Contact:  birminghamwsd@hotmail.co.uk - for general information and booking for workshops​

Welcome to our members and readers.
We meet monthly in-person at Cotteridge Quacker Meeting House.
 Our next meeting is on 14th October and it is a talk entitled 'What is a Milliner?' with Giulia Mio
A quick introduction to what a milliner is, the history of the trade and differences between commercial, handmade and couture millinery
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The talk will be on the creative process, how a bespoke hat is designed and made, the skills involved, and the materials used. There will be a particular focus on flower-making, from the designing to the painting, shaping and assembling.

Some tools of the trades (like wood blocks, silks, feathers and other materials) will be on display, and they will be available for the public to touch. Couture hats will also be on display, showcasing the different styles and techniques.

At the end of the talk, Giulia will answer questions from the public and show some techniques in action with a little demonstration of flower-making in silk and in leather.
https://giuliamiomillinery.com
We look forward to meeting and welcoming new and old members and visitors. If you are wondering what we do at meetings take a look at our blog and you will find out. 

Our programme for 2023 can be viewed by clicking on the link above.
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​If you would like to know more about us and our crafts please email our secretary on: 
birminghamwsd@hotmail.co.uk 
Visitors are welcome to drop in and we look forward to welcoming friends new and old at the Friends Meeting House.
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​  Meeting are held on the second Saturday of the month from 10am to 4pm.  We have a varied programme of talks, workshops (booking usually required), and skill sharing.  Visitors are always welcome for part or all of the day and the entrance fee (£6) includes tea/coffee and cake.

Textile Tasters

We are part of the Association of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers who organise a biennial exhibition, summer school and other events. See www.wsd.org.uk for more information.

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Next Guild Meeting
Saturday 14th October

 Informal morning followed by
Talk at 14:00: What is a Milliner?
The Secret Life of Hats with Giulia Mio (https://giuliamiomillinery.com/)
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Friends Meeting House,
​ 23A Watford Road,
Cotteridge, Birmingham, B30 1JB
Buses 11, 38, 18, 19, 45, 47, 48, 49, 84
close to Kings Norton station

Gemma teaching Cristina to spin at our Learn to spin day in September

Would you like to know more about weaving, spinning and dyeing?  Are you interested in learning a new, sustainable, craft?  We would love to have you join us.

 email our secretary on: 
birminghamwsd@hotmail.co.uk
​to find out more

Equipment for hire

We keep a range of equipment for guild members to hire for a modest monthly fee, including a spinning wheel, knitters' loom, inkle loom and cord winder.