Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show 2015

Phew, what a busy but fruitful few days it was.

Wednesday was setup day for Anne and myself [Chris]. Thankfully we were able to drive our cars in right next to the entrance, but as soon as we had everything inside, we needed to shift our cars into the parking lot to make room for the next round of people coming in. Having forgotten the compulsory iridescent coloured safety clothing we were able to borrow some from the administration desk. One size fits all obviously. :)
Every day was busy from morning to evening, with people in awe of this beautiful craft that they had never heard of, as they oohed and aahed at the rugs on display. However to some people it was a craft their grandmothers partook in as they- then children, had the job of cutting strips for the proggy rugs. At the time, the rugs were not appreciated, they were just practical, utilitarian items made of rags for the floor, not to be kept once their usefulness had passed.

Robyne's beautiful self designed new project

One lady shared that that her father made many hooky rugs which was taught to him while in the navy during their leisure time. It no doubt relaxed them as it took their minds off the dangerous situations they sometimes found themselves in. They pulled one loop after another, while at the same time stimulating their creative minds.
While another woman listened to this story, she shared that she had one of her father's unfinished rugs hidden in a cupboard for many years. She had taken it out periodically, only to put it back, not knowing what to do with it. The light bulb came on as she listened to our ladies explain and demonstrate to her the technique of rug hooking. She may just take it out one more time, this time to complete what her father started. What a treasure it would be for her, to have her father's rug hanging on her wall, started by him, finished by herself. It will become her 'Love Rug'.

I was able to share with people my Mission Fundraiser, Rug Hooking Workshops, being held in Loch and there was quite some interest in my project, with a neighbourhood house asking whether I would come and do a workshop with them. Off course I said...'yes please' :)
One beautiful young fibre artist, cum spinner/ weaver came all the way from Bairnsdale. She had a go at pulling loops and was a natural. Maybe we will see one of her rugs right here on display at the Stitches and Craft Show.

Last day Sunday, packing up, until...who knows when.