What is a feltmakers convergence?

A Convergence is a gathering of felt makers, and the sharing of knowledge, experience and ideas is the underlying theme. The Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers Convergence has been happening bi-annually since 1990. Each convergence is a little different, reflecting the fact that a feltmaking group in a different location hosts it entirely voluntarily. A convergence is an amazing event and some feltmakers have been attending them over many years ensuring lifelong friendships. The convergence program differs from year to year as it is traditionally largely made up of feltmakers who volunteer their time to share their knowledge, ideas and experience of feltmaking. A convergence attendee can expect many inspiring tutorials, workshops, opportunities to display your work, a fashion parade, installations, community group projects, lectures, professional development, informal demonstrations, a place to felt to your hearts content, traders trading their supplies, many networking opportunities, and much laughter and camaraderie with other feltmakers. It is a whole week immersed in the wonderful stuff of felt. Eat, sleep, and drink felt if you are that keen! It covers every aspect of felt making and is suitable for all levels of experience, wherever you are at with your own feltmaking journey. The 12th Convergence will be held in The Illawarra Region of NSW Australia, 1st-6th September 2013. It will be hosted by The Illawarra Feltmakers inc. Come along, learn, share, felt and have fun.

Applications for enrollment are expected to go out October 2012. If you would like to be on the email list please let us know. 12thfeltconvergencesh@westnet.com.au


Friday, 7 September 2012

Convergence info


If you know anyone interested in attending the convergence, please pass on our email address so they can get onto the list for enrolment information.
12thfeltconvergencesh@westnet.com.au
We are planning on making this available by early October 2012.

The Illawarra feltmakers are pleased to announce three guest feltmakers for the 12th Convergence. They are Japanese feltmaker, Leiko Uchiyama, Martien van Zuilen from Perth, and Anna Gunnarsdottir from Iceland

Other highlights will be a Story telling evening, fashion parade & the Felt Games.

Leiko Uchiyama

Leiko Uchiyama says of herself:

It’s been almost 20 years since I discovered feltmaking. I was an agricultural student and verged into textiles. I’ve been thrilled with what comes out of myself, a part of me which I wouldn’t even know if I wasn’t making felt. Feltmaking creates the path I’ve been passing through and it’s been connecting me with many wonderful people. It makes me travel. Felt making itself is like a travelling journey for me. Making felt is a journey through myself, different people and through culture. I’ll see where my felt takes me to and at the same time I’m the one who navigates…

You can see some of Leiko’s feltwork at http://leikofelt.com

What Leiko Uchiyama will share at convergence.

“Matsuba” means Pine Needles in Japanese. This is Leiko Uchiyama’s innovative version of lacy felt. She was inspired by pine needles on the snow. Leiko will share how she prepares the wool and lays the wool differently from the way many of us normally do, to achieve her intriguing felt surfaces. This felting technique is very beautiful and useful. Leiko says she would like to share the magic only our hands can do!



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