Thursday, 17 October 2013

Festival Changes and Updates

Please note the following changes for this week's events:

For further information on any of these events, click the links above.

Thursday, 10 October 2013

Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival Dinner


Bella's Café and Bistro are cooking up a special menu for the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival.  Call now to reserve a seat!   

 Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival Dinner

Thursday, October 17, 2013 
6:30 pm 
Bella’s Café and Bistro 
117 Victoria Street East 
Amherst, NS


    

Appetizer
BABY SPINACH SALAD WITH MIXED BERRIES, FETA CHEESE AND HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY VINAIGRETTE

Entrée
ROSEMARY Roast Pork Loin with Sauce Robert

OR

PAN-FRIED HADDOCK

BOTH ENTREES SERVED WITH OVEN ROASTED POTATOES AND A VEGETABLE MEDLEY

Dessert
NOVA SCOTIA BLUEBERRY CRISP WITH FRESH WHIPPED CREAM

Price: Thirty Five Dollars Plus Tax Per Person
Reserve your Seat Now
660-3090

Monday, 7 October 2013

Fibre Art Walk and Festival Events





The banners are flying in downtown Amherst – it’s almost time for the 6th annual Fibre Arts Festival, a five-day celebration of all things fibre happening all over Amherst from October 15th to the 19th.

One of the week-long highlights of the festival is the Fibre Art Walking Tour. Participating businesses proudly display the work of artisans in their windows so that festival visitors can view them at their leisure. For a donation of $5, visitors can purchase a Fibre Arts Festival button


and receive a walking tour guide and map, a chance to win one of ten prizes, and a membership in the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival Society. 

  
Buttons will be available at festival headquarters in the Amherst Town Hall at 98 Victoria Street. The prizes are:

  • beaded leather and fur moccasins,
  • a winter silhouette cross stitch kit,
  • a hooked ‘welcome’
  • a felted flower,
  • books on spinning and rug hooking,
  • a ‘maritime beauty’ quilted table centerpiece,
  • a ‘harvest trio’ cross stitch wall hanging,
  • a mobius infinity scarf,
  • hand spun merino yarn, and
  • a large basket filled with fabulous fibres.
The prize draw will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18th.
So, don’t miss out – stop in at Festival Headquarters in the Amherst Town Hall and get your festival button, map, and walking tour guide – become a member of the festival society and put your name in the draw – it’s the best bargain in town and it supports the ongoing work of the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival Society.

As well, check the festival brochure for all the special events occurring during the festival, and make sure you don’t miss out on those requiring an RSVP or a reservation.

  • Fibre Arts Festival Opening Celebration from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15th – Please RSVP if you plan to attend by e-mailing the coordinator: coordinator@fibreartsfestival.com  .
  • Breakfast at Brittany’s at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16th – with guest speaker Mary Farrow Sinclair on the topic of ‘Japanese Fabrics’ – Please let the festival know if you plan to attend by contacting Mary (902-667-7401, e-mail: farrow.sinclair@bellaliant.net)  or e-mailing the coordinator at  coordinator@fibreartsfestival.com.
  • Dinner at Bella’s Cafe, 117 Victoria Street, with an Exhibit of Tatting by Karen Negus – Thursday, October 17th, Reception at 5:30 p.m. and Dinner at 6:30 p.m. – Reserve by calling 902-660-3090.
Festival Headquarters in the town hall will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with volunteers standing by to answer your questions. Drop in to see the display of hooked rugs, to inquire about location or event information, to view demonstrations, or just to rest your tootsies and have a chat.
Hope to see you at the festival!



Monday, 23 September 2013

'Beaded Moccasins - A Treat for the Feet'

Beaded Moccasins by Ali Squire


'Creating Beaded Moccasins'
             By Joan Beswick

The cool days of fall are upon us, and although it may be lovely right now, many of us have mixed feelings about what is to come. There are, however, ways to deal with winter’s woeful weather. My friend, Judy, found one way when she took Ali Squire’s course on making beaded moccasins this past spring. She loved the textures of the materials, the brilliant colours, the beaded patterns, but most of all, she loved the final product - functional and beautiful slippers to keep her tootsies warm all winter. Judy is enthusiastic by nature, but I’ve never seen her take to a craft the way she has to this one. When not golfing this spring and summer, she made moccasins. Her focused energies yielded a gorgeous array of hand-made treasures, the loveliest slippers ever. 

Moccasins made by Judy after taking Ali Squire's Course in spring, 2013



Those of us lucky enough to receive a pair as gifts waggle our cozy tootsies and feel coddled and cared for, knowing that even in the worst of winter’s weather, our beaded moccasins offer warmth and beauty, a fine treat for the feet and a respite from Arctic air.
A Really Great Gift!



Judy says if Ali could teach her to make moccasins, she can teach anyone. So, be inspired – take Ali Squire’s two day course ‘Beaded Moccasin Creation’ at the 2013 Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival. Learn to make a pair of traditional beaded moccasin slippers similar to those made in Coastal Labrador and Northern Newfoundland.

Ali will supply materials for one pair of slippers and will teach all steps in the process. She will also provide written instructions, templates for different shoe sizes, and information on where to access necessary supplies. This intensive two-day workshop will be offered at CFTA, 141 Victoria St. East, Amherst, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 15 and October 17. The cost is $200 and that includes the materials for one pair of moccasins as well as shoe size templates and written instructions. 

For more information or to register, call Ali Squire at 902•392•2089 or 
contact her by e-mail at  squiredrocks@yahoo.ca .


Make beaded moccasins,
Be good to your feet.
They carry you everywhere,
Give them a treat!