A committee of local members was formed and planning began. International and New Zealand tutors were approached, and finally an Australian felting tutor and 18 New Zealanders who teach a variety of crafts were chosen.
Poverty Bay Wool Crafters have been very fortunate to have local trusts and charities to apply to for support, she says.
Eastland Community Trust, Community Organisation Grants, Eastern & Central Community Trust and the Sunrise Foundation all responded positively to requests for funding.
“This event will start on the Thursday with about 230 Creative Fibre members coming to collect their registrations and goody bags, which locals have been sewing and filling. They will have a chance to browse around the traders, as many will be busy in classes for the next few days.”
Of the 230 registered for this event just over 185 are coming from out of town, including one from Japan and three from Australia.
The opening ceremony begins at 4pm on Thursday.
Mrs Boulter says there is much in the event for Gisborne people. “There is plenty to see and do. Everybody is most welcome to come out, young and old — there is something for everybody.”
On the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, for a gold coin donation, anyone can visit and see 22 traders from all over New Zealand.
“It really is a once-in-maybe-a-lifetime chance to look at the variety of fibre and wool and craft products they will be showcasing and making available to the public to purchase.”
‘Have a Go’ classes will teach the basics“A sample of what the traders will be displaying and selling includes spinning wheels, weaving looms and accessories, yarns of all kinds — wool, alpaca, hand-dyed artisan yarns, books, hand carders, fine embroidery wool, cottons, threads and linen, black and coloured wool, weaving yarns, carded sliver, patchwork and quilting supplies, embroidery kits, natural health products, patterns, beads and needle felting supplies to name a few,” says Mrs Boulter.
Most traders will have eftpos.
One huge opportunity are the “Have a Go Classes” being held on the Sunday between 9am and midday.
People need to register for these classes and pay a nominal fee before 8.30am on the Sunday to ensure a place.
“There will never be a better time than this, with so many experienced people on-site to get you started. You will be taught the basics and make something you can take home.”
The following classes will be available:
Knitting: ever wanted to learn and hadn’t got around to it? You can learn the basics. You will receive a pair of needles and two balls of wool which, after the class, you can take home to continue your newly-learned skill.Crochet: thought it was too hard to learn? Join the class and learn from scratch how to crochet. You will receive a hook, two balls of wool and tuition, and can take your effort home.Felting: three Gisborne women will teach the basics of felting. You will be given a bat and can decorate it and felt your own personal piece of felt to make either a cushion or wall hanging.Spinning: spinning wheels will be made available to learn to spin. You can learn this amazing skill and then go home and spin and knit up the wool.Drop spindle spinning: this skill is handy when you are travelling and can’t take your wheel. You can learn this unique way of spinning — and spindles will be available for purchase.Weaving: four table looms will be set up and three skilled weavers will teach how to weave. People can have a go and if the big looms are daunting then smaller circular looms will be on hand. You can go online and have a look at the majacraft website to find out more about these looms.Embellishment: tutor Fiona Shepherd from More Than Fabric will teach hands-on how to make work stand out with embellishments, be it felting or knitting or patchwork. People will learn techniques and stitches to add personal touches to their work.Flax weaving: this class offers the chance to try flax-weaving a little flower, and then how to prepare flax for weaving — perhaps starting you on your journey to make a kete.Mrs Boulter says once people have had a taste at these creative arts, they can expand their knowledge and get support through joining one of four groups in this area.
Sun City Spinners meet every Tuesday morning in the Poverty Bay Bowling Club rooms, corner Ormond Road and Hall Street.
The WWW (Wonderful Wednesday Woolcrafters) meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month in the Mangapapa Residents’ Hall on Ormond Road. The WWW members spin, knit, crochet and needle felt.
The Night Owls meet on the first and third Monday nights of the month at Kiri Te Kanawa Retirement Village Centre. This is for people who are working and unable to come in the daytime. The Night Owls also spin, knit, crochet and needle felt.
At Te Karaka, the Waikohu members meet once a month on the first Monday to spin, knit or crochet. They meet at Jan Newman’s house (ph 868 6674).
“Anyone is welcome to join these groups and enjoy the friendship and expertise of these members.”
One attraction at First Light Fibres will be the Paint Chart Challenge which will be on display. There are 66 entries with 12 different colour combinations.
“The array of creativity is amazing . . . and it is your chance to vote which you think is the best or your favourite one. First, second and third prize winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on the Sunday afternoon at 1pm,” Mrs Boulter says.
Café 1874 is catering for the event.
“They will supply cabinet food for lunches, morning and afternoon tea and great coffee.
“Also, each day there will be six amazing raffles with some wonderful prizes, thanks to generous locals and businesses.”
Special interest groups will have displays including Cross Country Weavers, a tapestry group will be displaying their Tapestry Challenge Exhibition, and Creative Fibre Spinners.
Another highlight will be an art yarn display with the theme “Oceans and Beyond”.
The closing ceremony will be at 1pm on Sunday but traders will stay open until 4pm.
“A lot of preparation has been going on for three years by the Poverty Bay Woolcrafters for this event and we welcome the public to come out,” says Mrs Boulter.
“Also have a look at what we have done using old jerseys that would have been binned. We have recycled them into colourful pennants which have been decorated and sewn together to adorn the walls of the event centre.
“People will also be able to see the Night Owl group mascot which won an award at the Wearable Arts Fashion Parade at Kiri Te Kanawa Retirement Village last year.”
