VISION STATEMENT
To encourage and assist fibre artists to achieve their
fullest potential by providing advice, facilities
and educational material in an enjoyable
social environment.


Meetings held weekly on Wednesday at Possum Hollow Hall within Townsville Showgrounds, Hyde Park. 10am - 1-00pm

Tuesday 27 March 2012

28 March

Today was atc swap day, as a challenge the atc's were to be made from a matchbox..  The photo says it all, we all have very different ideas on how to use a matchbox!! 

A great day was had by all, with much chatting, eating, drinking of tea and coffee, stitching, wrapping, weaving, basketing..  and laughter!!!




Kathy S. challenge hair piece.                              Beryl B. with dyed lace top.



 Arlene W's gold work and below that is her bear block
  
       Ann H. with a completed bear.                      Above - Baby blanket/ hat and booties by Dinie G.




Lyn H. with a pair of pyjamas that were found in her elderly aunts house, never worn.  The label on how to launder them is beside it.  Have a read, glad we don't have to wash like that any more!

Wednesday 21 March 2012

25 years of membership

Congratulations to Margaret Wretham for being a member of Fibres and Fabrics for 25 years. Pam W. presented Margaret with her certificate yesterday.    My apologies for the poor photo I was a bit slow with the camera.


Sunday 18 March 2012

Getting to know Johanna!

The fact that you’re a member of Fibres and Fabrics shows you are creative by nature. Define yourself – art/craft wise? My creativity is driven by my desire to recycle…often ideas are borne out of my need to re-use something, often not in its original form.

Are you more comfortable working in one particular medium than most others? I’m equally happy working with fabric or yarn. I do a little metal and woodwork too.

Are there any artists or crafters who, more than any others, have influenced you in your creative life and why? My mother is an accomplished needlewoman and taught me at an early age to sew, knit and crochet. Now in her ninetieth year, she continues to inspire my efforts. I’m also inspired by writers, painters and musicians from different cultures and periods in history.

Describe your workspace. One bedroom is converted to a studio space to do all the different types of craft I enjoy. Two windows look out into the trees, where I can see Birdwing butterflies and many species of birds flitting about.

What 3 tools could you not live without? My sewing-machine, needles and my hands.

Do you keep a sketchbook or journal? I don’t always plan my projects, sometimes they just have their own life and I adapt as I go. Occasionally I’ll jot ideas down and sometimes there’ll be a sketch too.

 We all share our knowledge at Fibres and Fabrics. Do you extend this in any way by participating in or teaching workshops?  I’ve had a student coming to learn all kinds of needlework techniques since she was six years old; last year she made her first dress without much assistance from me, she’ll be twelve this year.

How do you inspire your creativity when you’re stuck? I’m rarely stuck for ideas, rather how to execute can sometimes be a conundrum. I’ll usually pick up a different project and then ideas will present themselves.

 If cost wasn’t an issue, what avenues would you choose to explore to expand your skills? I’d like to travel to see the world’s museum collections of fibre arts and garments.

 How do you balance your life? Gardening is as necessary to me as the sewing arts and I also raise Birdwing butterflies and am a porcelain painter.

Has any of your work appeared, or is it going to appear, in a display or exhibition either collaboratively or alone? If so where and when? I’ve quite a few private commissions but have not exhibited anywhere…..who knows what the future may bring?

What does your work mean to you? I just love making things…so I find myself doing some sort craft activity every day…it’s a must! 



Wednesday 14 March 2012

AGM committee

Hi again, here are the photos from the AGM, including a group photo of committee members that were in attendance.  We have quite a few members away at the moment including two of the committee members, but we still managed to fill most jobs on the list.  Kathy S. was warmly thanked and presented with a gift and flowers for her 3 years as President by the incoming President, Pam W.  Birte M., after many years as Librarian as  has handed over the Library to Deb P., unfortunately Birte was unable to attend yesterday so could not be presented with her gift.
A lovely lunch was provided by attending members and enjoyed by us all.

Pam presenting Kathy with her gift.

General view back


General view side




2012 committee
Enjoying lunch

14 March AGM day

Hiya, here's some pics of some of the show and tell items that were passed around at yesterday's meeting.  Yesterday was the AGM for our group, we have a new president in Pam W., most of the rest of the committee stayed the same. 

Patchwork piece


Embroidery group challenge piece by Arlene W.

Barbie doll by Arlene W.

Barbie doll by Val K.

Teddy by Ann H.

Barbie doll by Sue D.

Fibres and Fabrics Association Inc. – A Guide for Members


FIBRES & FABRICS Association Incorporated
Creative Textile Association   ABN 85350985448
Postal Address: P.O. Box 329 CT., Hyde Park.   4812
Street Address: Possum Hollow, Townsville Showgrounds, Hyde Park.
Email: fibresandfabricstv329@gmail.com
Map to find us
Fees
A weekly fee applies.  If members attend more than one meeting in a week no extra fees are payable. 

Signing the Book
As members arrive they are required to sign the book on the front table.  This ensures we are covered for insurance purposes.

Tea and Coffee Facilities
Tea, coffee and biscuits are free. (Please bring your own mug).  Soft drinks are available for purchase.  Please place the money in the container on top of the fridge.

Meeting Times
All meetings are held at the Hall (Possum Hollow) Show Grounds Parkes St, West End except  Embroidery. This is held at a member’s house each month.

Weekly Gatherings
Every Wednesday
10.00am
Meeting / Show and Tell
Every Wednesday
12.00 noon
Patchwork
1st Thursday of month
9.30 am
Creative Group
4th Friday of month
9.30 pm
Embroidery
3rd Thursday of month
10.00 am at members house
Bookies
4th Wednesday of month
10.00 am
Sewing for Cancer
4th Thursday of the month
9.00 am 90 Cook St, North Ward
Fibres on Saturday including the Spinning Weaving and Associated Techniques SWAT



2nd and 4th Saturday of month
9.30 am
Bobbin Lace group meets at 1.30pm every Friday at the Hall.


Each sub-group has its own co-ordinator. Check the newsletter each month for specific details of the activities of each group.

Holiday Breaks
There are no meetings held between early December and mid January.

Committee Meetings
Committee Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.  Minutes and Financial Statement are posted on the noticeboard at The Hall. Names and phone numbers of the Management Committee are listed on page 2 of the newsletter.

AGM
Committee Members are elected at the Annual General Meeting that is held in the 2nd week of March.

Constitution
A copy of the constitution is kept in the library and is available to all members.

House Mother
Members share the responsibility of maintaining the hall.  Volunteers are asked to complete a roster.  Duties include opening the hall, filling the urn, setting out tea and coffee, wiping down tables, sweeping the floor and opening the toilets etc.

Library Books
There is an extensive library available to all members.  Books and magazines are generally available for one month.  Some new books and magazines have a one week limit.  There is a total limit of 4 items at any one time.  Members are asked to fill in the borrowing card with their name and due date, and then to file the card in the slot of the appropriate month in the box.  On return of the book please replace the card in the back of the book and replace the book in the correct place on the shelf.  Check the coding on the spine to determine the correct area.  Suggestions for new books should be submitted to the Committee via the co-ordinator of the relevant group. 

Equipment
Fibres and Fabrics has equipment that members can borrow. Most of the equipment is stored in a room at the side corner of the hall. To borrow members need to fill out the equipment borrowing book which can be found in the library, on the shelving near the borrowing table amongst the other group’s newsletters. Some of the equipment is not to leave the hall please check with the equipment coordinator.

Name Badges
Fibres and Fabrics name badges are available for purchase.  This is useful for identifying yourself to other members as well as to be worn at various outside functions in which Fibres participates each year such as The Entertainment Centre and Townsville Show

Enamelled Pins
Enamel pins are also available to purchase.  These have the Fibres and Fabrics logo and are ideal for swapping or gifts to friends.

Scarves
Silk Scarves are also available to purchase.  These are usually worn at outside functions and identify us as members of Fibres.

Birthday Cards
If you would like to receive a birthday card give your birthday date to the co-ordinator but remember that you are expected to provide at least one insert each year.  Additional cards are also given on other occasions throughout the year therefore we would appreciate extra inserts.
Blank cards are also available for members to purchase.

Suggestion Box
There is a Suggestion Box available on the front table.  It is cleared once a month and the contents debated at the Committee Meeting.

Workshops
Many small workshops and demonstrations are held within Fibres and Fabrics.  There is no tuition charge for these internal workshops.
Professional tutors are occasionally invited to hold workshops.  Appropriate fees and materials lists apply.  A complete list of Workshop Guidelines is available in the library.

Handling of Money
Any money aside from the $3 weekly fee and soft drink money is to be placed in an envelope with the member’s name and purpose written on the front and handed to the treasurer.

Website and email address
Fibres has a blog which keeps an up to date list of activities of the organisation. Fibres blog address - http://fibresandfabricstownsville.blogspot.com/. Our email address is fibersandfabricstv329@gmail.com 
You will have to copy and paste the email address into your email provider form to be able to send us an email.  Or use the contact form on the front of the blog.

Newsletters
A newsletter is published each month and either emailed or mailed through Australia Post to members.  (Please notify the treasurer or secretary of any address changes.)  Items to be included in the newsletter should be given to the newsletter editor at the house on the second Wednesday of the month.  Items can also be e-mailed to the editor via the address listed in the newsletter. This should reach the editor by the second Friday of the month. You can receive the newsletter either by email (colour) or sent via Australia Post (black and white).

Duty of Care
Due care must be taken at all times.  This is especially important when using equipment, e.g. taping down cords to avoid tripping, hot irons etc.  This is a requirement of our insurance policy. 

Further Questions
Please do not hesitate to ask any member who will be more than willing to direct you to the appropriate person.


Sunday 11 March 2012

Show and Tell on Wednesday


At Show and Tell on Wednesday we were treated to a wonderful and varied display of work.  Just to mention a few.  

Suzanne C. showed us the table runner she learned at patchwork last week.  


Annette has dressed her wearable art barbie.  These will be table decorations at the wearable art fashion show on April 21.  Please make the costume so that the doll is able to sit on the table.  

  There were postcards from the very popular postcard swap


and cards for the birthday card box.  (Members are reminded that they are expected to contribute at least one card a year to the birthday card box.) 


There were toys from the toymakers (a separate group to F&F) who meet to make toys for the sick children who are admitted to A&E.  (Please talk to Carol Mcg. if you are interested in helping.) 


Annette made prints on fabric using paint and a fish skeleton and



Betsy has made a set of cat blocks based on the style of famous artists.

Coptic Binding Workshop at Bookies


At bookies in February, Gai showed us a single sheet Coptic style binding.  This style  of binding requires heavy paper so the stitches do not tear the paper.  With this technique, Pam made a book using the handmade cards she has received from friends.

Wednesday 7 March 2012

Sue Taylor: an Artist in Residence in her own Life!

Sue Taylor’s getting the ball rolling again with our ‘getting to know our members’ campaign. Thank you, Sue.
The fact that you’re a member of Fibres and Fabrics shows you are creative by nature. Define yourself – art/craft wise? Arty! Crafty! Imaginative. I like exploring ideas generated by looking at nature and all created objects.

Are you more comfortable working in one particular medium than most others? I am not a patchworker, weaver, embroiderer. I am not disciplined enough to stick to guidelines. I like messing around with materials.

Are there any artists or crafters who, more than any others, have influenced you in your creative life and why? People with passion in any of ther creative arts i.e. writers, musicians, performers, painters, potters, crafters inspire and influence.


Describe your workspace. My large wooden table is in my living space. My place is not big enough for a separate studio area. Naturally my table is rather untidy.

What 3 tools could you not live without? Scissors, needles and threads, cutting board.

Do you keep a sketchbook or journal? Yes, a daily journal to remember thoughts and ideas, in words and pictures.

We all share our knowledge at Fibres and Fabrics. Do you extend this in any way by participating in or teaching workshops?  I like looking at what people are doing and understanding how it is done.

How do you inspire your creativity when you’re stuck? Stuck? I put stuff aside until inspiration strikes or fiddle around with any number of bits and pieces on the go.


If cost wasn’t an issue, what avenues would you choose to explore to expand your skills? I would visit all the desert communities in Western Australia and Northern Territory to become more aware of ceremony and culture and increase my understanding of people and landscape.

How do you balance your life? By being in the right time for swimming, gardening, books, films, Radio National, whatever I fancy.

Has any of your work appeared, or is it going to appear, in a display or exhibition either collaboratively or alone? If so where and when?  Solo exhibitions in Wollongong and Alice Springs when I lived there and participating in group exhibitions, especially as a member of a particular interest group.


What does your work mean to you? It means I’m an artist in residence in my own life.

I like that Sue!