A section of the teeming Cambridge Town Hall
Last week’s Cambridge Creative Fibre exhibition was a celebration of thousands of fingers that never sit idle.
Creative Fibre New Zealand president, Hokitika-based Vicki Klemm (second from left) was a welcome drop-in at last weekend’s Cambridge Creative Fibre exhibition and fair. With her are, (from left) area delegate Kathy Mitchell, exhibition convenor Anne Curtis, and Cambridge Creative Fibre president Tracey Sparke. Photo: Viv Posselt
Crafters from around the region joined Cambridge members in displaying and selling pieces in a variety of fibre art disciplines, including lace knitting, fine wool throws and shawls, creative knitted creatures, felted hats and bags, and more.
A month-long yarn-bombing through the town alerted Cambridge residents to the upcoming event.
Exhibition convenor Anne Curtis told The News the hundreds of pieces displayed through the town centre were something of a labour of love for Cambridge Creative Fibre members. Putting them up and taking them down is no mean feat. As they come down this week, the acrylic items (so chosen to withstand the elements) will be washed and packed away ready for next year.
She said the exhibition had been as busy as ever this year, and the Fibre Fair on Saturday has been packed with traders from many centres.
Making a visit this year was the Hokitika-based president of Creative Fibre New Zealand, who was impressed with Cambridge’s efforts. She will be giving a talk on felting today (Thursday) at the Taylor Made community centre.
Cambridge Creative Fibre president Tracey Sparke pictured with her highly commended blanket. Photo: Viv Posselt
Among those recognised with awards were Beverley Beetlestone (Bess Aston award for weaving); Inga Bockholt (Joy Mahood award for spinning); Erica Guicherit (Selector’s Choice and Domestic Excellence); Te Awamutu’s Annette Whittle (Best Use of Fleece, and Best Use of Colour); Rhonda Plews (Outside the Square); Gillian Goldring (New Skill); and Andrea Davies (First Time Exhibition entrant).
Work by other entrants was highly commended.
One of the quirky displays by Saturday’s creative traders. Photo: Viv Posselt
The Selector’s Choice award went to Cambridge’s Erica Guicherit for her alpaca wool knee rug. Photo: Viv Posselt
Tauranga trader Lisa Stirling was on hand with her unusual online fibre trading business, FibreSpace. Photo: Viv Posselt
Cambridge’s Inga Bockholt’s merino scarf won the Joy Mahood award for spinning. Photo: Viv Posselt
Cambridge’s Bronya McInally was awarded a highly commended for her ‘dusky pink’ felt combination. Photo: Viv Posselt
Te Awamutu’s Betty Gilchrist’s knitted ‘Candy Floss Queen’ throw earned her a highly commended at the Cambridge Creative Fibre exhibition. Photo: Viv Posselt
The Best Use of Colour award went to Te Awamutu’s Annette Whittle for this entry. Photo: Viv Posselt
The Bess Aston Award for weaving went to Cambridge’s Beverley Beetlestone for this woven alpaca/silk wrap. Photo: Viv Posselt
Te Awamutu’s Annette Whittle won Best Use of Fleece for her entry into the Cambridge Creative Fibre’s 2026 exhibition. Photo: Viv Posselt
The First Time Exhibition Entrant award went to Cambridge’s Andrea Davies for her knitted ‘Pippi’ socks. Photo: Viv Posselt
