On March 15th, 2025, guild member Betty Trach spoke to the Nottawasaga Handweavers and Spinners about the importance of understanding the characteristics of fibre – that is, the structure of the yarn – to a knitted or woven project. She described the differences between woolen and worsted fibre preparation in a spun yarn and provided samples of yarn prepared in several ways to illustrate the differences. For example, woolen fibre preparation will start with a fuzzy fibre, carded and spun using long-draw, resulting in a fluffy end product. In contrast, a worsted preparation will result in a smoother, sleeker, denser yarn. This might be used for a dressy evening shawl, whereas the woolen preparation might be used to make a warm winter hat.

Members participated in making suggestions, asking questions, and adding possible variations as they considered how they would plan for making a crocheted hood, a dressy knitted shawl, and a woven poncho. Betty's demonstration as well as her clear explanations and involving the members in applying the information she presented gave members a better appreciation for considering project planning starting with the fibre.