April 10 was a beautiful sunny day for the Sunshine Coast Fibreshed’s “Grown and Sewn Close to Home” event at the FibreWorks Studio & Gallery in Madeira Park. The Fibreshed’s mission is to help change the way we think about how we clothe ourselves by supporting our local fibre culture. With this in mind, the event brought together fibre farmers and processors, artists, teachers and fibre art enthusiasts to meet, network and learn from each other.
There were displays of local fibres and beautifully coloured wool dyed with plants and mushrooms from the Sunshine Coast. Members of the Sunshine Coast Spinners and Weavers Guild gave demonstrations of carding, weaving, knitting and spinning with both spinning wheels and drop spindles. Rug hookers Lynne Hunt and Mudito Drope from Hooked on the Coast displayed their beautiful creations and gave demonstrations.
Two visiting sheep, Razz and George, were a great attraction. They’re part of Kate Skinner’s flock of 10 sheep that she uses for training sheep dogs. Kate was delighted to meet fibre users to learn what they’re looking for in a fleece and to see the whole process of wool preparation from the sheep through carding, spinning, dyeing and making a final garment.
As part of the networking that took place, Noelline Bellemare of the Pacifique French School met sheep and llama owners and Fibreshed team members who were happy to help with a project of taking her Kindergarten and Grade 1 classes to a farm to meet animals and follow up with demonstrations of carding and spinning. It’s so important for young people to experience where their clothes come from and how they are made.
Everyone enjoyed the delicious nibbles and refreshments made by local cooks from local ingredients – Fibreshed flatbread, rhubarb punch, kale chips, borlotti bean dip, homemade goat cheese, pesto, salmon, muffins and devilled eggs.
Kate Skinner summed up the event: “It was a fun, informative day with a group of friendly, welcoming people. I learned a huge amount.” It was a wonderful day with participants feeling an increased enthusiasm and commitment to make responsible clothing choices that support local sustainability and protect the environment.
– Submitted by Heather Apple of the Sunshine Coast Fibreshed
