Timeless craft showcased at open day

CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY: Isabel Johnson and Maria van Noorden were two of about 200 people who attended the Wanganui Spinners and Weavers Guild open day on Saturday. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY

Fibre craft of all types was on show on Saturday with the Wanganui Spinners' and Weavers' Guild hosting its annual open day.

Some of the 200 who came to the open day at Wanganui Girls' College came from as far as Dannevirke and Masterton to immerse themselves in things such as spinning, felting and knitting.

President Janice Hird said the day had gone well.

"It was very successful, she said. "Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We had people coming in and out all day and we had visitors from quite a few other guilds."

The open day also had stalls selling goods such as woollen supplies, while demonstrations included spinning, carding and spindle spinning.

The Whanganui guild has about 50 members and one of the reasons for holding open days was to boost numbers.

"It seems to be gaining popularity," Mrs Hird said. "A lot of young people nowadays don't know how to knit, whereas we learned when we were young. But it seems to be coming back."

She said knitwear, and especially custom knitwear, was in fashion so the skill was still required.

The Wanganui Spinners' and Weavers' Guild meets on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings in the Special Olympics room on Peat St.

Those interested can contact Janice Hird on 021 042 5077.