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Getting crafty

Getting crafty

Cups of tea and some arts and crafts - it sounds like a fun girl’s day out.

The Mid Canterbury Federation of Women's Institute ran a craft day for its members on Wednesday.

Almost 30 women attended and learned how to make bucket hats, iris-folded cards and pinch pots.

It’s the first craft day that’s been run in the last few years, and Mid Canterbury president Isabell Page called it “a fun day of learning new things".

Member Daphne McAven joined the club three years ago, and is keen on the crafts.

“This morning we learnt how to make hats. I’m all enthused, I’ve got a pattern to take home!”

She began attending meets after her husband fell ill, and continues to show up for the social aspect.

“It’s really a fellowship group. You come to catch up with people and have a cup of coffee.”

For some members, it’s also competition prep.

An annual competition sees institutes from across the country put forward their best pieces for trophies, awarded at the national AGM.

The craft day prepares people for the main awards, and Mid Canterbury has a reputation to uphold.

“We came second out of all the other institutes last year,” Page said, as well as taking out prizes for a bookbag and activity book.

“Well, we need to do our best, and have fun while we’re doing it.”

National president Jude Vaughan has put pieces forward in the past, but can’t enter as president. She said the competition has changed hugely since its inception.

“It’s evolved over the years, with the number of trophies. Like the Robin Griggor Cup, for junior members - Robin decided she wanted to present that not so many years ago.”

She added that the competition is a chance for competitive creatives to learn and get advice on their work.

Competitors must win at the regional level before their work is submitted to the national comp to represent their institute.

The Mid Canterbury institute will host their cup day on the 20th of September at the Ashburton Seniors Centre.

By Anisha Satya