West Kootenay Fibreshed Society

### Context Profile for West Kootenay Fibreshed Society

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   The West Kootenay Fibreshed Society is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and community-driven approach to textile production. Their mission is to connect local fibre artists and promote the use of regionally sourced materials, emphasizing ecological practices and cultural traditions in textile arts. They aim to revitalize local textile traditions while supporting environmental stewardship and community engagement.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Workshops**: The organization hosts hands-on workshops such as "Sting to String: Nettles for Textile Mentorship," where participants learn to process and spin nettles into textiles. These workshops include storytelling, ecological knowledge, and skill-building sessions.
   - **Community Programs**: They focus on mentorship opportunities for fibre artists, encouraging skill-sharing and collaboration within the community.
   - **Events**: The society organizes events that connect participants with local resources and cultural practices related to fibre arts.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   The tone of voice used by the West Kootenay Fibreshed Society is friendly, inspiring, and community-oriented. The language is accessible and encourages participation, emphasizing the joy of learning and sharing skills. The content reflects a passion for the arts and a commitment to sustainability, often using inclusive language that invites engagement.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   The website does not prominently feature emojis in its communications. However, if used in email campaigns or social media, they would likely align with the friendly and community-focused tone, potentially including nature-related emojis or those representing creativity (e.g., 🌱, 🎨).

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Specific founding details are not provided on the website, but the organization operates within the West Kootenay region, emphasizing local engagement.
   - **Scale**: The organization has conducted 5 total forms and 11 email campaigns, indicating an active engagement with its community.
   - **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics are not detailed, the organization highlights the importance of community engagement and skill-sharing, implying a focus on qualitative impact.
   - **Volunteer Info**: Information regarding volunteer opportunities is not explicitly stated, but the nature of their activities suggests that community involvement is encouraged.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - Use a friendly and inclusive tone that encourages participation and community engagement.
   - Highlight the ecological and cultural significance of textile arts.
   - Emphasize hands-on learning experiences and the joy of skill-sharing.
   - Keep language accessible and avoid overly technical jargon, making it easy for newcomers to engage with the content.
   - Use storytelling elements to connect with the audience, sharing personal experiences or anecdotes related to textile arts and community.
   - When applicable, include calls to action that invite donations or support to sustain their programs.

This context profile serves as a foundational guide for creating personalized and effective content for the West Kootenay Fibreshed Society, ensuring alignment with their mission, tone, and community-focused initiatives.

LXCL:This tier is fully populated for this program.Who it’s for: Folks from marginalized communities – LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC participants, low‑income individuals and people with accessibility needs.&nbsp;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.

ROOT

LXCL:Who it’s for: General public – anyone looking to learn new skills and support our local fibre ecosystem.&nbsp;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.

STEM

LXCL:Who it’s for: Allies and supporters who want to “pay it forward” and help subsidize spots for others.&nbsp;Why “Flower”: Flowers are the blossoms that share beauty (and seeds!) – just like your extra contribution helps future workshops bloom.

FLOWER

LXCL:Select this option if you would like us to supply your fabric for the Year-Long Plant Dye Journey. This bundle includes approximately 6 metres of approved fabric, portioned for use throughout the program (approximately half a metre per month). Fabric will be pre-selected to suit natural dye processes and the curriculum of the course. Participants who prefer to source their own fabric may do so and do not need to select this option. If bringing your own fabric, materials must be approved in advance to ensure compatibility with the dye processes used throughout the year.

Cloth Bundle Add-on

This registration is for a twelve-month plant dye program running from March 2026 to February 2027. The program meets once a month on Monday evenings from 6:00&ndash;8:00 pm at the Slocan Valley Threads Guild in Winlaw, BC. This is a cumulative program. Skills and processes build month to month, and participants are expected to attend consistently. This program is not designed as a drop-in series. Schedule&nbsp;March 9/26, April 13/26, May 25/26, June 8/26, July 13/26, August 10/26, September 14/26, October 19/26, November 9/26, December 14/26, January 11/27, February 8/27 What&rsquo;s included?<ul data-end="3132" data-start="2995" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="3044" data-start="2995" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">All dye plants, vats, mordants, and modifiers</li><li data-end="3089" data-start="3045" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Use of shared studio equipment and tools</li><li data-end="3132" data-start="3090" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Guided instruction throughout the year</li></ul>What&rsquo;s not included?<ul data-end="3313" data-start="3158" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="3313" data-start="3158" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Fabric for dyeing (approximately 6 metres total over the year). Participants may purchase an approved fabric bundle or bring their own approved cloth.</li></ul>Facilitators Tracy FillionTracy Fillion is a textile artist based out of Nelson BC, with over 20 years experience working with fibre. Her focus for the past 10 years has been weaving and plant dyeing, creating functional, utilitarian pieces from thoughtfully sourced natural materials. Tracy teaches weaving at Kootenay School of the Arts. Stefania Zwirello Stefania is a mostly self-taught fibre artist, guided along the way by beautiful teachers, generous mentors, and a lot of curious making. Her work is rooted in a love of slow processes, tactile materials, and the quiet magic that happens when hands, intention, and imagination meet. Stefania&rsquo;s approach to teaching is laid back, and encouraging, inviting students to explore, experiment, and discover their own voice rather than aiming for perfection. As a therapist, she deeply believes in the healing qualities of fibre arts:&nbsp;the way they invite us into flow, reconnect us with ancient and ancestral crafts, and gently remind us that making has always been a human way of caring for ourselves and each other. She loves storytelling, fascinating facts, and weaving meaning into the learning process. Most of all, she is delighted in watching people surprise themselves with what they can create with a bit of guidance, curiosity, and permission to play. Group size<ul data-end="3386" data-start="3330" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="3357" data-start="3330" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">14 participants</li></ul>Payment terms<ul data-end="3629" data-start="3406" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="3629" data-start="3530" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Due to the long-term nature of this program, refunds are not available once the program has begun</li></ul>By registering, participants acknowledge the commitment required for a year-long, cohort-based program. If you have questions about accessibility, materials, or whether this program is a good fit, please contact us before registering.

<span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you for registering for the Year-Long Plant Dye Journey. We&rsquo;re glad to have you join this twelve-month, cohort-based program. Program overviewThis program runs once a month on Monday evenings from 6:00&ndash;8:00 pm, from March 2026 through February 2027, and is held at the Slocan Valley Threads Guild in Winlaw, BC. Because skills and processes build sequentially, consistent attendance is expected. Session dates&nbsp;March 9, 2026April 13, 2026May 18, 2026June 8, 2026July 13, 2026August 10, 2026September 14, 2026October 12, 2026November 9, 2026December 14, 2026January 11, 2027February 8, 2027 What&rsquo;s included?Your registration includes all dye plants, vats, mordants, modifiers, shared tools, and studio equipment needed throughout the year. Fabric for dyeingIf you selected the $60 fabric bundle add-on, we will supply 6 metres of approved fabric, portioned for use across the program.&nbsp; If you chose to bring your own fabric, you will receive fabric requirements and approval details by email prior to the first session. Please note that all fabrics must be approved in advance to ensure compatibility with the dye processes used throughout the year. Payment &amp; commitmentThis is a long-term, cohort-based program. By registering, you are confirming your commitment to participate for the duration of the course. Due to the structure of the program, refunds are not available once the program has begun. Additional program details, including what to bring to the first session, will be shared closer to the start date. If you have questions about accessibility, materials, or whether this program is the right fit for you, please reach out before the first session. Warmly,West Kootenay Fibreshedinfo@westkootenayfibreshed.com

This registration is for a twelve-month plant dye program running from March 2026 to February 2027. The program meets once a month on Monday evenings from 6:00–8:00 pm at the Slocan Valley Threads Guild in Winlaw, BC. This is a cumulative program. Skills and processes build month to month, and participants are expected to attend consistently. This program is not designed as a drop-in series. Schedule March 9/26, April 13/26, May 25/26, June 8/26, July 13/26, August 10/26, September 14/26, October 19/26, November 9/26, December 14/26, January 11/27, February 8/27 What’s included?<ul><li>All dye plants, vats, mordants, and modifiers</li><li>Use of shared studio equipment and tools</li><li>Guided instruction throughout the year</li></ul>What’s not included?<ul><li>Fabric for dyeing (approximately 6 metres total over the year). Participants may purchase an approved fabric bundle or bring their own approved cloth.</li></ul>Facilitators Tracy FillionTracy Fillion is a textile artist based out of Nelson BC, with over 20 years experience working with fibre. Her focus for the past 10 years has been weaving and plant dyeing, creating functional, utilitarian pieces from thoughtfully sourced natural materials. Tracy teaches weaving at Kootenay School of the Arts. Stefania Zwirello Stefania is a mostly self-taught fibre artist, guided along the way by beautiful teachers, generous mentors, and a lot of curious making. Her work is rooted in a love of slow processes, tactile materials, and the quiet magic that happens when hands, intention, and imagination meet. Stefania’s approach to teaching is laid back, and encouraging, inviting students to explore, experiment, and discover their own voice rather than aiming for perfection. As a therapist, she deeply believes in the healing qualities of fibre arts: the way they invite us into flow, reconnect us with ancient and ancestral crafts, and gently remind us that making has always been a human way of caring for ourselves and each other. She loves storytelling, fascinating facts, and weaving meaning into the learning process. Most of all, she is delighted in watching people surprise themselves with what they can create with a bit of guidance, curiosity, and permission to play. Group size<ul><li>14 participants</li></ul>Payment terms<ul><li>Due to the long-term nature of this program, refunds are not available once the program has begun</li></ul>By registering, participants acknowledge the commitment required for a year-long, cohort-based program. If you have questions about accessibility, materials, or whether this program is a good fit, please contact us before registering.

West Kootenay Fibreshed Society

Year-Long Plant Dye Journey

BC-6 & Perrys Back Rd

ROOT

$250

STEM

$280

FLOWER

$310

Cloth Bundle Add-on

$60