evenings at the Courtenay Library. Drop in, no registration needed.

Do you want to learn how to spin sheep’s wool into yarn? We’ll have spindles and fleece you can try working with! Some supplies and mentorship available.

Supplies sponsored by the Comox Valley Community Foundation and the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program

VIF Monthly Meeting - July 2024
2024-07-08 19:30 - 20:30
Note: July meeting will start at 7:30pm
VIF Monthly Meeting, 2nd Monday of every month, 7 – 8:30pm. Held via Zoom to allow participation from all across our region.
Email info@vancouverislandfibreshed.ca for Zoom link.

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts - Jun 13
2024-06-13 18:00 - 19:30

VIF Monthly Meeting
2024-06-10 19:00 - 20:30
VIF Monthly Meeting, second Monday of every month, 7 – 8:30pm. Held via Zoom to allow participation from all across our region.
Contact info@vancouverislandfibreshed.ca for Zoom link.

Fleeces Off
2024-06-02 10:00 - 15:00
Workshop with the Inter Island Sheep Breeders Association
For sheep producers.
Fleeces Off: How to make the most of your wool.

Your sheep produce a fleece every year – how can you realize some profit from that product? Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on demonstrations, learn what makes a fleece valuable and what characteristics can reduce that value. We’ll share practical tips for husbandry and breeding practices for wool quality, wool handling, and skirting and basic cleaning. We’ll also talk about the current state of processing on the Island and places you can market your wool.

Coombs Fairground, Arrowsmith Hall
Contact iisbapresident@gmail.com for details and to register.

100 Mile Fleece and Fibre Fair - May 26, 2024
2024-05-26 10:00 - 15:00
Shop the fair on May 26th! Vendor listings in images below:

Are you a fiber enthusiast looking for high-quality materials for your next project? Join us at the annual 100 Mile Fleece & Fibre Fair on Sunday, May 26th!Shop from a variety of local vendors and support small businesses in the community. Not only will you find unique products, but you’ll also be helping to sustain a vibrant local economy.If you’re new to working with fibre, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn about different techniques and materials from experts in the field. From knitting to felting, there’s something for everyone.
​Door Prize Draws!
​Entry by Donation – All proceeds support Bradley Centre programming

*Note: The Fibreshed will not have a booth this year, but we will be there talking to vendors and helping them sign up as Producers in our Producer Directory (if they want to!).
Vendor Listings in images:

VIF Monthly Meeting
2024-05-13 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for our monthly Fibreshed meeting. Contact info@vancouverislandfibreshed.ca for the Zoom link.
Second Monday of every month, 7 – 8:30pm

Apr 8, May 13, Jun 10 (2nd Monday): Vancouver Island Fibreshed monthly meeting online at 7pm. Contact info@vancouverislandfibreshed.ca for the Zoom link. Join us to discuss upcoming projects.

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts – May 9
2024-05-09 18:00 - 19:30
Drop-In on 2nd Thursdays (Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8) from 6 – 7:30pm at the Courtenay Library Multipurpose Room.

Bring your fibre crafts (knitting, crochet, spinning, etc.) and spend time with community members at the CV Community Fibre Crafts evenings at the Courtenay Library. Drop in, no registration needed.

Do you want to learn how to spin sheep’s wool into yarn? We’ll have spindles and fleece you can try working with! Some supplies and mentorship available.

Alberni Valley Fibre Guild - VIF presentation
2024-04-18 18:00 - 19:30

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts - April 11
2024-04-11 18:00 - 19:30
Drop-In on 2nd Thursdays (Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13) from 6 – 7:30pm at the Courtenay Library Multipurpose Room.

Bring your fibre crafts (knitting, crochet, spinning, etc.) and spend time with community members at the CV Community Fibre Crafts evenings at the Courtenay Library. Drop in, no registration needed.

Do you want to learn how to spin sheep’s wool into yarn? We’ll have spindles and fleece you can try working with! Some supplies and mentorship available.

Apr 2024 VIF Monthly Meeting
2024-04-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Online on Zoom
Held online via Zoom to enable participation from across our region.
Contact info@vancouverislandfibreshed.ca for the link to participate.

Comox Valley Community Fibre Craft Evening
2024-03-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Courtenay Library, 300 6th St, Courtenay, BC, V9N 9V9, Canada

Mar 2024 Monthly Meeting
2024-03-11 19:00 - 20:30

Spin-In 2024 Victoria
2024-02-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Esquimalt Gorge Park, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada
Mark the date on your calendars! The 18th Annual Spin-In is happening on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 from10 am to 3 pm. This event is organized by the Victoria Handweavers’ and Spinners’ Guild to bring together spinners and fibre producers for a day of spinning, conversation, and inspiration. Guild and non-Guild spinners are welcome, and knitters are welcome too.
This year the Spin-In will held at the Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion in Esquimalt Gorge Park at 1070 Tillicum Rd, Victoria. There is ample free parking. There are also 4 EV charging stations and bike racks. If you need a break from spinning, you can take a stroll in the beautiful Japanese Gardens or along the Gorge.
As usual, bring your lunch and a mug as well as your wheel and fibre. There will be coffee, tea, and snacks, Sam Talks, a Show-But-No-Tell table, door prizes and great vendors. We have a few other ideas as well so keep checking our website.
Sam Talks
A Sam Talk is a brief talk about a topic useful to spinners. Past talks have included Spinning Boucle Yarn, trying different spinning wheels, Kim Mckenna’s Helpful Plying Method, and Sheep Breeds and Their Fleeces. If you would like to offer a half-hour talk or demonstration about some aspect of spinning, please contact us at spinin@vhwsg.ca
Show-But-No-Tell Table
Bring your beautiful handmade articles to display to other spinners. From skeins to finished articles, they are all welcome. Please label your articles with your name and guild so others can find you if they have questions or want to congratulate you on a fine job–or in case you forget to collect your work at the end of the day. We want to be sure it gets back to you.
Registration information, the registration fee, and the vendors to be announced. Keep checking the guild website at vhwsg.ca/activities/spin-in for more information.

Feb 2024 Monthly Meeting
2024-02-12 19:00 - 20:30
Online on Zoom

Second Monday of each month, 7pm. Held via Zoom to enable participation from all across our Fibreshed.
Contact info@vancouverislandfibreshed.ca if you would like to participate.

Fleece & Fibre Book Talk
2024-02-04 14:00 - 15:30
On Sunday, Feb 4th, join the Vancouver Island Fibreshed and Plants Are Teachers for a book talk featuring “Fleece and Fibre: Textile Producers of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands” by author Francine McCabe. The event starts at 2 p.m. and will include a book reading, Q&A session, and book signing. Tea and cookies will be provided.

The event will be held at the Vancouver Island Regional Library in Courtenay on the same day as the Sunday Sustainable Swap: Crafting Supplies event (1 – 3pm).
Courtenay Branch, VI Regional Library
300 6th St, Courtenay, BC

Francine McCabe is a mixed-blood Anishinaabe author, fibre artist, and Vancouver Island Fibreshed co-director. Her first book, Fleece and Fibre: Textile Producers of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands explores the world of small-scale textile farms along the Salish Sea and their pivotal role in the sustainable, artisanal textile production and slow fashion movement. Her writing has appeared in Portal Magazine, CV Collective, and FOLKLIFE.

Gabriola 2050 with the Gabriola Fibreshed pod
2024-01-26 - 2024-01-28
Jan 26 – 28: Gabriola 2050 community visioning session. The Gabriola Fibreshed pod will be participating.
Gabriola Arts and Heritage Centre.
Also an exhibit of textiles and art we have made using only Gabriola materials. Off island visitors welcome!
Gabriola Working Group Report (Dec 2023)
