One of the instructors at this year's festival is Peggy Stevens.  Peggy does beautiful hand embroidery, and is keen to pass along her skills to others.  She will use her teaching skills to impart her love of stitching with this project:

Peggy writes, "I was born into a family of makers. My mother and we daughters all made clothes, quilted, crocheted, knitted, and also embroidered. Although I do not claim to be an expert at embroidery, I do derive great pleasure from hand embroidery. My largest embroidery project using very simple stitches became a bed sized quilt of red cat silhouettes embroidered on white cotton. My most complex embroidery work came from a Quiltmania Magazine mystery a few years back (pictured below). I learned many new embroidery techniques and had a lot of fun completing four small wall hangings. Perhaps my favourite master embroiderer is Sue Spargo (below). I have made only one of her projects, a quilt, which, once again, taught me new stitches and techniques. And so goes my embroidery life."

This quilt features 12 floral bouquets representing each month of the year..

This quilt is a Sue Spargo design she called a log cabin. Each block used new-to-me embroidery stitches so it was a fun learning experience.

Below are three of four embroideries I completed for a Quiltmania Mystery a few years ago. They were part of a larger project. I liked them as individual pieces, making it easier to gift to friends. I learned a great deal while completing these pieces. As you can see, some of the embroidery is stitched onto appliqués."

To register for Peggy's class, call 902-447-3339 or email: peggystevens45@gmail.com

Wilbur and Walter Workshop

The Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival is delighted to include a truly unique workshop at this year's festival. Two talented artists, Darlene D'eon and Chris McCarthy, have teamed up to present two different workshops simultaneously. Both of these projects are original designs by Darlene D'eon Designs; Wilbur is done in wool appliqué, and his brother (cousin?) Walter is brought to life in cross stitch. You can choose which method you'd prefer to stitch these happy snowmen.

Wool Appliqué/Cross Stitch Workshop

Fri. Aug 5: 10 am-3 pm

Cost $50.00

Instructors: Chris McCarthy and Darlene D'eon

Register for Wilbur (Wool Appliqué): krissteezkreationz@gmail.com

Register for Walter: (Cross Stitch): 14dadeon@gmail.com

If you'd like to follow along with Darlene's adventures, you can visit her Face Book group here, and find her beautiful work in her Etsy shop.

NS Fibre Arts Festival Offering from Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio

Deanne Fitzpatrick's Studio , 33 Church Street, Amherst, will be offering the following events for the 2022 Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival. 

August 3-6, 9-5:

We Come Together: A show of hooked rugs by studio staff. Come see the various hooked rugs by Deanne Fitzpatrick and also a variety of rugs created by her studio staff. The shop at 33 Church Street Amherst, NS is open 9 - 5. Drop by for an oatcake and a view. This show will run from Wednesday August 3rd through Saturday August 6th

Thursday August 4th, 1-3 pm:

Studio Outside Hook-In/ Hangout - 1-3pm

We have spots for eight individuals to participate in a Hook-In/Hangout session just outside our store. Chairs, oatcake and tea will be provided to the participating hookers. We ask that a $10 free will contribution be made to the Fibre Festival at that time. Please call the studio at 1 800 328 7756 to register.

Saturday - August 6th - 10am 33 Church St Amherst

Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio will be hosting a small beginner's class for 5 people maximum. The cost of the in-person course is $49.95. Participants will be able to select a beginner kit (comes with the hook, pattern, materials, and a beginner hoop) plus a free one-hour beginner course (for refreshing the skills you will learn at the studio). Bookings must be made directly with the studio at 1 800 328 7756 and payment made at that time.

Cumberland County Museum

Since the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival began 13 years ago, the Cumberland County Museum and Archives (Cumberland County Museum Society) has been an active festival participant,. This year is no exception.  Housed in Grove Cottage which originally belonged to R.B. Dickey (one of Amherst's four Fathers of Confederation), the museum is filled with a selection of artifacts from our region, including genealogical materials, and offers programs, exhibits and other events throughout the year.  The museum is surrounded by beautifully tended gardens, and is a popular spot for wedding and prom pictures. Their motto is: "History that stirs the imagination."

For this year's Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival, the museum will be hosting a wool dying workshop on Friday, August 5.  There will also be an historic fibre art exhibit that will be set up at the beginning of August. The museum welcomes "Hook-Ins", where people can bring any fibre art project with them (not just hooking!) and work amongst the exhibit, or even in the gardens - if it is a nice day. This would be available at the museum everyday during the festival from 10:00 to 4:00. There is an admission of $5 to support programs at the museum throughout the year. Tea and coffee and cookies will be available and you can tour the museum too.

You can reach the museum at (902) 667-2561.

Wool Dying Workshop

Wool Dying Workshop

Fri. Aug 5,9 am-12:30 pm

Cost $160.00

Location : Cumberland County Museum

Instructors: Mallory Thompson and Sandy Waygood

Register Mallory Thompson (902) 397 3255 - phone or text

The class will include discussion about the colour wheel and a look at colour theory. We will discuss different ways of dyeing fibres as well but we will be doing the dye method in the microwave using wash fast acid dyes. The cost includes a dye kit to take home with 2 skeins as well as their own dye powders. Other fibres and yarns will be provided for the process during the class

 

To Register: Mallory Thompson (902) 397 3255 - phone or text

Children's Programs

Fibre fun is for everyone. We will have several programs for children and youth. Maggie's Place is offering the following programs

Maggie’s Place 13 Elmwood Drive Amherst

Macrame Plant hanger for Parent Wed. Aug 4, 9:30 - 11 am

Program will be held outside in the park weather permitting

Child care available

Snacks provided for participants and children

Free: All supplies provided

Pre registration required Max number 10

Phone 902 667 7250

Maggie’s Place 13 Elmwood Drive Amherst

Thursday Aug 5, 9:30 - 11 am

Pom Pom Hot Plate Holder (Trivet) Outside (weather permitting)

Parent and child together

Free: All supplies provided

Appropriate for age 5 and up

For additional information phone (902) 667 7250

Thursday August 5, 3 -5 pm

Cumberland Co. Youth Development Centre

Lawrence Street

Friendship bracelets

Grades 4 -6

All supplies provided

Free

This is a drop in program. No pre registration required

For more information ph 902 667 5659

Cumberland County Youth Development Centre

Lawrence St.

Felting from 6 - 8 pm

Grades 7 - 12

All supplies provided

Free

This is a drop in program. No pre registration required

For more information ph 902 667 5659

Drop Spindle Spinning Workshop

 

Drop Spindle Spinning

Wednesday Aug 3, 1:30 -3pm Maggie's Place 11 Elmwood Drive

Cost:  $65.00

Learn how to spin your own yarn or thread with a Drop Spindle!

In this class we discuss the very beginnings of spinning thread, and how it was first done by primitive peoples thousands of years ago, and how many people still enjoy spinning their own yarn today. Instructor Denyse Hiscock, will show you how its done, and help you begin your own journey in creating your own yarn. Students should bring an apron to wear. Spindles and carded wool will be provided by the instructor

Class Limit: 8 To register: crystalheartcraft@gmail.com

Spinderella's Adventures in Fiberland

https://www.facebook.com/spinderella.handspun

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Maritime Beauty Workshop

 Maritime Beauty Table Topper Workshop

Friday August 5, 2022, 9:30-3:30

Taught by Karen Neary

Cost: $85.

In this workshop, students will make a table topper with New York Beauty blocks.  The Maritime Beauty pattern is a great learning piece, as it encompasses so many techniques in a do-able sized project: sewing curves, piecing sharp spikes, and making and applying bias binding to a curved edge. There are also 4 inside corners to turn when binding. Instead of regular foundation piecing, we will do paperless paper-piecing (also known as freezer paper piecing) which results in perfect points with no messy paper to remove afterwards. Students will be shown a quick and easy way to make multiple copies of the foundation for future projects without tracing or photocopying.  This will be a full day class; the bias binding application will be a demonstration only, providing students with instruction on how to proceed once the project is quilted at home. This is not a difficult piece, but best suited to those with some quilting experience (i.e., mastery of the 1/4” seam allowance.)

This table topper is my original design, and the class fee includes the pattern and enough foundations to make the Maritime Beauty. Students will supply their own fabrics. Prior to the class, templates will be sent to each participant so that the centre blocks may be cut out ahead of time.  Doing this means some will finish the piecing of the Maritime Beauty in class. 

To register, email karen@karenneary.ca

 Beginner Embroidery Workshop Peggy Stevens

Friday August 5th 9am-12:30 pm, Amherst Nova Scotia

This workshop will focus on learning and practicing several basic embroidery stitches. Since it is satisfying to apply new learning to make something, we will work on a simple design on a square piece of cotton to create what could become a centre block for a small table centre or a cushion. The above photo is the design for the class, although different stitches may be used. The aim of the workshop is to complete one design. If we have time we will perhaps come up with other ideas for using the design piece or even work on a second square of the same design. The $35.00 workshop fee includes a kit containing everything participants will need for the class. To register:902-447-3339 or email: peggystevens45@gmail.com

Click on the "Instructors" tab at the top to learn more about Peggy.

One of the many workshops to be presented at this year\s festival is a Basket Weave quilt by Sandra Ward. Sandy writes:

Sandra will be teaching a Beginner Level quilting course .

The Basket Weave Quilt pattern is a fun and beautiful quilt to begin your journey. Whether you want to make a bed quilt or a small wall hanging, this class will take you through everything you need to know to get started quilting!

Level Beginner Thursday August 4, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Cost $50.00 To register, contact Sandy: codamay@hotmail.com

Click on the "Instructors" tab at the top to learn more about Sandy.

Zonta Fibre Arts Bazaar 2022

 Mark your calendars for the 12th Zonta Fibre Arts Bazaar at this year's Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival! It's always a high point of the festival.

This year’s Bazaar will be held on SATURDAY, August 6th from 10 am to 3 pm. at the Amherst Curling Club (right next to the Armory) 45 Prince Arthur Street, Amherst. This is a big, spacious building with lots of light and accessibility and will be filled with high-quality fibre arts suppliers and artisans We look forward to a gorgeous weekend, beautiful crafts, and great company.  Zonta will again provide a refreshment area, the popular Zonta Café. See you there!

Cumberland Quilt Guild Annual Show

 

Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival 2022

 

We are so happy to send out his newsletter to give you an update on what is happening and going to be happening at this years festival. A big big thank you! To everyone who has been patiently waiting as we get our ducks lined up. While this list is not complete, it will give you an idea of what the dates from August 2-6 2022 will bring.

Tuesday August 2

·       Knitting for Beginners is a two part workshop with Chantelle Taylor guiding you through the basics of knitting. The class will be from 6 pm- 8:30 pm at the Arts & Entertainment Centre. The second part of the workshop will be held at the same location on Thursday August 4 from 6pm - 8:30 pm. Register: achantellet@gmail.com

Wednesday August 3

·       Sewing in the Sunroom is a Paper Piecing workshop with Joy Rector from 9am-12N. The workshop will be at 1205 Hwy 6 Warren. Register: 902-694-2151

·        The Sew In at the Arts and Entertainment Centre in the Amherst Mall from 9am-4:30 pm

·         Exhibition of hooked art pieces with artist Halina Bienkowski from 6 pm-9pm at 158 Robert Angus Drive Suite 100

·         Want to join the Twisted Stitchers from 6pm-8pm at the Four Fathers Library? Bring your favourite handwork with you and you will find a warm welcome. The library will have a display of hand embroidery for your enjoyment there as well

Thursday August 4

·         “Back to Spool” is a 6 hour workshop (9:30 - 3:30) with Karen Neary. This thread based class is for those quilters comfortable with free motion stitching. The class will be held in the Christie Room at First Baptist Church in Amherst.  Register:  karen@karenneary.ca

·         Basket Weave quilt workshop. If you have wanted to learn to make a quilt, this is your opportunity. You will be amazed with what you will learn with your instructor Sandra Ward. Sandra has a wonderful eye for colour and design, and she will guide you through the basic steps needed to make your quilt, and gain some confidence.Workshop hours are from 9:30 - 3:30 at the A&E Centre. Register: codamay@hotmail.com

·         Beginners Crochet with Jean Schiefer from 9am-12 noon at the A&E Centre. Jean always brings a boatload of patience and skill, as well as many years of experience to her classes. You will learn a number of stitches and get a small project started. Register: bourgeoislynn1946 @gmail.com

Friday, August 5

·         Quilt Show and Sale The Cumberland Quilt Guild is hosting a quilt show and sale at the First Baptist Church on Victoria St. in Amherst, from 10am- 5pm. When I see this beautiful sanctuary filled with the work of this talented group, it fills me with joy.

·         Maritime Beauty Table Topper In this six hour (9:30 -3:30) class with Karen Neary, students will make a table topper with New York Beauty blocks. It will be a full day, and this is a fun pattern to make. The class will be held in the Christie room at the First Baptist Church in Amherst. Register: karen@karenneary.ca

·         From 9am to 12:30, Peggy Stevens , will lead a workshop teaching Hand Embroidery for beginners at the A& E Centre. Learn some basic stitches and you will go home with a lovely piece of embroidery handwork that you have done. You can see an example of some of Peggy’s exquisite handwork on our Facebook page. Register: 902-447-3339 or peggystevens 45@gmail.com

·         From 9 am- 12 noon, Mallory Thompson and Sandi Waygood will be at the Cumberland Museum teaching a class in Wool Dyeing . More information will be coming soon about the class. Register: 902-397-3255

·         From 10am -3 pm, Chris McCarthy will be teaching a Wool Applique workshop from 10am -3 pm. This is a sweet project, and you will see it posted on our website soon This workshop will be at the A& E Centre . If anyone can guide you to a successful finish for wool applique, it will be Chris.  Register: krissteezk reationz@ gmail.com

·         Darlene D’Eon will be teaching a Cross Stitch class using a new original design. This pattern, designed by Darlene, will get you thinking about the beauty you can create with cloth and threads. The workshop will be from 10am -3:30 pm.. At the A& E Centre.Register: 14dadeon@gmail.com

·         Demonstration -longarm quilting There will be several opportunities to book a free one half hour demonstration of longarm quilting at The Sunrise Quiltery. Demos will be available at 10, 11, 12N, 1 pm and 2 pm. Bruce will be able to answer your questions about how to prepare your quilts, what to expect from your longarm quilter, and any other questions about the process. To b o o k  a  d e m o        c a l l : 9 0 2 - 6 9 4 - 2 1 5 1

Saturday, August 6:  

·         From 10am -4 pm, Zonta will hold its bazaar at the Amherst Curling Club, This event is always popular with its unique handmade items and artisans supplies.

 During the week there will be other classes, demonstrations, and we are looking forward to telling you about several classes for the kids. We'll post information as the details become confirmed. Come join us at the festival, and spark your creativity. We would love to have you drop in.