A range of fibres and plenty of creative flair have been woven, felted, knitted and crocheted into artworks for an exhibition opening to the public in Māpua this weekend.
Fibrescapes 2026 features 131 selected entries from Top of the South Creative Fibre groups and marks the first time the biennial exhibition has been held in Nelson-Tasman since 2011.
An organiser, Janie Hall, that says the organisation was once known for spinning, weaving and woolcraft, but has evolved over the years to encompass a much wider range of fibres including cotton, silk, linen and bamboo, along with an increasingly diverse range of textile arts.
Felting has become particularly popular, with the exhibition featuring sculptural works, while woven garments continue to have strong appeal.
“Most of us do it for the love of it,” she says, adding lifelong friendships have grown from members’ shared love of the craft.
Fellow organiser Sue Baskett says each member has a favourite discipline, with many working across spinning, knitting and weaving.
“I like to keep the old crafts going and the old techniques. It’s something that’s lost if you don’t do it anymore. Our mothers all knitted, and when you saw sheep you wanted to learn to spin. It was a process of evolution for me.”
She says the exhibition showcases the diversity of creative fibre and will hopefully inspire more people to take up a craft.
Janie says younger generations remain interested in the crafts, often learning online to fit around busy lives, with disciplines such as crochet enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
The exhibition is being held at the Māpua Hall on 11-19 July, 10am and 4pm. Demonstrations will be held each day, and mini workshops held on the weekends, with no booking required.
