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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 in comfortable learning settings

  • 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.

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 female-directed learning environment. 


WIT events are open to members of the club and members of the public alike. They are typically small gatherings that occur on Saturdays 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 AAW WIT Membership Grant

Women in Turning offers a limited number of one-year AAW memberships to new 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 the applicant. Up to two grants awarded per quarter. If you are not affiliated with the Seattle Woodturners or another local AAW chapter, please email WIT@woodturner.org directly.


90-day AAW Affiliate Membership 

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


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