Upcoming Events
Community Hide Softening
Date: August 10, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: 1039 Argenta Road (Note: Google Maps will not lead you directly to the farm. Photo directions will be emailed 2 days prior. There is no cell service past Kaslo—please download directions in advance.)
Cost: By donation – open to both Fibreshed Members and the General Public
Capacity: 10 participants
Stewards: Greta Hamilton & Danielle Soucie
Join us for a low-key, peer-led hide softening day on the land. This is not a formal workshop, but rather a shared space to work alongside others in the process of scraping, softening, and stretching hides. Whether you're a seasoned hide tanner or just getting started, this gathering offers an opportunity to connect, share skills, and learn together in community.
What to Expect:
BYO Materials: Bring your own dried hides and any personal tools you may need.
Communal Supplies: A few shared scrapers and soaking vats will be available for communal use. Bring tools to share if you’re able!
Peer Mentorship: This is a collaborative space. Stewards will help foster connections between participants, but the learning is peer-driven and informal.
Sliding Scale Donation: Contribute what you can to support the space and future community programming—no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Let’s spend a summer afternoon outdoors working with our hands, learning from each other, and strengthening our local fibre community.
Community Flax Harvest & Potluck
Community Flax Harvest & Potluck Lunch
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (Harvest)
Potluck Lunch to follow
Location: Meadow Creek, BC
Cost: Free / By donation
Come join us in the field for our annual Community Flax Harvest, a hands-on celebration of fibre, land, and connection.
We’ll gather in the morning to harvest this season’s flax crop together, sharing in the rhythm of collective work and the joy of being outside on the land. Whether you’re an experienced grower or totally new to flax, this is a chance to engage with the fibre at its source and be part of the full soil-to-soil cycle.
After the harvest, we’ll share a community potluck lunch. Please bring something to contribute if you’re able. All are welcome, and no one will be turned away.
This day is about more than just pulling plants from the ground, it’s about gathering in community, honouring the history and future of local fibre, and celebrating the relationships that make a bioregional textile system possible. We will also be sharing some of the upcoming projects that we have up our sleeve for use of the flax we will be collectively harvesting.
What to Bring:
A sun hat, gloves, and water bottle
Harvesting tools if you have them (e.g. clippers, sickle)
A dish to share for the potluck (optional)
Your curiosity and good company
Sting to String: Nettle to Fibre Mentorship *Member Only Event*
Facilitator: Sharon Kallis (EartHand Gleaners)
EartHand.com | sharonkallis.wordpress.com | @earthandgleaners
Dates: Saturday, July 26 — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM & Sunday, July 27 — 10:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Location: The Old Tulip Farm (Howser area)
Camping available on-site. Participants are welcome to camp for the weekend — bring your own camping gear. This is a rustic farm setting with outhouse-only facilities. Space for tents, vans and RV’s.
Cost: Free for West Kootenay Fibreshed Members thanks to the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA)—funded by Columbia Basin Trust and managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council.
If you are interested in taking this mentorship and are not yet a member of the West Kootenay Fibreshed you can become a member here and gain access to this rare opportunity!
Mentorship Description
This weekend intensive will take fibre artists right from the nettle patch through to silky-strong spun line over two days. Understanding how each nettle patch, soil, and seasonal variation presents unique characteristics in fibre quality and processing, Sharon Kallis will guide participants through hands-on work with both freshly harvested green nettles and retted nettles gathered at different points the previous year.
Nettles are a culture connector with deep textile traditions across many Northern hemisphere cultures. Expect storytelling, fibre history, and ecological knowledge alongside practical, skill-building sessions.
This mentorship is designed for experienced fibre artists with some drop spindle or spinning wheel experience who are interested in expanding their skills into working with bast fibres and learning to process and spin nettle for textiles. You don’t need to have worked with bast fibres before — many of the concepts from spinning wool will transfer, and the workshop will offer supportive instruction in the nuances of nettle processing and spinning.
What You’ll Experience
Hands-on processing of fresh green nettles and previously retted fibre
Guidance on identifying seasonal harvesting cues and best practices for supporting a nettle patch
In-depth discussion of fibre preparation stages specific to bast fibres
Spinning bast fibres by drop spindle or wheel, with time to explore cordage making
Cultural storytelling around nettles as a textile plant
Connection and knowledge-sharing with fellow fibre artists
Participants will leave with:
A mini skein of spun nettle (for those with spinning experience)
A sample of nettle cordage
A bundle of prepared nettle fibre to continue working with at home
Why This Mentorship Matters
This mentorship is part of a broader effort to strengthen and nourish the regional fibre arts community through skill-sharing and connection to local ecology. Funded by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA), the goals of this mentorship include:
Equipping experienced fibre artists with hands-on skills to ethically harvest, process, and spin nettles into high-quality fibre
Deepening knowledge of sustainable fibre processing techniques that integrate local ecology and seasonal relationships
Highlighting the cultural and ecological significance of fibre traditions within the Columbia Basin
Expanding regional awareness and exploration of native bast fibres beyond nettle
Encouraging long-term mentorship relationships and knowledge-sharing within our regional fibre arts community
Spaces are limited — register early to secure your spot.
Questions? Contact us at info@westkootenayfibreshed.com
Raw to Ready - Fleece Washing for Fibre Artists
Instructor: Danielle Soucie of Earthborn Textiles
Date: July 5th
Time: 1:00 - 3:30pm
Location: 1039 Argenta Road, Argenta, BC
Learn how to turn raw sheep and alpaca fleece into clean, beautiful fibre ready for your spinning, felting, and fibre projects. This hands-on workshop will guide you through the essential steps of preparing fleece — from selecting quality fibre to washing and handling it with care.
What You’ll Learn:
How to assess and select raw fleece
Gentle washing methods for different fibre types
Tips for managing fibre behaviour during processing
How fibre preparation affects your spinning or felting
Participants will:
Wash four small fleece samples
Take home ½ pound of clean fleece to continue working with
Gain practical knowledge for handling fleece at home
Pricing Tiers:
Root Tier – $50 for marginalized community members (LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, low-income, accessibility needs)
Stem Tier – $60 general admission (covers the cost of the workshop)
Flower Tier – $70 for those wishing to pay it forward and help subsidize Root Tier spots
West Kootenay Fibreshed members receive 10% off all tiers - if you are a member and have not recieved this code via email, please contact us.
Capacity: 6 participants — space is limited!
Questions? Email us at info@westkootenayfibreshed.com
Wool Processing Demo @ Lardeau Valley Museum’s 25th Anniversary Picnic
Location: Lardeau Valley Museum, 13435 BC-31, Meadow Creek
Join the West Kootenay Fibreshed as we take part in the Lardeau Valley Historical Society’s 25th Anniversary Celebration! We’ll be hosting a live wool processing demonstration alongside a day of community festivities.
Stop by our booth to learn about traditional wool handling techniques — from raw fleece to prepared fibre — and discover how our region’s fibre traditions connect land, animals, and people. We'll be showcasing carding, spinning, and talking about the value of local fibres in building a resilient, sustainable textile system.
Event Highlights Include:
Live music
Free BBQ lunch
Vendor market
Games & crafts
Face painting
Time capsule opening from the year 2000 at 12 PM
Please note: Dogs are kindly asked to stay home for this event.
Bring a chair, bring your curiosity, and come celebrate local history, community, and fibre arts with us in Meadow Creek!
Learn more about the event here.
Kids Bundle Dye with Plants
Kids Bundle Dye with Plants
Workshop for kids 6-12 years of age with Senna Andison
Come and connect with plants and hands to create a beautiful bundle dye!
We will be gathering outside at the Lakeside Pavillion to learn how to use plants to infuse fabric with natural pattern. We will be working with known natural dye plants and steam to create our unique pieces.
Cloth and some dye materials will be provided but we also invite you to bring a favorite plant or flower to experiment with!
Location:
Lakeside Pavilion - 1923 Lakeside Dr, Nelson, BC V1L 5Z3
Cost:
Our tiered pricing structure is designed to prioritize accessibility and community care. It ensures that cost is not a barrier for marginalized folks while offering opportunities for others to support a more equitable and inclusive fibre arts community.
Choose the rate that best aligns with your circumstances—your support helps us keep workshops accessible and sustainable. Members receive a 10% discount and can be applied to whichever tier you select. People who are members signing up for their children are eligible to use their membership discount for their children.
Root Tier ($20 → $18 for members)
Who it’s for: Folks from marginalized communities—LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC participants, low‑income individuals, and people with accessibility needs.
Why “Root”: This tier is about creating access for people to find roots in our local fibre community — a place to connect, learn, and grow without financial barriers.Stem Tier ($25 → $22.50 for members)
Who it’s for: General public—anyone looking to learn new skills and support our local fibre ecosystem.
Why “Stem”: The stem carries resources from the roots up to the rest of the plant—just like standard fees keep our workshops growing and flowing.Flower Tier ($30 → $27 for members)
Who it’s for: Allies and supporters who want to “pay it forward” and help subsidize spots for others.
Why “Flower”: Flowers are the blossoms that share beauty (and seeds!)—just like your extra contribution helps future workshops bloom.
Members receive 10% workshops - if you’re interested in membership you can join our community here.
If you did not receive your member discount code, please get in touch with us info@westkootenayfibreshed.com!
Mother's Day Garden Starter Market
Join Us at the Mother's Day Garden Starter Market!
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Location: Baker St., Nelson, BC
The West Kootenay Fibreshed is excited to be part of this year’s Mother’s Day Garden Starter Market in Nelson! Celebrate the season of growth with us while supporting a vibrant, local fibre community.
Dye Plant Starts for Sale
We’ll have a beautiful selection of dye plant starts available for purchase—perfect for gardeners and fibre artists alike! These plants not only brighten up your garden but can be used to create gorgeous natural dyes. Proceeds from the sale will support the West Kootenay Fibreshed’s programs and initiatives.
Live Wool Processing Demonstration
Curious about how raw fleece becomes yarn? Stop by our booth to experience hands-on wool processing! Try your hand at carding fibre or watch as one of our members spins wool right on-site. It’s a great way to connect with local fibre traditions and learn about our soil-to-soil approach to textiles.
Whether you're a gardener, a maker, or just fibre-curious, we’d love to meet you! Come say hi, learn more about the West Kootenay Fibreshed, and discover how you can get involved.
The Nettle Dress Film Screening | Argenta, BC
Join us as we officially launch the West Kootenay Fibreshed with an inspiring and thought-provoking event celebrating fibre, sustainability, and community connection!
We are thrilled to present the final screening in our launch event series of The Nettle Dress—a powerful documentary that follows textile artist Allan Brown on a seven-year journey to transform nettles, gathered from the land, into a hand-crafted dress. This beautiful and deeply moving film is a testament to the intersection of art, nature, and sustainability.
Location: Argenta Community Hall
Tickets
By donation at the door
Donations are an investment in our local economy, environment, and community. Every dollar contributes to:
Education programs and hands-on workshops to promote knowledge sharing, tactile learning and community building
Building fibre tool libraries throughout the West Kootenay bioregion
What to Expect
Film Screening: The Nettle Dress—a story of healing, resilience, and the beauty of working with nature.
Membership Drive: Become a member of the West Kootenay Fibreshed and join us in building a vibrant, sustainable fibre economy rooted in local resources and regenerative practices.
Community Connection: Meet like-minded fibre enthusiasts, producers, and artisans who are passionate about sustainability, local craft, and the soil-to-soil cycle.
This launch event marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the West Kootenay Fibreshed. Together, we aim to foster a thriving, interconnected community where producers, artisans, and consumers collaborate to create a resilient and sustainable fibre system here in the West Kootenay bioregion.
Why Attend?
Be inspired by an extraordinary film about craft and sustainability.
Learn about the vision of the West Kootenay Fibreshed.
Connect with local fibre enthusiasts, artisans, and producers.
Take the opportunity to become a member and support the growth of our local fibreshed.
Preview a linen dress grown, hand grown, processed and sewn by artist Carol Ross. Resident of Argenta, BC.
We can’t wait to share this special evening with you as we weave together a future that honours the land, our fibres, and our community.
Launch Event | Winlaw - The Nettle Dress Film Screening
Join us as we officially launch the West Kootenay Fibreshed with an inspiring and thought-provoking event celebrating fibre, sustainability, and community connection!
We are thrilled to present a screening of The Nettle Dress—a powerful documentary that follows textile artist Allan Brown on a seven-year journey to transform nettles, gathered from the land, into a hand-crafted dress. This beautiful and deeply moving film is a testament to the intersection of art, nature, and sustainability.
Location: Vallican Whole Community Centre - 3762 Little Slocan South Rd, Winlaw, BC
Tickets
By donation at the door
Donations are an investment in our local economy, environment, and community. Every dollar contributes to:
Education programs and hands-on workshops to promote knowledge sharing, tactile learning and community building
Development of local processing and manufacturing on a small-scale for fibres and craft materials
Research of regenerative fibre farming practices
Events that connect farmers/producers, processors, artisans, and consumers
What to Expect
Film Screening: The Nettle Dress—a story of healing, resilience, and the beauty of working with nature.
Membership Drive: Become a member of the West Kootenay Fibreshed and join us in building a vibrant, sustainable fibre economy rooted in local resources and regenerative practices.
Community Connection: Meet like-minded fibre enthusiasts, producers, and artisans who are passionate about sustainability, local craft, and the soil-to-soil cycle.
This launch event marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the West Kootenay Fibreshed. Together, we aim to foster a thriving, interconnected community where producers, artisans, and consumers collaborate to create a resilient and sustainable fibre system here in the West Kootenay bioregion.
Why Attend?
Be inspired by an extraordinary film about craft and sustainability.
Learn about the vision of the West Kootenay Fibreshed.
Connect with local fibre enthusiasts, artisans, and producers.
Take the opportunity to become a member and support the growth of our local fibreshed.
Preview a linen dress grown, hand grown, processed and sewn by artist Carol Ross. Resident of Argenta, BC.
We can’t wait to share this special evening with you as we weave together a future that honours the land, our fibres, and our community.
Launch Event | Kaslo - The Nettle Dress Film Screening
Join us as we officially launch the West Kootenay Fibreshed with an inspiring and thought-provoking event celebrating fibre, sustainability, and community connection!
We are thrilled to present a screening of The Nettle Dress—a powerful documentary that follows textile artist Allan Brown on a seven-year journey to transform nettles, gathered from the land, into a hand-crafted dress. This beautiful and deeply moving film is a testament to the intersection of art, nature, and sustainability.
Location: Langham Cultural Centre - 447 A Ave Kaslo, BC
Tickets
By donation at the door
Donations are an investment in our local economy, environment, and community. Every dollar contributes to:
Education programs and hands-on workshops to promote knowledge sharing, tactile learning and community building
Development of local processing and manufacturing on a small-scale for fibres and craft materials
Research of regenerative fibre farming practices
Events that connect farmers/producers, processors, artisans, and consumers
What to Expect
Film Screening: The Nettle Dress—a story of healing, resilience, and the beauty of working with nature.
Membership Drive: Become a member of the West Kootenay Fibreshed and join us in building a vibrant, sustainable fibre economy rooted in local resources and regenerative practices.
Community Connection: Meet like-minded fibre enthusiasts, producers, and artisans who are passionate about sustainability, local craft, and the soil-to-soil cycle.
This launch event marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the West Kootenay Fibreshed. Together, we aim to foster a thriving, interconnected community where producers, artisans, and consumers collaborate to create a resilient and sustainable fibre system here in the West Kootenay bioregion.
Why Attend?
Be inspired by an extraordinary film about craft and sustainability.
Learn about the vision of the West Kootenay Fibreshed.
Connect with local fibre enthusiasts, artisans, and producers.
Take the opportunity to become a member and support the growth of our local fibreshed.
Preview a linen dress grown, hand grown, processed and sewn by artist Carol Ross. Resident of Argenta, BC.
We can’t wait to share this special evening with you as we weave together a future that honours the land, our fibres, and our community.
Launch Event | Nelson - The Nettle Dress Film Screening
Join us as we officially launch the West Kootenay Fibreshed with an inspiring and thought-provoking event celebrating fibre, sustainability, and community connection!
We are thrilled to present a screening of The Nettle Dress—a powerful documentary that follows textile artist Allan Brown on a seven-year journey to transform nettles, gathered from the land, into a hand-crafted dress. This beautiful and deeply moving film is a testament to the intersection of art, nature, and sustainability.
Location: Nelson Museum Archives & Gallery - 502 Vernon St. Nelson, BC - Gallery A
Tickets
By donation at the door
Donations are an investment in our local economy, environment, and community. Every dollar contributes to:
Education programs and hands-on workshops to promote knowledge sharing, tactile learning and community building
Development of local processing and manufacturing on a small-scale for fibres and craft materials
Research of regenerative fibre farming practices
Events that connect farmers/producers, processors, artisans, and consumers
What to Expect
Film Screening: The Nettle Dress—a story of healing, resilience, and the beauty of working with nature.
Membership Drive: Become a member of the West Kootenay Fibreshed and join us in building a vibrant, sustainable fibre economy rooted in local resources and regenerative practices.
Community Connection: Meet like-minded fibre enthusiasts, producers, and artisans who are passionate about sustainability, local craft, and the soil-to-soil cycle.
This launch event marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the West Kootenay Fibreshed. Together, we aim to foster a thriving, interconnected community where producers, artisans, and consumers collaborate to create a resilient and sustainable fibre system here in the West Kootenay bioregion.
Why Attend?
Be inspired by an extraordinary film about craft and sustainability.
Learn about the vision of the West Kootenay Fibreshed.
Connect with local fibre enthusiasts, artisans, and producers.
Take the opportunity to become a member and support the growth of our local fibreshed.
Preview a linen dress grown, hand grown, processed and sewn by artist Carol Ross. Resident of Argenta, BC.
We can’t wait to share this special evening with you as we weave together a future that honours the land, our fibres, and our community.