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.