2009 Day 1: Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival

With all the enthusiasm shown for the previous year, the 2009 Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival kicked off to a roaring start, with even more shows, displays, and workshops.  Fibre enthusiasts flocked to Amherst from all over the globe.  The events began on Tuesday, October 13 and ran until Saturday the 17th.

For the entirety of this wonderful week, The Bobbins and Baymist Quilt Guild held a display at the Home Furniture Store on Lawrence Street.  In addition to quilts made by this guild, there were also a great many hooked pieces by Vera and Trina McInnis available for purchase. 

Fibre Artist Heidi Wulfrat displayed her beautiful felted work at the Cumberland Regional Library.

At the Cumberland County Museum and Archives, there was a show of hooked rugs,

...and a needlework display by Elizabeth Hickey

A special treat for festival goers was this display by Doris Eaton at Bella's Café on Victoria Street, of her one-of-a-kind hooked rugs. 

Tuesday afternoon was a workshop with amazing quilter Laurie Swim, where she demonstrated some of the techniques she uses in her work. Knit & Stitch fabric store from New Minas supplied Janome sewing machines for use in the workshop which was wonderful for the participants.

Those present got to try out three of Laurie's techniques used in her art quilts.

At Deanne Fitzpatrick's Studio, a "Hook and Hoop" was held, where newcomers to the craft were offered instruction.

Jennifer Manuell did a workshop at First Baptist Church on hooked handbags.

Later that evening the official opening for the festival was held at Tantramar Theatre. (You may know this building now as Amherst Town Hall).  There were words of welcome from town dignitaries and the Fibre Arts Festival committee, as well as tons of food and refreshments. Displays by festival participants were set up around the room, and book signings for new books released by Laurie Swim, and Karen Neary & Diane Shink: 

There was a good crowd in attendance, including these lovely ladies who are looking forward to their workshops later in the week.