PAM DE GROOT

Fibre and Textile Artist

A life-long passion for arts and crafts has allowed me to touch on many and varied fields of expertise.

In 1989 I completed a studio ceramics course and worked as a successful studio potter for many years. I now work predominantly with wool and silk combining methods of felting, machine embroidery and dyeing to create artworks, garments and accessories. My latest works include techniques of nuno felting, shibori dyeing, felt laminating and the making of unique design and sculptural hats.

I have always been drawn to using natural and organic materials. The colours and forms of nature are a constant inspiration. In working with wool I have come to marvel at the diversity of this material. It can be soft and flimsy or hard and resilient, made flat or formed into any shape imaginable. I feel privileged to work in this field.

LIZ GEMMELL

Handknitting

Handknitting allows me to make a fabric and use all the colour I want. I've explored traditional knitting techniques to allow me the flexibility of multicolour use. I use mainly commercial yarns and preferably natural fibres.

My current direction is to make large lightweight coats, shawls and jackets.

JENNY HOPPER

Nuno Felting

As a textile enthusiast with an extensive background in Textiles Education, I love working with natural fibres to create yarns and cloth by spinning, weaving, knitting and felting. The use of colour through dyeing is an exciting aspect of my work.

My current work in felting is an adaption of traditional felting techniques to suit the warmer temperatures and short winters of the coastal area where I reside. Known as Nuno Felting, this method incorporates the use of a background fabric onto which fibres, (mostly wool and sometimes alpaca) are felted. These felted areas are then dyed using colour schemes and effects that are suggestive of the coastal and country environment from around the area where I live. My production techniques incorporate environmentally friendly methods and the use of Australian fibres and other materials.

SYLVIA LANGTREE

Spinning and Weaving

I have been spinning for seventeen years as a hobby. My garments have been sold to tourists from Alaska, China, and the United States, in fact to tourists from all around the world.

I enjoy working with the natural colours of fleece, as well as dyeing yarn.

I learned to spin with Sutherland Shire Spinners and Weavers, and have enjoyed many of their workshops. I completed a one year course at Gymea TAFE and have attended several workshops on various aspects of weaving.

GRACE LEVIS

Nuno Felting and Ceramic Jewellery

I create ceramic jewellery and artistic textiles which capture the distinctive themes and breathtaking colours of Australia.

Born in Warsaw, Poland, I arrived in Sydney in 1990 and since then, have been developing my very own unique jewellery and wearable art. My jewellery collection includes handmade necklaces, pendants and earrings in magnificent lustres, reflecting oceanic greens and blues, sun drenched earthy reds and purples as well as glowing gold from Australian mines. My textile range features highly elaborate shawls which are made using a combination of ancient and modern techniques to fuse silks, wool, gauze and netting. Each shawl is a unique creation of colour, texture and theme. They can be worn or draped over a lounge or displayed as a wall hanging.

I am continuously researching and experimenting to ensure that my creative output is always original and inspiring.

BRIGITTE SIEBER

Hand Knitting and Spinning

Colour work is of particular appeal to me and I am constantly striving for new and innovative ways of combining colour and texture. In my work I use mostly natural fibres and yarns, but I don't shy away from using contemporary materials and techniques.

I learned to crochet early in life, later becoming interested in hand knitting, spinning, designing and dyeing. These techniques have become an essential part of my work.

Recently I have become interested in other finishing methods, i.e. fulling my hand knit pieces. My bags are all individual designs so no two are alike. They are first hand knitted then felted. A very labour intensive process, but it is a wonderful way of creating something beautiful and useful at the same time. I have participated in various group exhibitions, competitions and have won numerous awards for my work. Being asked to supply a number of crocheted berets for the movie 'Australia' was a lovely surprise and interesting challenge.

JUDE SKEERS

Designer Hand Knitter

Jude Skeers is a self taught Textile Artist who works exclusively with hand knitting. He has been knitting since his youth and has had several major exhibitions of his knitted webs, trees and other sculptures.

He has exhibited his work over a 20-year period in galleries all over Australia. He has also worked as an Installation Artist and teaches workshops.In the last few years, he has developed a range of wearable pieces using his specially designed circular needles known as the 'Broome Beanie Needle'. In more recent times he has designed a number of garments for which he has written the patterns. These garments have included Moebius knitting.

Jude's hand knitted, one-off garments have evolved from his artistic knitting. All garments are knitted on his specially made circular needles. He enjoys incorporating a variety of yarns and stitches into his designs.

HELEN MCGAVIN SMITH

Designer Knitter

My main interest is in combining texture and colour in hand-knitted garments. My inspiration is the coastal scenery in the area to the north of Sydney. My garments reflect the forms of the flora, the rock formations, the rich blues in the ocean views and the myriad of vibrant greens in the surrounding National Park. I am interested in spinning and creating exciting soft yarns in alpaca, blends of silk, and delicate angora. I also enjoy blends of wool and mohair with their wonderful sheen and tactile qualities. All my garments (jumpers, cardigans, jackets, hats, wraps and ensembles) are individually designed. These creations are the result of many years of experience in producing handspun yarn, designed for specific purposes. Some garments are knitted from commercial yarn, combining cotton with silk

My main interest at present, is in designing coordinated pieces. I am also interested in developing garments based on the concept of versatility

PAT SURACE

Felted Garments

I have extensive knowledge of felt making from floor rugs, freeform sculpture to structural felt and sheer drapes.

My work now is with fabric manipulation, controlling the surface structure by using wool firbes on the entire under surface of hand dyed silk fabrics, enabling me to make a light weight fabric. All my works are cut and stitched for style and drape.

I have taught felting techniques and attended many workshops in both felting and art to wear. I gained my Quality Mark Feting ticket from New Zealand in 1995.

HELEN THOMAS

Handspun Garments, Handwoven Scarves, Berets and Felted Hats

As my family matured and my free time increased, I was introduced to spinning and weaving by my local craft group. Spinning and weaving soon became a consuming passion. Living on the fringe of The Royal National Park, and surrounded by the colour and texture of the native flora, I am inspired to create and design unusual and delightful garments. I love using natural fibres such as merino wool, alpaca, mohair, camel and silk and experimenting with vegetable and commercial dyes to produce unusual and exciting colours for my garments. I am still happily spinning, weaving and felting but am also currently interested in patchwork and quilting and making heirloom quilts for my family

I have been spinning since 1973. I have attended many workshops over the years in various aspects of spinning, weaving, dyeing, felting a patchwork.