Fibre Festival 2012

“Do Make, Make Do”

2012-02-22T10:00:00.003+13:00

Exhibition by Val Griffith-Jones at the Gillan Gallery, Grove Road, Blenheim
Opposite the Information Centre and Railway Station
21 – 28 April 2012
10.00 am – 4 pm

My latest exhibition is called “Do Make, Make Do”. In my work I continue to tell the stories of my life, using the 'womanly arts' of knitting, crochet and felt, stuffing and stitching. The most recent works are a response to the Christchurch earthquake, reflecting my desire to help and consequent feelings of futility and inadequacy. — Please come to the Gillan Gallery (I will be there), and have a YARN!

My blog is "Making Tracks" and my art website is Val Griffith-Jones.

Val Griffith-Jones

Deadlines

2012-02-18T10:00:00.030+13:00

The first deadline: Festival registrations should be in by Wednesday 29 February. After that registration will include a late fee and be $145.

Festival is a great place to meet old friends and make new. This group, who had travelled together to Canada several years earlier, were able to meet with their hosts from Campbell River, Vancouver Island. The two ladies from Campbell River had made Festival in Taradale the focus for their New Zealand trip.

Festival is also a great place to have fun. Some of the committee from Festival 2006 were certainly having fun.

The second deadline: The National Creative Fibre Exhibition

Forms and fees to arrive by Thursday 1 March 2012

Parcels to arrive between Tuesday 6 March and Monday 12 March 2012

Joan & Rose

Meet the Presenters - Jenny Ellwood-Wade

2012-02-15T10:00:00.001+13:00

We were all saddened by the sudden death of one of our Creative Learning presenters, Brian Kitson from Adobe Alpacas, just before Christmas. We are fortunate to a have Jenny Elwood-Wade as a replacement presenter. Jenny says “I would like to stick with Brian’s topic ‘Alpaca processing, product and potential’, this is one of my passions as well.”

If you were registered to attend Brian’s presentation you will be automatically now be transferred to Jenny’s.

Jenny Ellwood-Wade
Jenny is passionate about alpaca fibre and its potential. She farms between 60 and 70 alpacas in the Hunuas, south of Auckland, concentrating on the true black alpacas. She is fascinated by alpaca fibre and its potential, and learnt to spin and weave so that she could explore the boundaries of this wonderful fibre.

Jenny has an AVL Industrial Dobby loom, which allows her to produce a range of woven alpaca fabrics, scarves, blankets etc. of a high standard while retaining the personal touch and the ability to change colours and patterns between each item. She weaves for Alpaca Box [their own shop], and for wholesale, as well as doing commission weaving.

Jenny found that she couldn’t spin enough yarn herself for weaving, so she researched both processing of her alpaca and sourcing alpaca spun in New Zealand.

In Jenny’s words, “This is how I met Brian Kitson and Maggie Sewell who were so generous with their help and advice. Brian had a deep understanding of yarn and commercial spinning and a passion to produce wonderful alpaca yarns. I am so pleased that this did come to fruition last year with the sublime Alpaca Ultimate 4 and 8 ply yarns.”

Jenny’s business depends on having alpaca yarns to weave, and she is deeply concerned about the fibre processing industry in New Zealand.
She will speak about what is happening in New Zealand and the role that alpaca breeders and farmers need to play. She will have a wide range of samples demonstrating the potential of alpaca fibre.

For more information, visit cuesta.co.nz.

Tours

2012-02-12T16:50:00.000+13:00

I hope you have checked out the interesting range of tours Highlight Tours have suggested. Don’t be put off by the name when you visit their web site, Highlight Wine Tours. It says ‘wine tours’ but they offer much more.

Here is a recap of tours on offer.

If you want to talk over anything with Colleen or book they can also be contacted on 0800 494 638.

Four Directions in Tapestry

2012-02-11T09:00:00.011+13:00

This collection of work by Elizabeth Arnold, Patricia Armour, Marilyn Rea-Menzies and Stephenie Collin shows the direction each is taking in the development of their art form.

Elizabeth is currently exploring and commenting on NZ history in her work. Included in this exhibition are tapestries that are the first part of a series of tapestries exploring the story of the infamous Maungatapu murders of 1866 by the Burgess Gang of bushrangers.

Trish is expanding on her ‘Windows of the Soul Series’, developing the theme of human emotions and relationships.

Marilyn’s tapestries have developed from paintings, drawings featuring New Zealand plants, delving into the complexity and beauty of the tiny flowers using out of scale photographic images.

Stephenie’s simple lines and sharp visual comment create a little mischief and fun in her tapestries. Her use of block colour and cropped images show a tendency towards graphic design rather than fine art.

Joan

Textiiles from Abroad - from the collection of Joan McLauchlan

2012-02-08T10:00:00.023+13:00

This exhibition will also be at the Riverlore Gallery, 1494 State Highway 6, from 25 April to 2 May.

In recent years I have been fortunate to travel overseas, to go to out of the way and hard to get to places, and to see many crafts. Many fibre people have enjoyed seeing the textiles I have brought back. I have been persuaded to share them with you too.

The textiles I am showing are mostly from Asia, some old some new. While most articles are traditional some have a modern touch.

What always amazes me is the intricate, complex work that is produced on basic equipment.

Joan

Textile Exhibitions and Displays

2012-02-04T09:00:00.003+13:00

At Festival time there will be several allied Exhibitions and displays. These include:

‘Four Directions in Tapestry’ at Yealands Estate Marlborough Gallery, High St, Blenheim
‘Flight’ PWN Exhibition at Riverlore Gallery, 1404 State Highway 6
Textiles from Abroad — from the collection of Joan McLauchlan, also at Riverlore Gallery
‘Do Make, Make Do’ — Val Griffith-Jones, Gillan Gallery, Grove Rd., Blenheim
Australia/ New Zealand Tapestry Exchange, at the Convention Centre during Festival

Details of these and other ‘happenings’ not yet finalised will be posted individually.

Professional Weavers' Network of NZ: FLIGHT Exhibition

Do make time during the busy Festival weekend to see ‘Flight’ an exhibition by the Professional Weavers' Network. It will be showing at the Riverlore Gallery, 1494 State Highway 6, from 25 April to 2 May.

Using the idea of Flight as inspiration, the members of the Network have returned to their studios to interpret this topic. The resulting exhibition includes wall hung, floor mounted and suspended pieces that all use skilfully woven cloth as the basis for each work.

One More Month

2012-02-01T09:00:00.008+13:00

Reminder: It is less than ONE month until entry forms for the National Exhibition in Blenheim have to be in.

Your Festival Committee is working hard to bring you a fantastic, laid back Marlborough Festival!!!!!!!!!

Joan

Bookworld Blenheim

2012-01-31T15:31:00.000+13:00

The team from Blenheim Bookworld look forward to seeing you at our stand at the Festival where we’ll have a wide range of creative fibre-related books for sale, including books by Festival speakers. If we haven’t got what you’re looking for, we are happy to order it; when it arrives, we’ll either post it to you or you can collect it from Bookworld.

And while you’re in Blenheim for the Festival, come and see us at 67 Market Street – we’re open during the week from 9 – 5.30 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9.30-1.30. We hope to see you all soon!

Trades

2012-01-28T12:34:00.001+13:00

Trades are one of the highlights of Festival, being able to see everything first hand not from a catalogue or website.

As you can see from the interesting list below, there will be so much to tempt all fibre related members to expand their stash or get even more creative.

Traders who will be in the Marlborough Mitre 10 Mega Trades Hall at Festival 2012

2dye4@ Zigzag
Anna Gratton Ltd
Ashford Craft Shop and Knitcola Stitchery
Ashford Handicrafts Ltd
Bookworld Blenheim
Creative Outlet
DEA Yarns
Earth Palette Cold Dyes
Fab Fibres
Felt and Fibre
Fibre2go
Fibreholics
Hallblacks
Hand Dyed Fibre
Inspire Fibres
Majacraft
Mecchia Looms
North Canterbury Black and Coloured Sheep Breeders Assn
Puddle Quilting Ltd
Southern Alpacas
Spinning a Yarn
Tai Tapu Wool Carders & Spinners
Tally Ho
Teri Dyes
The Alpaca Centre

Hats for Hope

2012-01-26T16:09:00.017+13:00

These are some of the hats that have arrived so far. How is YOURS progressing?

How good to see a woven hat, and a hat a man could wear. Unfortunately men need chemotherapy too.

Read about the Creative Fibre Challenge here, and see more hats here.

Joan

Day Visit Option is Available

2012-01-21T09:00:00.017+13:00

During Festival you will be able to attend the Festival as a visitor – day fee $10. This will entitle you to Trades Hall, view numerous displays, and take part in casual activities.

It will not allow you to attend any of the Creative Learning presentations. Cost for this is $15 per presentation. All presentations have size limits and of course it is dependent on the number of registrants enrolled as to whether there are places available.

If you are able to attend a presentation, your day fee will not entitle you to a morning tea served in the hall which is specifically for registrants.

There will be no reduction for being a Creative Fibre member.

Joan

Intermission - To Interest, Educate and Inspire

2012-01-18T10:00:00.001+13:00

Six Weeks to Exhibition Deadline

2012-01-14T13:56:00.000+13:00

DO YOU REALISE you have just over six weeks to get your entries in for this year's National Exhibition in Blenheim? Paperwork is due by 1 March; your work due 12 March. The reason for the early date is that the exhibition will be open from 24 March, which means it will be open for five whole weeks, not just the few days of the Festival.

Having this amount of exposure for the works is a superb opportunity for CF members so you would be wise to take advantage of it. Don't be disappointed by leaving it too late and failing to get your entry in on time. All the information you need is in the registration booklet that has been sent to all members, or on the website, or through the festival blog (here) or from your delegate.

Rose

Bernice Mitchell Need your Help with Accommodation

2012-01-13T11:19:00.000+13:00

I hope you've got where you are going to stay for Festival sorted.

Festivals are all about camaraderie as well as fibre so I hope someone can help Bernice. We look forward to seeing what Bernice and everyone is wearing!!

* * * * *

Looking for help:
I'm a Festival first timer, a felt fanatic, travelling from Taranaki by myself. I don't know anyone else who is going to Festival, and wonder if there is someone in the Blenheim area who would billet me, or other registrants who may have a spare bed in any accommodation which I could share. I'm clean, non smoking, no pets, only a tiny bit of snoring (or so my husband tells me), good sense of humour, willing to cook!

I am so looking forward to festival: I make accessories and garments, so will surely be wearing my creations as well as entering them. Exciting!

I can be contacted at heartfeltbernice@gmail.com or on Facebook, Festival Accommodation
I hope you've got where you are going to stay for Festival sorted.

Festivals are all about camaraderie as well as fibre so I hope someone can help Bernice.
We look forward to seeing what Bernice and everyone is wearing!!

Looking for help:
I'm a Festival first timer, a felt fanatic, travelling from Taranaki by
myself. I don't know anyone else who is going to Festival, and wonder if
there is someone in the Blenheim area who would billet me, or other
registrants who may have a spare bed in any accommodation which I could
share. I'm clean, non smoking, no pets, only a tiny bit of snoring (or so my
husband tells me), good sense of humour, willing to cook!
I am so looking forward to festival: I make accessories and garments, so
will surely be wearing my creations as well as entering them.
Exciting!

I can be contacted at heartfeltbernice@gmail.com or on facebook, heartfeltbernice.
Bernice Mitchell
Stratford, Taranaki

Intermission - To Interest, Educate and Inspire

2012-01-11T10:00:00.001+13:00

Thank You, Sponsors

2012-01-09T16:07:00.000+13:00

No festival can operate without sponsors. Creative Fibre Festival 2012 is most appreciative of sponsorship from the following

Marlborough Mitre 10 Mega

George Mason Education Trust

Ashford Handicrafts Ltd

Marlborough District Council

Marlborough District Creative New Zealand Communities

Marlborough Chamber of Commerce

Interislander

New Zealand Merino Company

Winstanley Kerridge Ltd

Wither Hills Wines

Wool Marketing Marl/Nelson Ltd

THEY HAVE SUPPORTED US, PLEASE SUPPORT THEM.

At Festival 2012 there will be no traditional National Fashion Parade. There are several reasons:

• The venue is not suitable for a large event of this nature.

• The hiring of another venue suitable for such an event would not be affordable.

• The timetabling of our Festival would make the scheduling of more than one parade impossible even if the space was available.

• There is no site available that would allow the display of garments in an appropriate manner after the event.

BUT the main reason is the low number of suitable outfits being put forward for selection. We want to encourage people to wear ‘handcrafted’, and to be proud of what they have created.

Lisa O’Neill will present a special morning on Festival Sunday ‘How to be Your Best You’. We think you will love it! National Creative Fibre has agreed to contribute to Lisa’s fee. We are very grateful.

Intermission - To Interest, Educate and Inspire

2012-01-04T10:00:00.002+13:00

Happy New Year and a Sad News

2012-01-03T09:43:00.000+13:00

The count down to Festival is on now - less than 4 months!!!

Remember the National Exhibition at the Millenium Public Art Gallery, Blenheim is BEFORE Festival. Forms to arrive 1 March and Parcels between 6 and 12 March. The countdown is really on there.

It is with much sadness that we heard of the sudden death of one of our Creative Learning Presenters, Brian Kitson of the Alpaca Centre, Geraldine. Our sincere sympathy to Maggie and family. Our thoughts are with you.

In time we will have another Presenter and we will let you know in due course.

Joan

Intermission - To Interest, Educate and Inspire

2011-12-28T10:00:00.000+13:00

Season's Greetings

2011-12-23T10:00:00.019+13:00

Christmas Greetings

from All Festival 2012 Team

Have a Happy and Joyous time.

Wearing Crochet

2011-12-17T10:00:00.001+13:00

Jan will be the hit of Festival

Especially if she wears her hat

And gloves

Joan

Stop Press: High Five - Hi Fibre Registration Closed

2011-12-16T13:22:00.001+13:00

The number limit for High Five — Hi Fibre (the Saturday evening Festival function) has been reached. So I’m sorry we cannot accept any more applications to attend this function. Please do not send any money ($20.00) for High Five — Hi Fibre.

Joan

Intermission - To Interest, Educate and Inspire

2011-12-14T10:00:00.002+13:00

A High Note to End our Festival - "How to be Your Best You"

2011-12-10T10:00:00.002+13:00

All Festival registrants will be able to spend Sunday morning being entertained and educated by Lisa O’Neill.

Lisa is a motivational stylist and inspirational speaker. She is “irreverent and funny, with some awesome advice.”

Having worked in many areas of the fashion industry for over 20 years, Lisa now combines her passion for people and clothing. She worked previously as a buyer, stylist and art director, and understands the power of presentation and how looking good can change the way we feel.

Combining work with four busy young children Lisa understands busy – but says presenting yourself well needs to be a priority in valuing yourself and your family. She states “Looking good can have a huge impact on people’s lives – I’ve seen people’s whole personalities transformed when wearing the right clothing

Morning tea will served during this presentation.

Joan

Intermission - To Interest, Educate and Inspire

2011-12-07T11:10:00.000+13:00

Early Bird Registration Closes on 15 December

2011-12-05T12:02:00.001+13:00

Early bird registration finishes 15 December 2011 so if you want to take advantage of a reduced registration fee

DON’T DELAY.

Registrations have been inundating Judy.
Creative Learning presentations are filling up fast.
If you want to be sure of a place in the class of your choice

DON’T DELAY.

Join us in Blenheim late April 2012 for a great time.

Joan

Another good reason to visit Marlborough....

2011-11-30T10:00:00.002+13:00

The Wither Hills Farm Park, on the Blenheim boundary, is a Council owned working farm, but has also been developed for walkers, runners and cyclists. Walks range from flat to easy uphill, taking from 10 minutes to 2 hours plus. Visit here for more detailed information.

Joan

The Felters' Handshake

2011-11-26T10:00:00.014+13:00

Remember, you are the fashion!

Joan

Tour: Havelock

2011-11-23T10:00:00.021+13:00

Saturday 28th April
Tour 2 Havelock (green lip mussel capital of the world)

Drive towards Nelson and the Pelorus Sound.

View the Pelorus Harbour and channel from a breath-taking vantage point, then meander around the moored yachts and boats in the marina, and visit the unique shops. Enjoy lunch at The Mussel Pot or Slip Inn restaurants.

On the return journey to Blenheim, stop at the Riverlore Gallery to view the PWN ‘Flight’ Exhibition, and also visit textile artist Catherine Lawes’ gallery.

Card with image of ‘STONE 2’ WALL by Catherine Lawes

Joan

Tour: Historical

2011-11-19T10:00:00.022+13:00

Saturday 28th April
Tour 1 Historical

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is a “must see” when visiting Blenheim (great for husbands/partners).

Adjacent to this is the Omaka Classic Cars.

You can choose to go to Omaka for an hour or so to take in these wonderful displays.

Those who do not wish to go to the Aviation Heritage Centre can call at the Brayshaw Heritage Park, which includes a wide range of vintage and historical displays plus the Marlborough Museum.

Then visit The Honey Company for free tastings.

Catch up with the tour again at Wither Hills Winery for wine tasting and lunch [or other winery of your choice].

Please note: all lunches and entry to the Aviation Heritage Centre, Omaka Classic Cars and Marlborough Museum are at your own cost.

Joan

Tour: Picton

2011-11-16T10:00:00.028+13:00

Friday 27th April
Tour 2 Picton

Enjoy a leisurely drive to Picton where you will be treated to a magnificent view over the harbour, and indulge in a half hour shopping in the quaint souvenir shops and galleries.

Return to Blenheim via Uncle Joe’s Walnut & Hazelnut Farm and Woodend Gardens.

If time permits, you could also visit Makana Confections for a chocolate fix.

And Traditional Country Preserves

Joan

Tour: Rapuara Road

2011-11-12T10:00:00.032+13:00

Friday 27th April
Tour 1 Rapuara Road

Visit Makana Confections: see the hand made chocolates being prepared and also have a taste.
Take in Traditional Country Preserves: great for jams and pickles – all made on the premises. Visit the Art Gallery upstairs.

Further down the road call into The Vines Village, where you can visit the Quilters Barn, Wool Baa, Country Clothing, Bouldevines - The Wine Cellar, Great Tastes of New Zealand {previously Prenzels}, The Fudge Factory, also Shelley’s for coffee or café style meals.

Then to Riverlore Gallery, where the PWN ‘Flight’ Exhibition will be hung.

Finish at Catherine Lawes textile art gallery

‘Buttermere Fell’

Joan

STOP PRESS: Karen Selk's Post Festival Workshop is Full

2011-11-11T22:45:00.000+13:00

Karen Selk's post Festival workshop 'Silken Kaleidoscope' is now full. You are most welcome to put your name on the waiting list but please don't send any money at this stage.

Highlight Tours - Overview

2011-11-09T10:00:00.005+13:00

For all bookings, contact Colleen or David or visit their website.
Highlight Tours
167 Vickerman St, Grovetown, Blenheim 7202
Phone 03 577 9046 or 0800 494 638

All tours will leave at 10.00am outside the Marlborough Convention Centre and cost $50 per person per tour with a minimum of 6 passengers. Approximately 3 hour’s duration. Colleen & David will adapt these tours to suit everyone’s requirements, so they are happy to mix them up a bit!! Suggested tours will be detailed in future blog posts

Friday 27th April
Tour 1 Rapuara Road
Tour 2 Picton

Saturday 28th April
Tour 1 Historical
Tour 2 Havelock

Please note that all lunches and entry to the Aviation Heritage Centre, Omaka Classic Cars and Marlborough Museum are at your own cost.

A textile triptych of Marlborough vineyards by Christine Marks

Joan

Meet the Presenters - Brian Kitson

2011-11-05T10:00:00.002+13:00

I became involved with alpacas in 1995 with the purchase of a small breeding herd, which has now grown to nearly 100. I suppose that coming from 5 generations of fibre processors, it was not surprising that I became engrossed in the fibre side of the industry.

I find alpaca to be an exciting fibre to work with. It has been processed on a craft basis in South America for around 6000 years. In the 1800’s Sir Titus Salt was manufacturing 18 miles of alpaca fabric per day but in spite of this by 1990 there was very little knowledge, understanding or experience with alpaca outside of South America.

The past 16 years have involved a continual learning experience which was not limited by boundaries associated with a more established fibre. I have some successes and I have a few failures but collectively it all adds to our understanding of this unique fibre.

At the Festival, I will be speaking on ‘Alpaca Processing, Product and Potential’.

Brian Kitson showing an interested group the sample piece for their first run of New Zealand made fabric.

Brian will present "Alpaca processing, product and potential".

Joan

The Weavers' Handshake

2011-11-02T10:30:00.010+13:00

Remember, you are the fashion!

Joan

Meet the Presenters - Alison Hurley

2011-10-29T10:00:00.004+13:00

Alison Hurley is passionate about textiles. You can tell that the moment you walk into her house: her antique lace collection in a special cabinet in the lounge, boxes of her vintage clothes collection spilling out form under the beds, textiles everywhere.

She has spun, knitted and woven but felting and dyeing are her love now.

Alison is past national president of Creative Fibre, long term president of the Geraldine Historical Society, farmer, and teaches Dyeing at Timaru Polytech.

Hand dyed silk cards

Alison will present "To Dye For".

Joan

2012 National Exhibition

2011-10-26T10:27:00.000+13:00

VERY IMPORTANT DATES

Forms and fees to arrive by Thursday 1 March 2012

Parcels to arrive between Tuesday 6 March and Monday 12 March 2012

Forms can be downloaded at here or ask your Area Delegate

Images from past Creative Fibre National exhibitions

Rose Pelvin ‘Ebony and Abalone’ woven throw

Dale Smith ‘Sunrise Maybe’ machine knitted

Margaret Mecchia ‘Boxed Colour’ handwoven

Susan Anne Broad ‘Vase 1’ crochet

Janet Hainsworth ‘Leaf Lace’ knitted

Jane Bennett, Jane Bennett ‘Mohair Threads’ handspun

Sandra Thompson ‘Wondrous’ felt

Joan

National Exhibition

2011-10-22T09:00:00.000+13:00

‘Windows on White’ an exhibition by the Aotearoa Felters in the Millenium Gallery, 2008

The Millenium Public Art Gallery is funded by a Marlborough District Council grant, fundraising and sponsorship. There is a gallery shop offering local and New Zealand made artworks, jewellery and books.

The Art Gallery receives conceptual and practical support from their patron Michael Seresin, a world-renowned New Zealand born cinematographer based in Marlborough.

Cressida Bishop, Director of the Gallery is looking forward to the National Exhibition being staged there. She is supportive of all forms of applied arts and craft being showed to the public.

Director Cressida Bishop and Exhibition Conveenor Rose Pelvin discuss plans for next year’s National Exhibition

Creative Fibre Festival 2012 is very appreciative of the opportunity to mount the National Exhibition at this Gallery. Not all galleries welcome textile exhibits and many do not have the expertise to show them well. The Millennium, however, has had considerable experience, and success, showing both felting and hand weaving at a national level as well as Maori weaving in flax and other fibres.

Joan & Rose

Intermission - To Interest, Educate and Inspire

2011-10-17T10:00:00.000+13:00

National Exhibition

2011-10-14T17:41:00.000+13:00

The 2012 Creative Fibre National Exhibition will be hung in the Millennium Public Art Gallery, Blenheim, from Saturday 24 March to Sunday 29 April.

The Millennium Art Gallery is the public art gallery for the Marlborough region, located in the centre of Blenheim. The Gallery, which opened in December 1999, operates as a not for profit organisation, governed by a Charitable Trust and professionally managed. The operation is supported by an extensive network of volunteers

An average of 23 exhibitions are presented per year and these are accompanied by public programmes such as artist and curator talks and educational workshops. At the Gallery you will see work from leading local, national and international artists in a fantastic range of regularly changing art exhibitions, programmes and events.

Exhibitions feature New Zealand and overseas artists and have included the work of significant artists such as Ralph Hotere, Bill Culbert and Frances Hodgkins in both nationally touring and locally generated exhibitions.

Emphasis is also placed on high quality community-focused exhibitions that are developed in conjunction with other local events and organizations, and display the work of Marlborough artists, iwi and school children.

Art displayed at the Blenheim gallery ranges from paintings, photography and sculpture to a variety of forms of applied arts and craft.

Joan & Rose

Clarification on Payment

2011-10-13T16:53:00.002+13:00

To clarify the ambiguity that has arisen; the CREDIT CARD [Visa/Mastercard] option for Festival payment is for OVERSEAS PAYMENTS ONLY.

People living in New Zealand please either pay by Direct Credit into SBS bank account no. 031 355 0654358 00 [use your surname and initials as reference] or send a cheque with your registration form.

We apologise for the confusion.

Joan

Intermission - To Interest, Educate and Inspire

2011-10-11T10:00:00.000+13:00

A Feel for Fashion

2011-10-11T09:44:00.000+13:00

These could be Candidates for 'THE KNITTERS' HANDSHAKE' at Festival.

Remember, you are the fashion!

Joan

Meet the Presenters - Jill Gunn

2011-10-08T08:26:00.000+13:00

I have been creating with fabric and fibre most of my life. In the past six years I have mainly used wool fibre creating 3D figures, trees and masks using wet and dry felting techniques.

I love using my barbed felting needles and I now have a collection of 100 or so plus about 20 holders both bought and home made.

I find needle felting to be an exciting technique that has so many possibilities to explore. I also like to felt in the traditional way with soap and water and then decorate the fabric with yarns and fibre using felting needles.

I love adding little details to the figures I make and am constantly making felt beads, flowers and other little embellishments to add to my pieces.

Jill will present "Demonstrating the Detail" and "It’s All about the Detail".

Joan

STOP PRESS: Kim Thittichai's post Festival workshop is full

2011-10-07T17:16:00.000+13:00

You are very welcome to put your name on the waiting list [unfortunately people's circumstances change so there are often withdrawals later] but please do not send workshop fees at this stage.

There are still a few places left in Karen Selk's workshop. But don't delay.

Intermission - To Interest, Educate and Inspire

2011-10-06T09:00:00.000+13:00

A Feel for Fashion

2011-10-04T08:54:00.002+13:00

There will not be a formal fashion parade at Festival 2012, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be fashion. Participants are asked to make a real effort to wear handmade garments and accessories that demonstrate creative fibre.

This will not only showcase some of the fabulous fibre work that members are doing but also be a great catalyst for conversation and camaraderie. Wear your handmade garment with pride and be prepared for a tap on the shoulder [the celebrated weavers’ spinners’ knitters’ felters’ handshake], with the comment ‘Hey, I like what you’re wearing. Did you make it?’ That’s often an introduction to a new friendship at Festival.

Remember, you are the fashion!

Creative Fibre National President, Pat Old, photographed at the opening of the Nelson/ Marlborough Area Exhibition. Pat is wearing a hand crafted knitted necklace – what better example of a creative fibre accessory?

Joan

Meet the Presenters - Heather Baskiville-Robinson

2011-10-01T09:00:00.006+13:00

My fibre of passion is harakeke - Phormium Tenax - New Zealand flax. For many years I have woven with it and in the last decade or so I have been integrating handmade paper, weaving and muka into my sculptures, collages, prints and installations. Other fibres and fabrics and threads and grasses sneak in wherever the processes of creating take me.

I live by the sea in the Marlborough Sounds with influences unspoken. A lacebark log arriving on the beach giving me the most exquisite fibre from nature, traditional techniques learnt from my ancestors and workshops attended are all encompassing, bringing together the diverse dimensions of my artwork.

When a group of people passionate in the sensual nature of fibre meet together dialogue and knowledge sharing are powerful facilitators.

Heather will present "Dimensions of Diversity".

Joan

Intermission - Images from Karen Selk

2011-09-30T09:00:00.000+13:00

Intermission - Images from Karen Selk

2011-09-29T17:23:00.001+13:00

High 5 - Hi Fibre

2011-09-28T16:23:00.001+13:00

In response to queries, Saturday Evening at Festival will be a time of FRIENDSHIP, FUN, and FIBRE. The rest is a mystery but 'DESSERT and COFFEE' will be served.

Festival closing will be at 11.30 Sunday 29 April.

Meet the Presenters - Stephenie Collin

2011-09-28T09:00:00.002+13:00

In 1987 I spent a year of full-time study learning both on-loom and flax weaving at the Takitimu Arts & Cultural Trust. It was the only fibre-related tertiary training being offered in Hawkes Bay at the time, and it had a strong emphasis on the history and design of the fibre arts in N.Z. On completion, I began focusing on tapestry weaving and design, and I have been weaving tapestry ever since. In 1999 I completed my Certificate in Adult Teaching through what was then called The Waikato Polytechnic.

There are very few tapestry artist/weavers in N.Z, and I am extremely pleased to be one of them. I like to use my craft to express who I am and to tell my own story. Although tapestry lends itself to telling a visual story through its very nature, I believe all fibre practices have the ability to tell a story and give a glimpse into the life and perspective of the person who creates it. We all have the ability to capture, inform and enrich a niche audience of our own and we need to continue to challenge our own creative possibilities if we wish to evolve our work with fibre both as a craft, and as an art form.

Whether I am viewing an object that has been felted, woven or knitted, I am always aware that someone has wanted to share a part of who they are, and what they do with me. Being a Tapestry weaver, my interest in design practice has always been an obvious necessity, but I also believe that all of us can tap into a way of thinking that can inspire each one of us to produce interesting and thoughtful fibre art that gives a glimpse into each crafter’s particular story. It is the possibilities and hidden opportunities of the design process that I believe many would benefit from learning more about. Understanding it is key to understanding why you create what you do, land is the pathway to producing more mature and resolved creative fibre art-works.

Stephanie will present "Expanding Your Creative Response" and her blog is called WarpedArt&Design.

Joan

Meet the Presenters - Mathew Benge

2011-09-26T09:00:00.015+13:00

Matthew Benge manages the Rare Yarn Company.

Rare Yarns are for knitters who are passionate about knitting yarns that are beautiful, out of the ordinary and great to use. They have a long commitment to producing dye-free natural boutique knitting yarns using fibre from alpacas, llamas, coloured sheep and goats.

Mathew will present "Designing and working with minority fibres".

Joan

Programme Booklet

2011-09-24T09:00:00.001+12:00

Creative Fibre website has been updated and Programme Booklet, National Exhibition Condition of Entry and various forms are now available for download. Here are the pages from our booklet for your viewing pleasure. These pages can also be viewed in our Facebook album. (If the writing is too small, press Ctrl key and + key simultaneously a few times.)

Meet the Presenters - Sue Giller

2011-09-22T09:00:00.005+12:00

I am passionate about fibrecrafts! I love to explore the amazing diversity of effects that can be achieved by blending different techniques and colours to create a pleasing garment or accessory.

My garment production process usually comprises five main stages: inspiration, design, selection of fibre, experimentation and execution. Most of my projects start with an interactive process of knit and tink before they settle down into a more productive phase.

My garments are mostly knitted on circular needles and I find it very satisfying when the work is removed and it appears in the correct shape. Once the knitting of the garment is complete it is then washed (sometimes hand-painted with dye) and laid out to dry or blocked. The final finishes are added such as hand-made buttons, belts or embellishments.

Sue was the recipient of the 2011 George Mason Scholarship in Design.

STOP PRESS: Special Notice for people travelling to Festival from the North Island

2011-09-21T19:30:00.002+12:00

Creative Fibre Festival 2012 has secured discounted fares with the Interislander ferry. 35 % Off EASY CHANGE fares – booked online only. Promo Code FIB1 to be entered into the promo code box at the payments page online.

Terms and Conditions:
Travel to be between Monday 23rd April to Friday 4th May
35% OFF EASY CHANGE booked online at www.interislander.co.nz
Discount amount has no refund value.
Normal fare conditions apply.
Not available in conjunction any other offer.
Show proof of festival participation at check in.

We are very appreciative of the Interislander support for our Festival.

Introducing our Sponsors and Meet the Presenters - The New Zealand Merino Company

2011-09-21T09:46:00.003+12:00

The New Zealand Merino Company acts as a facilitator to bring together the links in the 'High Country to High Fashion' chain. By establishing direct relationships with leading brands in the fashion world and with the pioneering active outdoors brands, it has taken New Zealand merino to the world.

New Zealand merino is whiter, stronger and longer than merino from anywhere else on the planet, and the New Zealand Merino Company was established to promote these superior natural attributes.

In addition to its core marketing role, NZM undertakes significant research and development to enhance all aspects of the merino offering, from on-farm practices to garment production.

See also Zque.

TNZMC will present "The Merino Story".

Chris

Meet the Presenters - Christine Keller

2011-09-20T09:00:00.000+12:00

German born New Zealand based artist Christine Keller positions her work between textile design, contemporary art, new media research and innovation. She is interested in the clash of tradition and new technologies, and its social and political implications. As a result of her involvement with the international textiles community she has been living away from her home country for over eleven years. Her work has been exhibited internationally and was featured in the publications, Techno Textiles 1 and 2 (1998, 2005). She is an award winning designer, especially for her woven and felted design work for the 'Handweberei im Rosenwinkel' (1998-2001) in Germany. Since 1994 she has been involved with the Centre for Contemporary Textiles in Montreal Canada. Christine Keller holds a MFA from Concordia University (2004) and a Dipl. Des from Gesamthochschule Kassel (1993), and has taught Textile Design, Weaving and Fine Arts in Germany, Mongolia, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. July 2005 to December 2010 she was Academic Leader of the Textile Section at the Dunedin School of Art at Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin, on the South Island of New Zealand. Presently she works freelance in her studio in New Zealand .

Christine will present "Teaching Textile Art in New Zealand, a personal account" and "Jacquard then and now".

Advanced Notice

2011-09-18T08:55:00.001+12:00

Creative Fibre National Exhibition 2011 has recently concluded.

Entries for Creative Fibre National Exhibition 2012 have to be in by 12 March 2012 so now is the time to plan entries.

The Exhibition will be hung in the Millennium Public Art Gallery, Blenheim from 24 March to 29 April 2012.

Download Conditions of Entry and Entry Form from the Creative Fibre website.

Rose

Meet the Presenters - Susan Ann Broad

2011-09-17T09:00:00.000+12:00

A self-confessed craft junkie from an early age, Susan credits her Mother and maternal Grandmother with her inventive approach to manipulated fibre. She learnt to spin, felt and weave in her early 20’s and has enjoyed the supporting influence of Creative Fibre for over 30 years.

After moving from Marlborough to Dunedin several years ago for a life style change, Susan developed her ‘make and make do’ ethic by experimenting with found objects, recycled wire and casting resin. She is now fully occupied designing and crafting her unique range of textile jewelry - ‘Kismet’.

Susan believes extensive experimentation utilising a large ‘library’ of fibre related skills, while holding a clear vision of the desired end product always results in success.

Susan will present sessions titled "Viking Knitting - history and method" and "Wire – Tricks of Successful Manipulation".

Traders

2011-09-15T09:00:00.008+12:00

These traders have confirmed they will have a Trade Stand at Festival 2012 in Blenheim. As more register they will be detailed on this blog.

Alpaca Centre

Anna Gratton Ltd

Anna Harris ‘Hand Dyed Fibre’

Ashford Handicrafts Ltd

Blenheim Bookworld

Creative Outlet

Earth Pallette Dyes

Fab Fibres

Fibre2go

Hallblacks

Mecchia Looms

Spinning a Yarn

Southern Alpacas

Teri Dyes

Shona Schofield / Felt and Fibre

Agnes Hauptli / Fibreholics

Meet the Presenters - Sarah Hornibrooke

2011-09-12T09:00:00.002+12:00

Sarah Hornibrooke is a South Island artist living in Golden Bay, New Zealand.

Six of her twenty seven Montana Wearable Art Show exhibits are owned by W.O.W. and her work is often seen in their quarterly displays at the W.O.W. & Collectable Car Museum, Nelson. Her Wearable Art travels the world with the W.O.W. Team.

She has been a finalist seven times and won four awards in the show.

Since first entering with Deb Price in 1990, when they won the 1990 Section, Sarah has created entries using a vast variety of materials.

“For Maui’s Last Stand we used paper mache, fabric, sand, fishing net and paua. Since then I have explored wool, leather, melted toys, natural fibres such as harakeke, hand made paper and pigments, many kinds of recycled materials and brand new silk.

The show has offered me the chance to explore almost any medium and idea. The skills of sewing and stitching, painting, riveting, paper making, dyeing, felting and weaving have all been employed over the years, and many I have continued to use in my art and teaching today. My teaching brings me into contact with a wide range of people, children, adults and the elderly. I work for the Golden Bay Work Centre delivering N.Z.Q.A. units in raranga, teach a variety of creative community classes, and am a regular tutor for the children’s Oscar program.

I like to work mainly with sustainable materials, things that I can grow, or glean. To create a living using plants I have harvested and remnants I have gathered is my most satisfying goal. I feel my self looking more at how can I make a difference to my health and wellbeing and the world around me. This has led my work in different directions, often requiring the invention of new techniques.”

Sarah has exhibited work around N.Z. in galleries and Museums such as Te Papa, Auckland and Otago, and at present work is for sale from MONZA Gallery, Golden Bay and Ora Gallery, Wellington. Google Sarah Hornibrooke to see her art.

Sarah will be presenting "Exhibiting for WOW".

Meet the Presenters - Caroline Crick

2011-09-11T09:00:00.002+12:00

Caroline Crick has been a professional photographer since 2007. She has many commercial clients - interiors, advertising, architecture, food, textiles.

Some recent published work :
Textile Fibre Forum (TAFTA magazine) - Changing Threads 2010 (Vol 29, issue 3 No 99 2010) - review and images,.
Homestyle Magazine (March 2010 issue),
Wild Tomato Magazine feature articles

Caroline was the recipient of the Wools of New Zealand Design Scholarship in 2000 [through Creative Fibre]

Of her experience with textiles Caroline says “I have 20 years experience as a handweaver, spinner and knitter, with major awards in CF exhibitions and Combined Textiles so I know textiles and have photographed my own work many times.”

Caroline will present "Photographing our Textiles".

Meet the Presenters - Ali Brown

2011-09-08T19:52:00.000+12:00

Ali Brown's flax weaving incorporates both contemporary and traditional techniques, and draws on an extensive background of practical involvement in craftwork, particularly the fibre-weaving crafts. She tutors flax weaving through her own regular workshops as well as workshops in community and school programmes and at art and craft events.

Ali will present two sessions on Woven Flax Containers.

Ali’s website includes weaving projects and a popular blog. Her book, Weaving Flowers from New Zealand Flax, features original designs and arrangements, and sells throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Intermission - Felters' Shibori

2011-09-05T23:00:00.025+12:00

Recently the Felters Group gave themselves permission to play and learn. Many had not attempted shibori or done much dyeing so the two were put together and they had fun. Silk scarves or felt (both pre felts and finished felt) were used.

Pole wrapped silk scarves being steamed.

A dyed felt sample ready to be heat set

Three dyed articles. Cherrie was very pleased with her felted piece.

Katies stunning scarf dyed using the three primary colours.

Wendy enjoys a coffee at the official 'unveiling'.

Christine

Karen Selk Post Festival Workshop: Silken Kaleidoscope

2011-09-02T17:00:00.004+12:00

Silk is the queen of noble fibres, and this is a fabulous opportunity for weavers to gain expertise in weaving with silk under the guidance of an internationally renowned tutor.

Cloth is capable of a wonderful depth, brilliance and richness of colour that cannot be obtained on a painted surface, due to the interaction of fibre structure, weave pattern, colour and light. Through a series of woven samples and colour challenges using yarns we will explore colour as it relates to woven fabric. Participants will work with effective and practical techniques to realise greater satisfaction with your colour and cloth. You will arrive with looms pre-warped (threading provided by instructor) for eight different weave structures appropriate for apparel ensembles. The samples combine silk with a variety of other fibres while investigating different aspects of colour and cloth structure. Everyone will receive a comprehensive binder containing colour, silk and structure information. Intermediate level.

This is a 2 day Post Festival workshop: Monday 30th April and Tuesday 1st May 2012
Venue: St Johns’ Rooms, Seymour Street, [centre of] Blenheim
Workshop fee $150 [includes refreshments] plus $70 material fee paid to Karen at the workshop.

The number of workshop spaces is limited, and preference will be given to Festival registrants, with allocations made in order of registration. Don’t miss out!

Registration forms will be in the September issue of the Creative Fibre magazine. Also, watch the Creative Fibre website.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a hands-on workshop with a fabulous fibre and a tutor of such vast experience.

Although Karen has sold her Treenway Silks business, the website still presents information about Karen and her work.

Chris

* All photographs used with the permission of Karen Selk. *

Intermission - Late April Marlborough

2011-08-29T12:00:00.006+12:00

Meet the Tutor - Karen Selk

2011-08-27T10:00:00.020+12:00

Introducing Fibre Festival 2012’s second keynote speaker, internationally renowned silk specialist, Karen Selk from British Columbia, Canada.

Karen has been a textile designer and artist since 1972. Her primary focus has been weaving, and fusing felt with silk. A quest for knowledge of the many aspects of silk has taken her throughout Asia, researching the history and heritage of silk traditions. She travels worldwide, sharing her experience through lectures and workshops, and has also organised and led textile and cultural tours to India, Bhutan and Laos.

The cloth, culture and people of other countries, as well as the life in Karen’s garden, are the source of her creative spirit. She is the author of numerous magazine articles, an education poster about the life cycle of the silkworm, and a silk fusion video.

Karen has spent many years as managing director of Treenway Silks, designing and developing new yarns, fibres, kits and colour palettes, but she has recently sold the business after 35 years’ involvement. She can now concentrate on her own creative work, as well as continue to give workshops and lectures.

To quote Karen
“Delicate, strong, dyed a thousand colours and woven into the fabric of history. Who can resist the lure of silk?”

Karen will deliver two keynote addresses at Festival and conduct a workshop after Festival. Details will be posted soon.

Creative Fibre members are very fortunate to have this opportunity to be entertained and informed by Karen, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Ashford Handicrafts Ltd.

Chris

* All photographs used with the permission of Karen Selk. *

Intermission - Hats, Of Course

2011-08-22T12:00:00.018+12:00

Why are we so into hats? Read about the Creative Fibre Challenge here, and see more hats here.

Introducing our Sponsors - Ashfords

2011-08-20T10:00:00.018+12:00

My father Walter founded our company in 1934 and since then we have become a world leader in the manufacture of quality spinning wheels and weaving looms and textile equipment. Today my wife Elizabeth and I, together with our loyal team, have produced over 600,000 wheels and looms in our Ashburton plant.

We use only the finest native New Zealand Silver Beech hardwood, sourced from sustainably-managed forests with Forest Stewardship Council approval.
Our wheels and looms, the result of more than 75 years’ experience, customer feedback, research and development, are designed to be simple, easy and fun to use.

The government has recognized us with awards for excellence in design and exporting.

My mum, Joy was one of the co-founders of the Ashburton Spinners and Weavers Guild and over the years we have enjoyed working with Creative Fibre to sponsor and promote the textile crafts. We are delighted, therefore, to sponsoring this year’s Creative Fibre Festival in Blenheim.

Richard Ashford

Intermission - Scenes from Late April Marlborough Vineyards

2011-08-15T12:00:00.006+12:00

Kim Thittichai Post Festival Workshop: Extreme Surfaces for Stitch

2011-08-13T10:00:00.007+12:00

Enjoy experimenting with many layers of texture and colour to create amazing surfaces that can be developed into sculptural forms, hats, bowls, tassee heads, beads, boxes – whatever you think would be suitable. Scale will be left up to you but on a 2 day workshop we could construct something on the large side or you could choose to work small. Layers will be key to this workshop to build strength. Whether they are thin, translucent layers or thick colourful layers that are burnt back – we will just have to wait and see.

Using heavy iron-on interfacings and the fairy like qualities of Vilene Spunbond/Lutradur you will be able to experiment and develop new ideas in a fast paced and above all enjoyable workshop. Heat guns and soldering irons will used to distress and create amazing textures on which to stitch –or not!

This is the 2 day Post Festival Workshop with Kim Thittichai
Monday 30th April and Tuesday 1st May
St Johns Rooms, Seymour St, (right in the centre) of Blenheim
Workshop fee $150 (includes refreshments) with $80 material fee paid to Kim at the workshop.

This will be the only workshop Kim holds in New Zealand.

Christine says, “We are so lucky to have Kim come and teach her ‘Extreme Surface for Stitch’ workshop here for 2 full days. The number of spaces available is limited. Registration forms are in the September issue of the Creative Fibre magazine and on the Creative Fibre website. Those registered for the Festival will be given preference.

"I know that this topic doesn't fit nicely into a box of particular interest to a spinner, or weaver or felter, but it is intended to extend your horizons, make you use materials that you haven't used before, and ‘think outside the box’. I can assure you that you will!

"If you want a sneak look into what you might be doing, go to Kim's website and see what she teaches, and the what she creates."

Joan

* All photographs used with the permission of Kim Thittichai. *

Intermission - Hats, Of Course

2011-08-08T12:00:00.008+12:00

Why are we so into hats? Read about the Creative Fibre Challenge here, and see more hats here.

Meet the Tutor - Kim Thittichai

2011-08-06T10:00:00.004+12:00

We are most fortunate that Kim Thittichai will be with us for Festival as keynote speaker and to conduct a workshop after Festival – details will be posted soon.

Kim has given us this understated bio for the blog:

“I am a textile artist, tutor and author based in Brighton, East Sussex. I lecture and deliver workshops internationally from Alaska to Australia. My workshops tend to promote the safe use of heat tools and heat ‘distressable’ products such as Tyvek, Vilene Spunbond and Bondaweb. The exciting exploration of new textile techniques is at the heart of all my workshops.

"I have written three books, Hot Textiles, Experimental Textiles and the latest – Layered Textiles, which will be published in August 2011.”

Marlborough Guild has Kim's first 2 books in the library, and they have been very popular with the Guild members. We look forward to her third.

What a treat it will be to hear from such an inspirational artist in person.

Christine & Joan

* All photographs used with the permission of Kim Thittichai. *

Intermission - Late April Rain in Marlborough

2011-08-02T08:36:00.000+12:00

Introducing our Sponsors - The George Mason Charitable Trust

2011-07-30T10:00:00.038+12:00

In recent years members of the NZSWWS have benefited from generous donations from the Mason Charitable Trust. It has paid many of the expenses associated with bringing overseas tutors to New Zealand, ensuring that the lectures, demonstrations and workshops they hold are made available to the membership at a very reasonable cost. As well the Trust has funded the ‘Mason Charitable Trust Scholarship in Design’ which provides a member with funds to study and research a chosen aspect of her craft. Behind this Trust stands Dr George Mason.

George on the balcony of his home in Oakura, Taranaki.

George was born and educated in Auckland and while at university became passionately interested in the natural sciences, particularly botany and its environmental associations. The control of problems in these areas became his life’s work. This background is reflected in his wide-ranging interests from skiing, climbing and tramping to his involvement in growing flowers and exotic fruits as well as his interest in many forms of creative art and music.

George with the 2010 Plant Protection Society medal presented to him in recognition of the immense contribution he has made in a career of more than 56 years in the agrichemical business.

The Trust’s contributions to Creative Fibre Society stemmed from discussions George had with then President Anthea Davidson, regarding an award for studies into the use of a blend of possum fibre and fine wool. At this time the NZ Wool Board sponsorship was ending so the Trust agreed to fill the gap in the meantime. This was followed by support for visiting overseas tutors.

Some of the international textile art pieces in George’s collection

Textiles are a significant part of George’s private art collection and Creative Fibre National Exhibitions have been a source of several additions. George says, ‘A passionate appreciation of my home country, its world class natural features and its independent endeavours in the natural sciences and the arts and the creative ability of its people have been the guiding principles behind the funding support the Mason Trust offers New Zealanders.’

For the 2012 Festival The Mason Charitable Trust is sponsoring the visit of keynote speaker and post-festival workshop tutor Kim Thittichai from England. Watch this space for further details!

Thanks George!

Win & Rose

Intermission - Hats, Of Course

2011-07-27T12:00:00.000+12:00

Why are we so into hats? Read about the Creative Fibre Challenge here, and see more hats here.

Creative Learning Programme

2011-07-24T10:57:00.003+12:00

Fibre is our passion, and irrespective of whether we enjoy felting, weaving, spinning or knitting, we all have that desire to hold some form of fibre in our hands and manipulate it our own special way to create a work of art or something wearable or useful.

With the Creative Learning programme at this Festival we have put together an exciting, inspirational programme for you to enjoy. Some things are a little different, but we are giving you the opportunity to listen to people who are doing exciting things with fibres.

We have two highly regarded overseas tutors, Kim Thittichai and Karen Selk, and a wide variety of New Zealanders who are skilled in their work. They are all people of exceptional talent and above all have a desire to share their knowledge and enthusiasm, and to impart some of the excitement they feel for what they do.

The Festival starts each day with a keynote speaker in the main Hall, a venue where everyone can listen and be inspired. Then there is a choice. We have 3 smaller venues with various topics being presented in 45 minute slots. You will have a difficult job choosing which one to go to!

For those of you who want to go that extra mile there are two 2 day post Festival workshops with our special overseas tutors that you can enrol for.

I can't wait to be a part of the buzz that is going to hit Blenheim in April 2012.

See you there.

Christine & Joan

Intermission - Marlborough Vineyard Workers

2011-07-18T12:00:00.012+12:00

Introducing our Sponsors - Mitre 10 Mega, Blenheim

2011-07-15T08:45:00.002+12:00

The Creative Fibre Festival 2012 is very fortunate to have the support of Mitre 10 Mega, Blenheim.

Mitre 10 Mega is an amazing store, and here in Blenheim they are keen to support the local community. They even sponsor a bus that can be seen every day taking people around town!

If you walk around the Blenheim Mega store there are heaps of things that the avid Creative Fibre person can use... from brushes to paint your dyes onto fibre, containers to store your ‘stash’ [and we need heaps of those!], through to wire, string, plastic and wood. They also have a cafe for a coffee pick me up, and heaps of goodies to keep the men happy while you are busy creating.

We know you will have to visit the Fibre Festival’s Mitre 10 Trade Hall often when you come to Blenheim, but we hope that you also visit the Mega store in Alabama Road to check out what they have on offer.

See you in April 2012
Festival Committee

Intermission - Hats, Of Course

2011-07-11T12:00:00.019+12:00

Why are we so into hats? Read about the Creative Fibre Challenge here, and see more hats here.

Felted Fish Throw

2011-07-07T11:00:00.060+12:00

Every two years Queen Charlotte College present a wearable art show. Years 7 and 8 have compulsory wearable arts as part of the technology curriculum. While no “ WOW", this is an exciting, and inspirational event with tickets sold out very quickly. The garments created by the students are amazing and some of this year’s creations will be on show at Festival 2012.

To say thank you, Marlborough Felters decided to make a multi-purpose throw and donate it to the College to be used for a raffle. The school is in Picton, which is right on the sea, so fish was an obvious theme.

Marlborough felters made prefelt fish and then put them onto a big prefelt backdrop and added seaweed and other underwater objects. It was assembled and needlefelted and then the whole piece was felted to make the throw. Katie McDonald headed this project, and as you can see the final work of art is really good.

The fish were needle felted onto a large prefelt.

Pam, Shirley and Linley hard at work

Christine and Katie ‘wetting down’

The actual felting process begins

Katie and Christine complete the hardening process.

Finished throw. Hope I win it!

Joan

Hats for Hope

2011-07-01T07:56:00.026+12:00

Cancer patients will really appreciate receiving a ‘funky’ hat to wear, knowing that someone cared enough to create it on their behalf, and positive publicity will be generated for both the Cancer Society and Creative Fibre.

Creators can make as many hats as they wish but only one hat per maker will be displayed unless display space permits otherwise. Hats will be chosen and displayed with the whole display in mind, and will bear the maker’s name and hometown.

We want fun hats, funky hats, traditional hats, futuristic hats, functional hats - hats created with love.

Hats for chemotherapy patients should be designed so they cover back and sides of the head.

Please note: hats will not be returned to their maker, but will be donated to the Cancer Society.

Get your thinking hats on, and create a hat for hope!!

Creative Fibre Members, please send hats labelled with your name and hometown to:
Jan Hannay, 1 Rothwell Place, Blenheim 7201
By Tuesday 10 April 2012

Meet the Team - Meg

2011-06-28T09:30:00.083+12:00

I am Meg and I am a weaver living in Nelson, about 90 minutes northwest of Blenheim. (It's a lovely drive over the hills, down the valley, and if one so chooses, around the sounds, especially if one is being driven by one's husband.) I assist (and boss around) the Festival Team with Internet-related matters.

I started weaving at my mother's urging in 1995, but I found it difficult to weave while I had a full time job, so I have been weaving somewhat consistently this side of 2004/05.

I am largely self-taught, but early on I discovered the supportive world of weavers on the Internet, (anyone remember the Majordomo?) and have tried to find and maintain friendships from around the world. Since 2006, I have maintained my blog, Unravelling.

My association with Marlborough Weavers started in 2001 when I attended a double weave workshop. Since then, I've belonged to Marlborough Weavers off and on, and I try to get to meetings and workshops a few times a year.

As a child, I learned to embroider, and as a student I sewed some of my clothes, but since I discovered weaving, I have more or less concentrated all of my energy and time on weaving. In doing so, I lost my favorite "hobby", so now I bake bread as a hobby.

Meg

Meet the Team - Wendy

2011-06-25T09:00:00.013+12:00

Being responsible for Publicity is a new experience but with such a dedicated team working towards your 2012 festival, I have wonderful support.

I guess my love of fibres, fabrics and design began at an early age with “rats-tails “ and lino cuts and an inherited love of colour. Slowly I graduated to sewing, knitting, tatting, crochet, tapestry, spinning, weaving and now felting – yes, you guessed it – master of none, but I love trying new things.

This is my latest bag.

Wife of Ross and Nana to 5 small grandchildren, I have lived all my married life in Blenheim with many of those days in the sounds, swimming, boating and occasionally fishing.

Here is a view from my patch of paradise.

My workspace.

I am a dedicated “Foodie” (making and eating!!), love my garden and enjoy various forms of exercise. I competed in and completed my first bike race in March 2011 but have no idea if I will do another.

Looking forward to meeting you in April 2012 and hope you are able to spend time exploring our fantastic province and enjoy some “top of the south” hospitality.

Wendy

Meet the Team - Judy

2011-06-21T09:00:00.003+12:00

Hello Everyone,

I’m Judy Bool and I belong to the Blenheim Weavers group and the Cross Country Weavers group.

I am Treasurer for the Marlborough Creative Fibre Festival 2012 and will also be handling your Registrations.

Originally from Christchurch, the first 20 years of my working life was with a large manufacturing engineering company in the Data Processing Department, we moved to the Marlborough Sounds in 1982 for a complete change. The first few years I worked in Blenheim and then Picton in various office environments. In the early 1990’s we started clearing and developing our hill block of mainly gorse and broom, into Hazel and Macadamia orchards.

In 2005, knowing absolutely nothing about weaving, I bought my first loom, a Bartlett 8 shaft, 48” Countermarche Floor loom. Lessons with Lesley Nicholls gave me my introduction into the art of weaving. Now it seems to have taken over my life.

I prefer to weave with very fine yarn, using intricate patterns to create soft pliable fabrics. Twills of all varieties and the Lace weaves are my favourites. My dream is to weave true Damask. I also enjoy gardening and knitting.

Judy

Meet the Team - Nancy

2011-06-18T09:00:00.044+12:00

After 33 years in banking in Auckland, London, Wellington and Fiji, we moved to Blenheim in 1999. While in Fiji we purchased our first three alpacas and had them agisted in Canterbury. Our first male born (Inca Sun) was the 1999 Royal Show Supreme Champion. Last year “Felix” was the Nelson Show Supreme Champion. We opened our B&B operations in January 2001.

Once the alpacas were shorn I had this dilemma about what to do with the bags of fibre you ended up with. I soon learnt that the fibre had to be very clean to be suitable for processing for the “craft industry”. To learn more, I joined the Marlborough Creative Fibre Guild. After about six months there was an AGM and lo and behold I ended up Treasurer! Currently I hold the position of Secretary of Marlborough Guild and Treasurer of the Nelson/Marlborough Area. Taking up spinning was a great challenge for me although I had knitted and embroidered from an early age and enjoyed sewing and other craft related hobbies. Now I also dabble a bit in felting, although I consider myself a lazy felter — I enjoy knitting the hat and then felting in the washing machine!!!

Nancy at Thames Festival. I am wearing one of my hand knitted cable alpaca wraps and one of my ‘lazy felted’ hats.

I like making small things like these baby wraps, 87% Alpaca + 13% Polwarth - handspun from 100gms of fibre

Nancy and Robin on their front lawn

Robina and Goldy

Grandaughter Grace wearing a suit I knitted for her.

Nancy

Meet the Team - Jan

2011-06-14T20:08:00.001+12:00

Prior to shifting to Blenheim about eight years ago, my craft techniques were embroidery, knitting, dressmaking and some felting. Since joining Creative Fibre in Marlborough I have expanded my interests to include inkle weaving, tapestry weaving and more felting.

I have recently been Area Delegate for Nelson-Marlborough and found many wonderful people who work hard to promote and produce beautiful fibre creations. I am now working with the Festival team to inspire, learn and be passionate about our Creative Fibres.

This picture of me was taken by Chris on Heritage Day

This is the view from my balcony overlooking the leafy suburb of Blenheim where I live.

I wanted to make a bag with lots of pockets and felting was the ideal technique.

This photo of Castle Point inspired me to embroider a miniature of the scene and later to depict it in tapestry weaving.

Jan

Meet the Team - Rose

2011-06-11T09:00:00.034+12:00

If it’s fibre-related – I’ve done it! I grew up with sewing, knitting, crochet, tatting. In my Brownie and Girl Guide days I literally sat at the feet of an old Welsh seafarer from the sailing ship days to learn plaits, knots and splices and the great mysterious turks heads. From that time on I was hooked on interlacements of all types.

After an exploration of embroidery, I finally came to weaving, not knowing that it would take over my entire life. I do spin occasionally, and I have been known to have a knitting frenzy every few years, but weaving is my passion. I have a custom-built 8 shaft countermarch loom and have no ambition to upgrade to more shafts or computer assisted models. I’ve tried almost every technique, but fine fabrics and table linens are what I love best, and I really enjoy dabbling in braiding.

My task for the 2012 Festival is to coordinate the Exhibition.

I’m usually on the other side of the camera but Meg took this shot of me weaving a wrap with some lovely alpaca and silk yarn.

I live in Blenheim at the foot of the Wither Hills Farm Park which I can access in just a few minutes via a gate at the end of my street. My house is just out of the picture at the bottom left. The hills often look scorched and brown but now, due to abundant rain, they have greened up and there are cattle and sheep grazing.

With my loom in it, my workroom doesn’t have room to swing a camera so you see it from a distance. The plant outside the door is a wintersweet and I am looking forward to weaving on sunny winter afternoons with the perfume wafting in.

Table linens and lace weaves are high on my ‘love-to-do’ list. This was an exhibition entry in mercerised cotton. Double weave linen coasters completed the set. The fussy candle ring is tatted.

At Festival I'll be the one wearing this handwoven jacket. I'm really looking forward to seeing what other handmade garments will be walking around. What will you be wearing? Start making something now.

Rose

Meet the Team - Christine

2011-06-07T09:00:00.045+12:00

Hi There,

My role is “Education convener” and I am really enjoying the challenge of putting together an exciting programme of “Creative Learning” for you. I think that it doesn’t matter which fibre or technique you are skilled at or interested in, you need to be inspired and be enthusiastic about what you do. I hope that after you have been to Festival 2012 in Blenheim you will go home really motivated to HAVE A GO.

Felting is my passion, but I also spin and sew. I just love the endless possibilities of felt. I make garments, scarves, hats, slippers, and more recently sculptural and wall pieces.

I have lived in Marlborough for nearly 40 years, and find that it is a great place.
I enjoy boating in the Marlborough Sounds, skiing at the Rainbow Skifield, walking in the Nelson Lakes National Park, and wine and food from this beautiful area.
Bob my husband is very supportive of what I do, and over the last 5 years we have increased our family with 6 grandchildren. They are great, and play a big part in my life, and all have had a go at felting!

Me and Isla my youngest grandchild.

Various sculptures

The felting group laying out a rug: I am the one on the right in pink.

Didn't have a photo of Blenheim but hey St Arnaud is only one hour away, and all visitors should go there. Where we have a bach, and I do a lot of my "playing" and get inspiration.

I look forward to meeting you next year.

Christine x

Meet the Team - Chris

2011-05-28T09:00:00.008+12:00

I am Chris Beech, Secretary for the Festival 2012 team. I have worked with Joan in the past, as Area Secretary when she was Delegate for Nelson/Marlborough, and as Deputy Editor for Creative Fibre magazine when Joan was Editor.

I am an enthusiastic weaver and sometime spinner, with special affection for my 4 shaft Fred’s Shed loom and Ashford jumbo spinning wheel. I have exhibited widely at local, Area and National levels.

I dabble in all aspects of weaving, from floor rugs and throws, scarves and wraps, to table linens and runners. I do have occasional forays into art weaving, but consider technique my strength rather than design.

Weaving has always been in conjunction with my active farming career: dairy [7 years], high country merino [29 years] and, more recently, a small hillside vineyard near Blenheim. Other addictions are tramping, alpine botany and single malts.

Autumn in the Beech Block vineyard

Wool/mohair throw rugs. I enjoy weaving these as there are so many variations possible with weave technique and colour

This says it all, really

Chris

Meet the Team - Joan

2011-05-24T09:00:00.022+12:00

My role as Festival coordinator is to have a broad over-view of the whole event. This means making sure there are no loose threads in the net that can unravel.

I am passionate about textiles in all forms. I was a production weaver for many years and have exhibited widely, though mostly in Australia. I am proficient in many disciplines, spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, felting and basketmaking.

Since returning to New Zealand in 1980 I have been very involved in Creative Fibre, serving as Nelson/Marlborough delegate and then National President at the turn of the century. It was a challenge, but a very worthy one, to widen the scope of the NZSWWS Inc to include a wider range of disciplines. We should cherish the old but embrace the new.

My vision for the Festival is that we can deliver on our aim ‘to interest, educate and inspire’. We are lucky to have a very good team working to make sure this happens and that we all (registrants, visitors and workers) will have fun too.

This is me raising a glass to Creative Fibre Festival 2012 wearing a handspun, handwoven suit ’35 years old’.

I live on a sheep/beef farm 30 km west of Blenheim. A view from the hill above my house, looking over our house, the vineyards across the highway, the Wairau river to the Richmond range with Mt. Fishtail. This also shows another special love of mine – trees.

The walls of my office/workroom contains many ‘treasures’ collected over the years. Inspiration is everywhere.

Three hand-dyed merino scarves. From left: handspun silk with S and Z spun merino woven in a twill, ikat dyed woven in tabby, felted with silk.

Joan

Remembering Thames

2011-05-19T09:01:00.001+12:00

Wasn't this wonderful? Could this be a taste of what is to come next year?

Joan

Fascinator

2011-05-08T10:03:00.000+12:00

Our Creative Fibre Festival 2012 team entered the Action Competition felting section at Thames Creative Fibre Festival 2011 last week. The aim of the Action Competitions was to promote creativity, originality and technical excellence.

The Marlborough team of 4 had to produce an item of jewellery or a fashion accessory within a 1 1/2 - 2 hour time frame. Their creation was a winner: a felted necklace/scarf and flower brooch, with the elements also able to be combined as a hairpiece/fascinator.

Chris / Nancy

Nice to See You All!

2011-05-03T20:00:00.002+12:00

Did you spot us in Thames?

Joan

Jan

and Christine

Nancy

Have a Look at Marlborough

2011-05-03T12:08:00.000+12:00

Destination Marlborough posted this video recently on their Facebook page.

Rose

Official Launch Fibre Festival 2012

2011-04-27T13:00:00.016+12:00

Creative Fibre Festival 2011 - "Twist in Thames", gets underway on Thursday 28th April. May the sun shine and enthusiasm for fibre be indulged.

Drum roll.........announcing the official launch of Fibre Festival 2012's Blog (here), Facebook page and Twitter.

If you are one of the fortunate ones visiting Thames, look out for the Festival 2012 team - they'll be the ones in funny hats proclaiming Love Marlborough.

Chris