Hello Fellow Felters                                           June 2012

Its a while since you've heard from your editor/s - its been a while since your editors have heard from you!

Thank Yous

Firstly since February 2012, we have a new Treasurer - Margaret Wainscott who hails from Taupo - Margaret eagerly took on the task of Treasurer when Shirley Hardwick decided she had given it a very good go and suggested we have some fresh blood.

Shirley has been associated with felting in NZ for many many years.  Of all the wool crafts available, its been felting that has been and continues to be Shirley’s love.

A long time member - holding various committee positions - of the Auckland Spinners and Hand weavers Guild, Shirley, when realising there was no dedicated felting group in Auckland, was instrumental in starting the Auckland Fun Felters group.  Along with Pam Robinson and others were founding members of this group back in 2002 (celebrating 10 years this  year).

Shirley has been  a most active and very supportive member of this group,  always willing to share felting techniques with members, especially new comers.

Another first for Shirley was being one of the original members at the first ever Felting Convergence held in Taupo in 1989, and has been to every one ever since!

Shirley had her own working studio for a number of years in which she did commission work and gave private lessons.  She is famous of course, for her slippers, but also rugs and beanies.  Her beanies were so lovely she was commissioned by well-known photographer Anne Geddes to make one for her babies  photograph.

On top of all this Shirley managed being the treasurer of the NZ Felting Group for many years.   This year she has stepped down from the role.  We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to Shirley for playing such an integral role in supporting the growth of felting in NZ, and for continuing to support this wonderful craft.

May I also take the opportunity to thank Pam Robinson for the many years of energy she has put into the regular publication of the NZ Felters Newsletter. They were always very informative of workshops/lectures and update on technique and a great reflection on Pam’s own creative and productive ability over the many years she has put into the art and craft.

Creative Fibre Festival 2013

Many of the Felters members belong to Creative Fibre, you may like to know that next years Festival will be held at Te Rauparaha Arena and Exhibitions at Pataka Museum of Art & Culture - both side by side in Porirua, Wellington. This is going to be a full festival - Exhibitions, Fashion Runway shows, hands on classes and lectures, trades, challenges and action, tutor exhibits.

With respect to the Exhibition and Fashion there will be a new specific award for felters - keep an eye out for details.

For general information on the festival go to CF's website here which will be updated as new information comes to hand. http://www.creativefibre.org.nz/cs/default.asp

New Editor/s

As Jill and I are involved in many other roles now, we would like to hand over the reins of the blog to willing members. It's not a difficult task. Some internet knowledge is needed but not necessary as most computer work is very user friendly.

If we don't find someone to hand over to, the blog will lapse - very soon.

Currently we rely very much on you to supply us with information to keep it fresh.

Some of the tasks include answering inquiries from people visiting New Zealand who want to hook up with like minded people to either attend or give workshops; how to join; promote upcoming workshops; reviews. Basically anything of interest to worldwide felters.

General

Funds

As you may be aware, there has been a $10 membership fee which has/is paid once to join NZ Felters. The reason for this amount has been to produce and mail out newsletters.

Since the start up of the blog, mailing out of information is reduced to those not connected to the internet. Saving funds for other projects.

It has been decided at past years' felting retreats in Otaki by those present, to keep charging this token amount to new members mainly to support the likely hood that someone would like to organise a visiting tutor (be it nationally or from overseas) or some other event to benefit members.

The current balance is $2,000. If anyone has an interest in hosting an event in either or both north and south islands, get  in touch and lets have the conversation. The money would go towards tutor fees, hire of hall or related expenses.

NZ Convergence

Despite several encouragement reminders, no one in NZ has put their hands up to organise another NZ held Convergence.

In the meantime a healthy investment account is sitting waiting for this to happen. As none of the former committee are getting any younger or maybe no longer felting, the decision has been made by the committee to offer two felting awards to Creative Fibre over the next three years.

One will be for the Fashion Parade and the other for Exhibition. Details of what the awards cover are still being worked on.

This will disperse half of these funds. The other half will be held in reserve for a possible NZ Convergence. If this does not occur after the next three years, the remaining balance will go towards sponsoring future felting awards.

Australian Convergence 2013

This is an opportune place to mention the next convergence which will be hosted by Illawarra Felters  The 12th Convergence will be held in the Illawarra Region of NSW Australia, 1st-6th September 2013.  Come along, learn, share, felt and have fun.

Applications for enrollment are expected to go out October 2012. If you would like to be on the email list please let us knowFor more information go to:

Check out the blog HERE
Email us HERE

Coming to NZ January / February 2013www.elisv.nl


Hello everyone,

Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Elis Vermeulen, I work as a visual artist mostly on installation pieces and land art. The main medium I work with is felt which I find an amazing medium.

Wool is beautiful, my husband sometimes tells me I look at sheep as a fox looks at chickens :)

I use both raw wool and roving or bats in my work. I am interested in the felting process itself. How you manipulate the material you work with, where the boundaries lie, but I am also interested in shapes, forms and storytelling.

I teach felt techniques and art class and am co founder of the world wide FeltUnited day.

The reason for me to write, I will be visiting New Zealand in Jan/Feb 2013 as Amira Mudfearry asked me to come and teach applied work at a felt event in the Golden Bay area and as I am staying on for a bit I wanted to see if there are one or two other places on the South Island that are interested in hosting a workshop at this time.

There are different subjects for the classes;

• Two day hat workshop, this is a workshop for advanced felters. You will design and make a hat, and we will talk about how to create different shapes, spikes humps and bumps and tails.

• Two day bag workshop where you will design and make a bag with inner and outer pockets. Some felt experience is needed.
• Two day work apron workshop and yes I know the word apron is not a thrilling word, but the aprons are cool. You will design your apron with pockets and leather straps.
• lastly a new one on the list, a two day art workshop ‘How do you translate ideas into shape’. Lots of talking about how things work about where you get inspiration from and we will make a 3 d shape.

And a lot of sentences that begin with ‘if’.

• If you want to see more about me and my work; www.elisv.nl, http://elisvermeulen.wordpress.com, where you can also find the info on the classes, 

http://globalburrows.wordpress.com

 and

• If you are interested to host a workshop or would like more info you can contact me at post (at)elisv.nl.
•    
• If you want to know more about the workshop and event Amira is hosting you can contact her

amira.mudfeary@ facebook.com

Thank you Florence for the opportunity. I hope to meet a lot of felters and sheep farmers on my trip.

Best!

Elis Vermeulen