About Us
Our Story
The West Coast Knitters’ Guild (WCKG) is a group of enthusiastic crafters whose prime interest is to enjoy and encourage the skill and artistry of knitting and crochet. We choose to call ourselves a Guild as a means of demonstrating that we value skill and achievement in knitting and crochet, and that we want to encourage the ongoing development of our members’ individual talents.
We represent all ages and skill levels, and are always happy to welcome new members. Guild membership is supported by our executive team, made up of volunteers who help run the guild and organize meetings, community outreach, events and workshops. Check out our schedule for upcoming meetings and events to to get involved!
History of the West Coast Knitters' Guild
The West Coast Knitters’ Guild started in 1991 as a knit night organized by Diane Debray & Nancy Vivien at their Richmond LYS. They encouraged customers and friends to join them in sharing ideas, creating new friendships, and nurturing their love of all things fibre! In 1993, the group received a Charter from the Canadian Knitting Guild. Speaking to the members on the tenth anniversary of WCKG, Diane said “…I also hoped that as a group, we could encourage each other and be a positive influence in each other’s lives, knitting and otherwise…”
The Guild’s membership has increased steadily over the years and has moved twice to accommodate its growing number of knitters and crocheters. We were at the Oakridge Seniors Centre from 2006-2020. Dates that we'll be meeting at our new in person space in Vancouver can be found on our Events Schedule.
Meet the Executive Team!
Our executive team is made up of volunteers who dedicate their time to building community and supporting fiber arts on the West Coast. They use their invaluable skills and love for the craft to help support the guild and its members, keeping everyone updated and planning fun events and education opportunities.
Beth Macdonald
President
"I picked up knitting as an adult because I needed an excuse to wander around the adorable local yarn shop near me."
Jill Slind
Past President
“I started knitting as a way to occupy my hands while listening to podcasts and watching TV. Now I have more yarn than I know what to do with, and my daughter gets several new sweaters a year.”
Suzanne Roberts
Membership
“I am a prolific knitter who likes a challenge. However, I am a follower rather than a leader so I will always need a pattern rather than be a designer.”
Jane Loy
Member at Large
When Jane is not picking up her needles, she is working as a full-time actor. After completing a run of a play at Granville Island's NEST, she is now working on several shows in film & TV.
Christine Brassington
Member at Large
“I learned to knit in 2015 to help with anxiety. In 2021 I learned Energy Healing to heal the root cause of the anxiety. Now I knit because it’s fun to collect all the pretty yarns.”
Emma Harris
Member at Large
"My preferred knitting style is scrappy and zero waste; I collect the tiniest scraps for endless crafting possibilities."
Ponnie Matin
Vice President / Education Coordinator
"My knitting style is “Combined Continental” which I learned at the age of 5. I now mainly knit for the Film and Television Industry."
Linda Sakai
Treasurer
“I love to knit in the evening while watching murder mysteries on Knowledge and Cascade PBS. I have also heard that I am not the only person who likes to do this!”
Lara Hildebrandt
Membership
-
Elyse Desrochers
Member at Large
"I consider myself to be light and cheerful while my knits tend to be dark and moody. A high-contrast knitter."
Elizabeth Bollmann
Member at Large
“I knit my socks cuff down, I knit my sweaters top down and I drink my whiskey on ice.”
More About the Guild
Community Participation
The WCKG is dedicated to promoting the art of knitting and crocheting. Our Guild has always emphasized community involvement. We are very pleased to be the recipient of Silver and Bronze awards for our on-going support of Nova House, a safe house for women and their children run by CHIMO Crisis Services in Richmond, B.C.
Each year we participate in Holiday Craft fairs, with proceeds going to Nova House. Our members also create numerous hats, scarves, mitts, and blankets which are donated to a variety of charities around the Lower Mainland.
We collect clean, scent free and unused yarn as well as other fibre craft materials to distribute to charities and organizations in need of materials. The gathering of donations is done year-round, so please contact us if you have any such yarn or notions that you would like to donate. We are happy to help find a knitter or crocheter who will love your donations! Unfortunately, we do not accept knitted items.
Ongoing Education for our Members
WCKG hosts workshops to encourage skills development among our members. We welcome various industry professionals each year who share their passion for all things fibre! In past summers, we have held “Knit in the Park”, which began in 1998, and is held in Vancouver’s beautiful Stanley Park. We are delighted to say that this event sparked Canada’s National Knit in the Park Day, an official day for knitters and crocheters across Canada to gather in local parks and share love of fibre arts.
Keep an eye on our Events Calendar for information about upcoming workshops, knit nights and events!
What to expect at our meetings
Our monthly meetings are a mix of Guild business and the sharing of inspiration, news, and ideas.
We are starting in-person meetings again and we will begin alternating between in-person and online meetings in the coming months. A typical meeting begins with Guild business and general news. Next, comes the activity for that month. This may be a presentation by a scheduled speaker, a demonstration, or social knit time. Past speakers have included knitwear designers, yarn shop owners, and indie dyers. The activity is followed by a Show & Share of our members (or guests) knit and crochet projects.
If you have an item for the Show & Share, please Contact Us or send an image and project details to info@westcoastknitters.org.
Project details should include:
-
Pattern Name
-
Designer
-
Yarn used