June '25 Edition

June '25 Edition

Welcome to June 🧣

The light outside has started to dim and we are hunkering down for winter. June is a great time for starting your latest fibre art and textile projects.

Why Book a Winter Workshop with NZTE?

A weekend creative workshop during winter is the best way to escape the cold while embracing candid inspiration and artistic exploration. Winter is the ideal season to slow down and focus on your creativity - whether it’s textile arts, weaving, painting or mixed media, a workshop provides the perfect space to stay warm while immersing yourself in hands-on crafting.

Here’s why it’s worth it:

  • Cozy indoor skills you can take home with you

  • A burst of inspiration in the quiet season

  • Stunning surroundings for quiet reflection

  • A chance to connect with like-minded creatives

Once you’re ready to book, our workshop calendar can be viewed here.

Recent Workshop with Maggy Johnston - Next Level Coffee Sacks

Maggy Johnston’s Next Level Coffee Sacks workshop offered a fascinating deep-dive into repurposing pre-used coffee sacks and magicking them into functional decorative textile pieces of art.

Students experimented with tassel edging, tufting, embroidery and deconstruction techniques, transforming the sacks into cushions, wall hangings, table mats and floor rugs. The workshop emphasised textural embellishment, encouraging attendees to incorporate costume jewellery and layered stitching to create unique designs.

For anyone interested in eco-conscious art, these workshops are a must-attend. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, Maggy’s approach will challenge and inspire you. Click here if you are interested in the next coffee sack experience.

Speedweve Mending with Renée Clothier

Join Renée for a hands-on speedweve experience!

Looking to breathe new life into worn textiles? Sign up for her Speedweve Mending workshop, where you’ll learn the art of visible mending using a Speedweve darning loom.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to repair and upcycle clothing using decorative darning techniques

  • Tips for creating patterns like diamonds, checkerboards and hearts

  • How to use small looms, needles and yarn to transform damaged fabrics

Perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, this workshop will leave you with new skills, beautifully mended garments, and a fresh perspective on sustainable fashion!

Date: 14 June 2025

Location: Nelson College for Girls

Cost: $130 + $15 materials fee

Click here to enrol or learn more.

Trustees Needed: Te Tai-o-Aorere Arts Development Trust

The Arts Council Nelson is currently seeking trustees for its newly established Te Tai-o-Aorere Arts Development Trust. This trust is dedicated to strengthening the artistic and cultural life of the Nelson region.

What trustees do:

  • Support and govern the trust’s mission to foster a thriving creative sector

  • Champion local artists and advocate for arts accessibility

  • Help develop arts infrastructure and funding models

Who can apply:

  • Permanent residents of Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Individuals with a strong connection to the Nelson creative community

  • Those with experience in governance, arts development, financial management, or community engagement

You can find more details and apply here.

Afterpay available for NZTE Workshops

Keep doing what you love! Pay for your next workshop in easy instalments with Afterpay - now available on NZ Textile Experiences. Sign up for Afterpay using the link below and purchase NZTE workshops on a simple, safe payment plan.

Sign Up for Afterpay

Local Spotlight

Fabric-a-brac Nelson - A Treasure Trove for Textile Lovers!

Calling all fabric enthusiasts! Fabric-a-brac Nelson is the perfect event to discover vintage and modern fabrics, haberdashery, patterns, buttons and sewing supplies.

Date: 28 June 2025

Location: Hope Recreation Hall, Richmond, Tasman

Entry: FREE (gold coin koha for Nelson Tasman Hospice appreciated)

What’s in store?

  • Unique sewing-related bargains from stallholders selling their fabric stashes
  • A pop-up cafe with delicious treats, supporting Nelson Tasman Hospice
  • A change to connect with fellow makers and find inspiration for your next project
  • Colleen Plank - NZ Textile Experiences tutor, known for her expertise in eco-dyeing and felt making will also be there!

Want to sell your stash? Apply for a stall at Fabric-a-brac Nelson and pass on your excess textiles to fellow creatives. Mark your calendar and come along for a morning of fabric-filled fun.

Most stalls accept cash only, so be sure to bring some along!

Photo credit of Fabric-a-brac Nelson & Nelson Tasman NZ