The Northern Rivers’ growing fibre arts community will come together later this month for the very first Northern Rivers Fibre Festival, with organisers hoping the inaugural event will become a long-running celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and connection.
Held at the Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall on May 30, the festival will bring together fibre artists, makers, suppliers and enthusiasts for a day dedicated to everything from knitting and crochet to weaving, spinning, sewing and embroidery.
Founder of Northern Rivers Craft Events, Katherine Golchert, said the idea for the event grew from her own experience after relocating to the region.
“This is our first time hosting the event and we are hoping with the support of the community, we can make it an annual event,” she said.
“The event came about after moving to the Northern Rivers and researching fibre craft shops and events, and finding it hard to shop local when purchasing supplies.”
“This event is designed to bring the community together and allow crafters to support other small businesses.”
The festival will showcase the full “farm to fibre” journey, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about where materials come from and how they are transformed into handmade creations.
“The fibre community want to know where their fibre is coming from, who dyed it and what they used to dye it,” Katherine said.
“Showcasing the process from fleece to garment or project is what makes fibre crafts so interesting and engaging.”
Visitors will also have the chance to connect directly with artisans and makers behind the products on display.
“Events like the NRFF are the perfect opportunity to connect with our artisans and support their craft,” she said.
“Most of our artisans offer commissions as well so having a piece custom-made is something truly special that you can’t buy anywhere else.”
Alongside stalls featuring hand-dyed yarns, sewing supplies, artisan products and eco-friendly fibres, the event will also include demonstrations by groups such as the Lismore Spinners and Weavers Association.
“We have suppliers of sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery, mending, Tunisian crochet, spinning and weaving,” Katherine said.
“There are no official workshops however, some of the vendors, such as the Lismore Spinners and Weavers Association, will be demonstrating throughout the event.”
Katherine said the growing popularity of traditional fibre arts reflected a wider desire for creativity, connection and wellbeing.
“Traditional craftsmanship and artisan practices are seeing an increase in popularity for all ages and genders,” she said.
“The fibre community is an inclusive space that thrives on creativity and human connection. People are also discovering the social and mental health benefits of handicraft practices.”
Sustainability is also a strong focus of the fibre arts movement, with many makers embracing slow fashion and environmentally conscious materials.
“The fibre community is slow fashion at its best,” Katherine said.
“Hand-made garments, toys, blankets, baskets, yarn, jewellery are some of the many things our community choose to create. We also have vendors who offer recycled fibres and eco-friendly dyes.”
The festival will also feature a sit-and-stitch area where visitors can work on projects, meet fellow makers and contribute to a new “Crafternoon Directory” designed to help local craft groups connect and grow.
Entry is by an optional gold coin donation, with proceeds supporting the Mullumbimby CWA.
“It was important to us to raise funds that benefit our local community, and the CWA are an organisation that has been operational for many years and continues to do amazing volunteer work within the local community,” Katherine said.
Katherine encouraged anyone with even a passing interest in fibre arts to come along and experience the festival atmosphere for themselves.
“Whether you are a fibre enthusiast or a fibre curious, we welcome everyone to come and check out the amazing vendors and their incredible products,” she said.
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