Fibre Arts Bunch

The Fibre Arts Bunch (FAB) is a diverse group who have access to studio time, the first and third Wednesday afternoon of each month. Some of the us have dabbled in painting, others in quilting or collage. We all share a fascination of playing with fabric and fibre.

Creativity breeds creativity and we learn from each other in a positive, cooperative environment. Reta Budd and Pat Armstrong are wonderful mentors!

Our meeting schedule is flexible while, at the same time, introducing different techniques for experimentation.

If the supple colours of cotton, the vibrancy of batiks or silk and the textures of yarns call you to draw near, you are a Kindred Spirit! Come and check us out and discover the possibilities of painting and sculpting with fabric and fibre!

At FAB, we will continue to take turns introducing new ideas/techniques to each other in an informal/demonstration sort of way.  These demonstrations will take less than an hour in the morning and do not have to involve a supply list and making a project using the technique.  The mini demos will provide inspiration without becoming a separate/additional project.  Our schedule will allow each of us the opportunity to work on one piece for as long as needed to see it to completion.  We will continue to work on the program together, sharing and learning from each other. 

September 2011~ January 2012

(Check back for Winter/Spring 2012 schedule)

Meetings are generally on the first and third of each month from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (bring lunch)
‘Show and Share’ will take place after lunch (The Arts Centre is open 9:00~4:00 for extended work time)
At FAB, we will continue to take turns introducing new ideas/techniques to each other in an informal/demonstration sort of way.  This year we will be challenging ourselves with the theme; Water.  Water is also the theme of the upcoming Threadworks exhibition… perhaps FAB pieces will make it into the show!?
Play Days allow each of us the opportunity to work on one piece for as long as needed to see it to completion.  We will continue to plan our program together; sharing and learning from each other.  New members are always welcome!
FAB has been asked to exhibit/sell members’ work at the ICAC Studio Tour and the Woodstock Fleece Festival. 


September 7   Play Day. Bring ideas/samples of items we can make and donate to the ICAC Christmas sale.  Receive details about the FAB exhibition/sale at the Woodstock Fleece Festival.  Pay in full for the Open Thread Bar Workshop (see page 2).  Bring show and share and your lunch.

September 21 9:30 to 4:00 ~ Open Thread Bar Workshop with Anita Zobens of Superior Threads; $45. 
 
October 1&2   ICAC Studio Tour; see details below re FAB demos and sales at the ICAC

October 5        Make items to sell at the Christmas sale.  For those who choose to support the ICAC in alternate ways, feel free to bring a project to work on.  Bring show and share and your lunch.

October 19      Begin exploring the Water theme.  Bring examples of the inspiration and technique(s) you have used to represent water.  Bring your embellishing machine, if you have one.  Bring your work for display/sale in the Fleece Festival and, as always, lunch.

October 22      Woodstock Fleece Festival; Woodstock Fair Grounds http://www.fleecefestival.com/ Set up of the FAB exhibition on the evening of Friday, Oct. 21.

November 2    Play Day… build on the Water theme by working on your piece.  Bring show and share, lunch and items for the Christmas sale.

November 16  No meeting; room booked for set up of the ICAC ‘Artisans’ Christmas Sale’ on the 18th & 19th.  Please donate at least one quality item to the sale as well as a couple hours of your time to help staff.
 
November 23 Note this is the 4th Wednesday.  Mary Ann Rich will demo “Extreme Chenille “ from 10:00 to 11:00.  Further plans to be arranged.

December 7    Potluck lunch; bring a dish that serves 8, serving utensils, your own plate/cutlery/mug.
Plan upcoming FAB meetings; bring ideas/info for workshops, demos, exhibitions to visit and possible day trips.

December 21  No meeting~ Happy Holidays

January 4        Play Day.  Bring a project to work on, lunch and show and share. 
             

                                                                                                                                   
September 21, 9:30 to 4:00 ~ Open Thread Bar Workshop with Anita Zobens of Superior Threads; cost of $45 includes material fee.  Registration will be opened to general public after September 7th and space is limited.  Date cheque for September 7th and payable to Pat Menary.

The Open Thread Bar™ is a full day workshop where participants bring their machines and I bring the thread. It is a day of playing with all the threads and making working samples (and NOT a project). We start with cotton, and work our way up to bobbin work with heavy thread. I provide all the Superior threads - students bring their own machines and quilt sandwiches to work on. This is a stress-free day of using those neglected decorative stitches on our machines, and seeing how all the different threads look and perform. We are able to work out any tension issues. Class notes are provided, along with a special 17-page handout. Kit fee of $5 includes use of all threads, needle, pre wound bobbin, and colour charts for all threads. All threads are available for purchase after class for anyone wishing to engage in retail therapy! 
Anita

Saturday, October 1, 10 to 5 and Sunday, October 2, 12 to 4~ ICAC Studio Tour: FAB will be joining the rug hookers in the fibre arts room at the ICAC as a Studio Tour destination.  FAB members will take turns providing demonstrations and are also able to sell their work (25% commission goes to the ICAC).   We can take turns ‘staffing’ our stop so that everyone has the chance to visit the other studios.  The Studio Tour a major ICAC fundraiser and a great way to promote fibre arts!

Saturday, October 22 ~ Woodstock Fleece Festival; Woodstock Fair Grounds http://www.fleecefestival.com/
We will set up our exhibition on Friday afternoon/evening and staff the exhibit (in shifts) on Saturday; volunteers needed.  A commission of 25% of sales will be given to the Fleece Festival.  This is a wonderful, ‘must attend’ festival!!  Thanks to Mary Ann R. and Pat M. for coordinating this exhibition.

Water, water everywhere… will be our theme for this year.  Immediate images of a still pond, a meandering creek or a rushing waterfall come to mind.  Water is also the morning fog, dew on the grass, snow, a tear or blood pulsing through the body.  Water takes countless forms.  Luckily, fibre artists have countless techniques to represent water.  We will challenge ourselves and learn from each other in the process.