Yippee,  finally a successful blog entry.  This is a major moment for a technophobic dinosaur such as myself!  Although I use a computer most days for work and emails I do not have a natural affinity with the beasts! 

Anyhow, here’s a brief rundown of my recent trip to the far shores of Opotiki. For those who may not be certain of what Fibre & Fleece is, it is a biannual event for Fibre art & fashion which includes an exhibition along with a separate fashion show.  There are many categories and many wonderful entries into both parts.  It is well worth a visit and well worth entering should you be inclined.

Since taking over the business from Carlene I have been taking the opportunity to travel with my good friend Tracy White from Inspire Fibres.  On this trip we also had the pleasure of my daughter Esme’s company and Tracy’s wee niece Katy.  It was a great girls trip in a very full van up the Island with many hilarious moments, beautiful views & chocolate sampling!  On arriving in Opotiki late afternoon, we managed to get our stalls reasonably well set up in the college hall for the next morning, and got settled in our cheap and cheerful accommodation the Oasis Backpackers. 

Thursday morning saw the opening of the traders hall.  After a slow start people flocked through the facilities shopping on their way to see the exhibition in the schools gymnasium.  It was a great time for putting faces to names, as I met some of my existing customers, and for meeting new people who were interested in the dyes.  There was a friendly atmosphere in the trading hall and it was great to meet and share experiences with other fellow traders.  The following three days passed very quickly with a steady ebb &  flow of customers.   I also had taken the opportunity to sell some of my felt and sold a few collars, a shawl and a lot of brooches.   Beyond the traders hall were class rooms that had additional traders/people selling their wares so there was plenty of opportunity for retail therapy. 

Saturday night found us taking in the fashion show.  This is the final show and is the awards night.  I had an entry in the felt fashion category.  It was a huge buzz to see something I had made modeled on the cat walk.  The show was very well done and had a real community feel to it.  Entries include pieces from all over NZ.  I was amazed and delighted to receive a merit award for my Madam Butterfly!  A fantastic end to a brilliant few days.  I will definitely be entering again in a couple of years time and trading with the dyes.  Also, next time I shall take a few more days to explore the area to take in local sights. Sadly work commitments meant we had no time for lingering and had to leave on Monday morning for our return home. 

My next monumental task is to get a couple of photographs downloaded showing my stall and entry.  Wish me luck - hopefully sometime in the next couple of days.