2010 Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival

We have so much to share from 2010!

Mittens by Sally Austin

October 12-16, 2010, was a busy week in Amherst, Nova Scotia, as fibre lovers descended upon the town from all directions! 

Bernadette Fowler presented a workshop on using a drop spindle.

Isn't this a fun idea: "The Lost Husbands Coffee Hour"!

This is a piece by Heidi Wulfrat, which was on display at Bella's.

Instructor Kathy Tidswell travelled from Burtt's Corner, New Brunswick, to share her skills in thread painting.

This is one of Karen Neary's quilting classes where students learned different appliqué techniques.

As in every festival, many gathered at Deanne Fitzpatrick's Studio  to try their hand at hooking.

A downtown boutique hosted a sustainable session on upcycling used clothing, and participants had a great time adding embellishments to their garments.

(There may have been a tray of treats involved as well.)

Victoria's Quilts held an Open House at the Masonic Hall to show where they make comfort quilts to donate to cancer patients to keep them warm during chemo.  Here they are explaining how they baste the quilts before quilting.  

One of the most popular events at our festival has always been the Wednesday "Sew In", sponsored each year by The Fabric Cupboard in Moncton.

Deanne Fitzpatrick's 3 day workshop at the Anglican Church was filled to capacity.  

There were exhibits at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives.

One of the highlights of the week was having Phyllis Cameron open her heritage home for visitors.  All three floors were hung with beautiful quilts, all made by Phyllis.

There was an exhibit of needlework at the Masonic Hall.

The Zonta Bazaar was overflowing with top quality hand made items for sale...

...as well as supplies for those inspired to try their hand at a new craft.

The Highland Hookers set up a display and hook-in at the Bridge Adult Workshop.

At Dayle's Department store, the quilt block contest continued to grow in popularity.  Look at the awesome basket of goodies awarded to this lucky winner!

Dayle's also had daily displays by different local artists.

The festival was contained to the downtown, and many local businesses decorated their windows.  This clever display is the work of Jackie Estabrooks, in the window at Pugsley's Pharmacy., where she encouraged us to "get more fibre in our diets."

Sally Austin was on hand again to teach knitters how to make beautiful and warm thrummed mittens.

There were displays of quilts and mats at the Home Furnishings store on Lawrence Street.

One of the highlights of the week was a presentation by quilt collector and appraiser John Cory from New Brunswick.  He entitled his talk, "A Gift For The Queen", and dazzled those in attendance with amazing stories on his vast collection of quilts. 

It was the perfect way to wrap up an amazing week.