SURREY — Surrey Museum will spin the story of the cloth we wear during a family-friendly, interactive celebration of all things fibre.
At the museum's Fibre Crafts Festival this Saturday (Aug. 15), attendees can see demonstrations of heritage crafts like spinning, knitting and weaving from 1 to 4 p.m.. Admission is by donation.
Some event highlights:
• Explore the Museum’s Textile Studio and Library, where you’ll discover a rare working Jacquard loom, spinning and weaving demonstrations, an extensive collection of vintage patterns and books, and real looms and spinning wheels to try yourself.
• Children can make take-home textile crafts like "God’s eyes" and yarn bracelets, and take in story time in the theatre at 2 p.m.
• Visit with real Angora bunnies and Shetland sheep as they show off their fuzzy coats.
• Rub elbows with heritage re-enactment troupe The Re-Enactors. Keep your eyes peeled for these engaging historical characters as they weave their way around the museum galleries.
• Watch a beautiful and intricate lacemaking demonstration, and visit with entertaining local fashion historian Ivan Sayers, as you view his antique lace collection.
• Explore displays by fibre enthusiasts, including rug hooking, basket weaving, inkle loom weaving and other types of handwork.
• Sign up for a “Drop Spindle Spinning†workshop, held on the same day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Use a blending board to mix colourful fibres that are uniquely yours. Then learn to spin them on a Turkish drop spindle, creating one-of-a-kind yarn skeins. The session fee is $45.50, supply fee $12; pre-register by calling 604-592-6956.
Surrey Museum is located at 17710-56A Ave., in Cloverdale. Admission is sponsored by the Friends of the Surrey Museum Society. For more information, call 604-592-6956.