From Fibre to Fabulous
Saturday April 14, 2011 at the Orangeville Fairgrounds.
$10.00 entry for Alpaca Ontario members - $20.00 entry for non-members.
Entry deadline is February 28, 2012
Entry Form
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Alpaca Fibre Fantasy
2011 Fashion Show
Congratulations to our winners: 1) Lynda Finbow, Ladies Popovers; 2) Sharon Trent, Hooded Long Coat; 3) Kathy McConnell, Checkered Poncho
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Alpaca Fibre Fantasy
2009 Fashion Show
Alpaca Ontario's Second Annual Spring Fashion Show took place at the end of dinner during the Saturday night banquet. The large number of attendees appeared more than ready to see what innovative ideas our fibre artists had up their sleeves. The complexion of the show differed a bit from the previous year because we were awarding ribbons to the top three participants as decided by a panel of three independent judges. Interestingly, ribbons tend always to bring out an exciting competitive spirit. Prior to the actual beginning of the Fashion Show itself, however, was to introduce Alpaca Ontario’s Juried Fine Arts Competition Winner for 2008 – something we hope will become an annual tradition. Ausma Clappison, our 2008 Grand Prize Winner, was introduced and wore her stunning felted “Wedding Cape” after which our Fashion Show then began. Since the purpose of the show every year is to highlight the glorious array of uses we have for alpaca, we think that aim was magnificently achieved. We thank our 27 models, including three men and a real, live baby, who beautifully showed off all things alpaca, as well as the owners of all the garments who allowed them to be used in the show. The rules of the show were that anything shown had to be made of at least 50% alpaca and be manufactured in Canada. There are no rules as to what the items might be, so the designer is only limited by her/his imagination and creativity. 2009 items consisted of glorious knitted and crocheted garments for women, men and children, which is what you'd expect – however, thrown into the mix were many felted items including felted jewelry, outdoor wear using alpaca as a fill and beautiful fabric items. Yes, fabric! Alpaca at last is attracting the attention of fabric mills. So, the truth IS known --- alpaca can and will surpass most other natural fibres on the market today IF, as an industry, we collectively market ourselves well. We have to first convince ourselves of that fact, build confidence in our own convictions and then get out there and spread the word like crazy. Proudly, if the Fashion Show is any indication, we are definitely getting there!
Congratulations to our winners: 1) Rowan Hagey; 2) Leslie Comfort; 3) Elisabeth Fortin!
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Alpaca Fibre Fantasy
2008 Fashion Show
The Alpaca Ontario Spring Show was as exciting as it could be. So many innovations were being tried for the first time. And not to be overshadowed by any other show happenings, your hardworking and dedicated Fibre Committee had a few new wrinkles of its own to unveil. One of those fresh ideas was to stage a Fashion Show at the Saturday night banquet on the show weekend.
The purpose of the Fashion Show was to highlight some of the myriad things that alpaca fleece can be used for. The list is impressive. Actually, anything wool can be used to make, likewise alpaca can also be used in the same way. Alpaca can also be blended beautifully with anything else you choose. The possibilities for use are endless. We wanted to plant visions in the heads of all who attended–make them realize what a gold mine we are all sitting on with alpaca fleece. Our future in Canada is very bright indeed because of it, as long as we keep it in the forefront and manage it well. Rumor has it that we, as a country, are way ahead of our southern neighbours regarding alpaca fleece and its application. Since the fleece is what will sustain us all in the years to come, we are definitely headed in the right direction.
After a long, but satisfying day with showing animals, it was nice to be able to sit down together for a fabulous meal and be entertained by an alpaca Fashion Show. Our 20 models were mostly volunteers from our own ranks. Each person either wore or carried something created from at least 50% Canadian alpaca. Those were the rules. Though we all recognize other countries’ alpaca garments as being lovely, we want to highlight what we produce and manufacture here. Ladies carrying roses and men carrying carnations, our models walked among the banquet tables to allow everyone to view the garment they were wearing or the item they were carrying up close. The workmanship of each was a wonder to behold and the variety amazing. Prior to the models’ working their way throughout the room, their item was thoroughly described in detail. If one particular item interested you more than another, you would be cognizant of the details as the model passed.
At show’s end, we definitely feel a repeat is in order for 2009 and years to come. Though we were top-heavy with women models [no pun intended], we did have three brave men come forward, as well. We will be looking for more men to balance our model pool next year. Please give a thought to helping us out. Also, when information for next year’s show begins to circulate, please consider joining us and allowing us to see your beautiful creations for the evening.
Thanks again to everyone involved. You’re all special!
Sincerely,
Lynda Finbow
Alpaca Ontario Fibre Committee
Fashion Show Coordinator