In 2011 the idea for a FIBRE ART FESTIVAL AND SALE to showcase London and area talent came to life. A small group of organizers from three local guilds, London District Weavers and Spinners, Strathroy Pioneer Treadlers and London Simply Hooked came together. The Covent Garden Market offered a venue in the Market Lounge on the mezzanine and the adjoining space outside. The third weekend in November was chosen as a date.
The London District Weavers and Spinners had held fall sales in the Covent Garden Market in previous years, but the goal chosen for the FIBRE ART FESTIVAL AND SALE went further. Besides selling our work, we wanted to highlight demonstrations of all the fibre art talents of members of our three guilds, promote fellowship in the textile community and present our textile skills to the community at large.
Our first year was such a success, both in sales generated and community response, that it was decided to make this an annual event, and we soon expanded to a three days, Friday to Sunday, and always the third weekend in November. The organizing committee stressed from the beginning the importance of showcasing our best work. Guidelines were established for quality requirements so only the best examples of members work was for sale. Guild members came together to demonstrate many types of weaving, spinning, rug hooking, bobbin lace making, felting and basketry. Hands-on participation was encouraged in the demonstration area, and visitors of all ages really enjoyed seeing and trying out many textile techniques.
Over the years we have been able to improve our display area with matching table cloths, improved lighting and display stands. The work for sale has increased in quality and style each year. To boost interest in the community, Guest Artists are invited each year from beyond the textile community. For the past several years the London Free Press has highlighted our sale in a prominent article.
Now that we are unable to present our FIBRE ART FESTIVAL AND SALE because of COVID, we are planning with great anticipation our next sale, and know that during this hiatus our membership is working on producing lots of pieces for sale, and lots of demonstration ideas.
2021 Date for the FIBRE ART FESTIVAL AND SALE is November 19, 20 & 21 – Hope to see you all there !
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