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Women in Turning (WIT)


Women in Turning (WIT) is an initiative created by the American Association of Woodturners (AAW), the parent organization of the Seattle Woodturners, that aims to connect women or other under-represented community members who share a passion for woodturning. WIT is dedicated to:

  • Increasing the visibility and participation of women and under-represented groups in the field of woodturning

  • Fostering the sharing of ideas and processes to inspire and create community

  • Expanding woodturning knowledge, skills and creativity

  • Funding chapter events for women turners and other under-represented groups through the Under-Represented Populations Outreach Grant

  • Promoting membership in the AAW by offering membership grants

The AAW WIT committee consists of a chairperson, appointed by the AAW President, and select committee members who are chosen by the chair. The Seattle Woodturners maintains a chapter liaison with the AAW WIT committee on behalf of our club to help support outreach efforts nationally across the AAW organization. For more information, please contact the WIT Liaison for the Seattle Woodturners; members can also join us on the Women in Turning Forum.

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WIT Offerings

Club-sponsored WIT Events

The Seattle Woodturners sponsors Women in Turning events intended for female-identifying or other under-represented woodturners. These events provide opportunities for leadership, mentorship, community-building, and sharing within a small group setting. 


WIT events are open to members of the club and members of the public alike. (So, consider bringing a friend!) They are typically small gatherings that occur on weekends at a member’s shop. Registration is required. The club provides up to eight lathes (with chucks, tool rests, etc.), a standard grinder with a Wolverine jig for sharpening, and basic tool sets (bowl gouge, parting tool, scraper, handle). Attendees should be prepared to bring their own safety equipment, including eye and dust protection. In addition, participants may bring other tools relevant to the workshop topic. Event details are provided to participants via email. WIT events are typically free of charge.

To register for an upcoming WIT event, visit our Event Calendar.

For more information, please contact the WIT Liaison for the Seattle Woodturners.

WIT Presents

WIT Presents is a series of webinars featuring women artists that endeavor to inspire creativity and create community among women via conversations and interactive studio tours. The format consists of the artist’s presentation of her work, a Q&A session, and a tour of the artist's shop.



Grant Opportunities

One-year WIT AAW Membership Grant*

Women in Turning offers a limited number of one-year AAW memberships to women turners. To be eligible, a grant recipient must be female-identifying and a first-time applicant for AAW membership. The WIT Liaison applies for this grant on behalf of club members. If you are interested in applying, please *contact the WIT Liaison. Up to two grants awarded per quarter. If you are not affiliated with the Seattle Woodturners or another local AAW chapter, you can email WIT@woodturner.org directly for more information on how to apply.


90-day AAW Affiliate Membership 

This free membership trial is for first-time members of a local AAW chapter, such as the Seattle Woodturners. The 90-day AAW Affiliate membership offers access to the complete collection of AAW online resources, including the American Woodturner journal, for three months.


AAW Membership Benefits


Paying It Forward


The mission of Women in Turning is to encourage and retain women in woodturning.
Can you help?

  • Introduce a friend or neighbor to woodturning

  • Accompany her to a chapter meeting, workshop, Sawdust Session, or WIT event

  • Teach/mentor her in your own shop

  • Tell her about AAW membership grants

  • Share WIT Presents and grow the Women in Turning community

Slideshow
WIT - Wig Stand Process

Outreach Opportunities

 

Women in Turning (WIT) is inviting members to turn wig stands in support of The Wig Stand Project, a national WIT initiative that provides wig stands to folks in the community impacted by hair loss at no expense to recipients. Our club will be partnering with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for this project. Contact our WIT Liaison (Bridged Speed or Randi Aiken) for more information or drop off your wig stand donation at the next club meeting.


Instructions for Turning a Wig Stand


Other Wig Stand Turning Guides and Demonstrations:

 Wig Stand Guide - Materials and Process - AAW WIT
 Making a Wig Stand - Central Illinois Woodturners
 Hat and Wig Stands - John Kelsey - AAW
 Wig Stand Demo - Bert Delisle - Edmonton Woodturners Guild








Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2024 Wig Stand Project drive!

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We delivered 16 very cheerful wig stands to Fred Hutch for their free wig program for patients experiencing treatment-related hair loss. Keep 'em coming for next year!