There are three necessary elements for a strong, vibrant fibreshed.  One is a source of quality fibre and the knowledge of how to process and use it appropriately.  Another is a knowledge of local dye plants and mushrooms and how to use them.  The third is a vibrant artisan community with the skill, experience and artistic vision to use the local resources to create beautiful items.

Our Sunshine Coast Spinners and Weavers Guild is such a community.  We come together in friendship and with great fun to work our fibre magic and share our expertise and knowledge.

 

Our yearly sale is a testimony to the skill and artistic abilities of our members.  With our beautiful items for sale, the displays and demonstrations, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reach out to the community.

Another project of our Guild is Fibre Camp.  In September, fibre enthusiasts gather at Camp Sunrise for our yearly Fibre Camp.  This is a fun event which offers artisans inspiration, good fellowship and the opportunity to learn new skills – all things which help build a strong, vibrant fibre community.

There’s a fashion show and ongoing show and tells.

Here are Indigo Gals and Fibreshed team members Lynda and Merrily showing off their clothes made with local fibres and local dyes.

They were on hand to answer questions about our Fibreshed which has a display at every Fibre Camp.

Demonstrations and displays help camp participants learn new skills and improve existing ones.

The workshops serve the same role and are an important part of Fibre Camp.  Here are pictures from Caitlin French’s 2014 workshop on Eco-Dyeing.

And here participants show off what they created in the felting workshop given by Guild member and talented local artist Ursula Bentz.

There are vendors to tempt us with lovely additions to our stashes.

The beautiful door prizes donated by generous Guild members are always a hit.

This year, from September 9-11, fibre enthusiasts will gather at beautiful Camp Sunrise for our third Fibre Camp.  There’s an exciting line up of workshops:  Coast Salish colour work knitting with Sylvia Olsen, cedar bark basket weaving with Jessica Silvey and spinning and plying for Aran knitting with Kim McKenna.  There will be vendors, a fashion show, displays and demonstrations, door prizes and the inspiring and fun company of other fibre enthusiasts.

You can find information about registration and workshops at the Fibre Camp website.  Registration closes August 26th.  Be sure to register soon to ensure a spot in the workshop of your choice.  Looking forward to a weekend of fibre fun!

Heather Apple