Craftwork
The
Homecrafts Committee of the Federation encourages all kinds of craftwork.
We can undertake anything from knitting, crochet, embroidery and toy-making
to upholstery, basket weaving, leather work and lace-making. Altogether
there are twenty-seven different crafts covered on the syllabus.
We
members work for proficiency ribbons in these crafts – our work
being examined by a craft expert who awards marks for each item. When
we gain three proficiency ribbons we are awarded a silver spinning wheel
brooch. We can then work up to twelve ribbons to be awarded a gold spinning
wheel and eventually it is possible to complete twenty-four different
crafts to gain a “complete gold circle” award. One-day schools
are run at Federation House and also in all the different W.I. areas from
time to time, and members have the chance to learn new crafts and to help
each other. We have a lot of enjoyment on these occasions and a great
feeling of fulfillment on completing a new item and gaining yet another
ribbon.
Each spring-time there is a residential Homecraft Weekend
when a variety of crafts is on offer for us to learn. Whilst we work very
hard during the weekend we also have a great deal of fun and friendship
together, not to mention the enjoyment of the festivities laid on by the
Homecraft Committee for our entertainment each evening.
Summer
School each year is hosted by a different Federation Committee and this
week during July is held at various venues in Northern Ireland. Some craftwork
is included as well as coach trips and lots of entertainment and renewing
old friendships each year.
In Ballyblack W.I. a number of our members have achieved
their gold spinning wheels, and at present two ladies have been working
hard at their craftwork and gaining ribbons each year as well as other
trophies awarded for items which, in the opinion of the judge, deserve
special mention for excellence.
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