CNA textile and apparel students to host ‘Yarn-ival’ fundraiser event

An event hosted by CNA students on Friday will bring together traditional textile demonstrations, workshops and local vendors.

 

Olivia Taylor
Kicker

Textile and apparel design students at College of the North Atlantic’s Prince Philip Drive campus will host an event bringing the arts community together on Friday.

“Yarn-ival” will weave together workshops, local vendors and alumni of the program. Vendors are being charged $20 for tables to sell the textiles and crafts they make. The students will also sell prints and notepads made with the help of graphic design students as well as some fleece that was donated by Victoria Walsh, who specializes in sewing, repairs recreational gear and teaches traditional Newfoundland crafts.

The proceeds will support an end-of-year event showcase, which will include a fashion show and gallery at the Craft Council Newfoundland and Labrador building at 155A Water Street. At that event, two years of the students’ creative work will be displayed for the community. The date of the showcase event has yet to be announced.

Jane Gatherall, a second-year student involved in planning the event, says Yarn-ival will demonstrate what it takes for students to produce their art.

“It’s about understanding craft and gaining exposure for the program,” Gatherall said.

The Yarn-ival is not your average craft fair. In addition to vendors – many of whom are alumni of the program – anyone can attend and learn different skills.

From wool spinning to zine-making (a small, self-published booklet that features art, writing, or photography), the event is an opportunity for anyone looking to try a new skill.

First-year students will demonstrate a traditional Irish and Scottish technique called wool walking. This is a felting technique that works by repeatedly stomping or rubbing the wool to tighten the fibres. Traditionally, it is a communal activity, so there will be opportunities for people to join in and learn.

Behind the scenes, a team of second-year students are gaining experience in event planning. The planning of the event counts as a mark towards a second-year project coordination course.

“This really helps to teach students how to work together as a team,” Gatherall explained.

One of the several vendors attending the event is Meg Hutchings, a 2018 graduate and owner of Waste Not Wearz, an apparel brand focused on repurposing old clothes into new clothes.

Hutchings is very happy to be asked to take part in Yarn-ival.

“It’s a good opportunity to get everyone involved,” Hutchings said. “A lot of people are really interested in sustainable practices with art and industry.”