Chorleywood’s first Craft Festival took place in the Memorial Hall in October 2014 . Run by the cream of local event organisers, Chorleywood Bookshop, the day was a dream for anybody who loves creating in fabric or wool.
First up was Scottish designer Donna Wilson. Loved for her imaginative use of texture and rainbow palette, Donna’s work ranges from bright knitted creatures to dramatic upholstered furniture designs. She introduced her latest book, Creative Creatures and hosted a workshop involving one of the craft projects from the book. Some of the Donna’s wacky animals were on show – having been made earlier by WI Chairman Penny Pugh !
BBC2’s Sewing Bee star judge May Martin kicked off the afternoon session talking about her book May Martin’s Sewing Bible – covering 40 years of tips and tricks, which is billed as the ultimate beginners’ guide to sewing. May hosted a Q&A forum after the presentation
Then, to wind up the day, one of the most popular Sewing Bee semi-finals, Stuart Hillard presented his new book, SEW FABULOUS. Stuart is a passionate about all things fabric, thread, patchwork, applique and home décor and gave an amusing presentation.
Our local pro knitter Fiona Goble , author of several knitting books, was on hand to inspire as were members of Chorleywood WI who offered practical help and advice on crafts, including knitting crochet and sewing. A group of new knitters were challenged to complete hats and scarves by early December.