A couple of weekends ago, we attended the Gosford Show. Along with our own fabulous work being presented, this year we had a series of textile art challenges on display.
Members were encouraged to enter their work in either a fabric-based challenge or a yarn based challenge. We had a number of entries with both winners being collaborative efforts. The ANZAC project won the fabric based challenge and the freeform knitted/crochet rug won first prize in the yarn based section. They are both special as they were worked on by so many hands in the spirit of friendship and common endeavour. The ANZAC project in particular showcased a large variety of the skills that our members share. Kathryn came second in the fabric challenge with her sea-themed quilt; Louise came second in the yarn section with her hand knitted rug.
We also offered 2 textile art challenges to a group of approximately 20 schools in the Gosford Shire. They were to make a game or a puppet from any textile art medium. We received 19 entries – 18 were from Erina High School and 1 from Gosford High School. The entries were fabulous – very colourful, well-designed and demonstrating a high degree of skill. The judging was difficult and we adhered very closely to the set task criteria to ensure fairness. Kay H, Anne P and Debbie H were the judges. Visitors to our stand were also encouraged to vote in our Viewer’s Choice Award – many commented on and were impressed by the high standard of the work on display. A special moment was meeting the student who won both challenges. She arrived with her family not knowing she had won – the look on her face (and her mother’s) was priceless. By Debbie.