Fibre craft group relishing return

Woolshed quake-ticked

The Gear Woolshed Fibrecrafts folk are back in their woolshed.

The group spent the past few months meeting in each others’ homes and at Mana Arts Society’s building next to Plimmerton Domain.

That came after the Gear Woolshed, former stables to the nearby Homestead, was flagged as an earthquake risk by owners Porirua City Council in late 2012.

Kapiti Camera Club, Woolshed Potters and Attic Artists also had to find new homes until the strengthening work on both floors was completed. It took 10 weeks and cost $160,000.

‘‘We’re really happy to have this space back and there’s been so many improvements, like insulation,’’ club member Kathy McLauchlan said. ‘‘It’s a place we share ideas, and help each other improve.’’

In a creative environment, members spin, felt, weave, knit, dye and crochet, Ms McLauchlan said. Books and the internet will get people so far, but the group’s meetings had both a social and learning atmosphere, she said. The club was always keen to find new members.

‘‘In this club there is talent and expertise [in fibrecraft] and I’d hate to see that die because people didn’t know we are here.’’

Gear Woolshed Fibrecrafts meet Mondays and Thursdays from 10am till noon and from 7pm on Wednesday nights.