Success at the Royal Easter Show

Posted byJessica NorrisPosted inHandmadeTags:, , ,

Hello folks, it’s been a busy few months since I last posted an update, as I’ve been very busy: mostly weaving as part of my new business: Jessica Norris Handwoven. I’m now officially a hand weaver by profession!

I spent the whole of January on a commission to weave a six-place dining setting including placemats, coasters and napkins, plus three coordinating table runners.

My client was very happy with the result!

Photo of a long table with six place settings. There is a table runner with matching placemats in a green-blue colour scheme.
Three deflected double weave samples in green and white. The samples show different patterns that can be achieved with this weave structure.

Then in February I caught the Deflected Double Weave bug and dived deep into exploring this weave structure.

I’ve since woven wall hangings and scarves for the upcoming “50 Golden Years” exhibition, to be held this weekend in Goulburn.

This exhibition is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Goulburn Handweavers and Spinners group, which is a major achievement and should be a special show.

If you are in town, come visit us!

May 10 and 11,
2 Montague St, Goulburn

A close-up of a scarf woven in deflected double weave using my own pattern draft. The colours are sage (very pale green) and white)
A photo of a twill check blanket draped over a line. The colours are bright green, muted teal, navy and grey.

In March I began working with Harrisville Shetland wool to create thick blankets and shawls, just in time for Autumn and Winter (although we haven’t yet had a frost! Very late this year).

This blanket hasn’t left my side since, it’s so squishy and warm!

But the real excitement this year has been my success at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

I sent in one of my bamboo scarves, woven in Huck Lace: and it won a First place!

Better yet, I received the highest accolade for Hand Weaving at the show: the Isabel Watt Memorial Perpetual Trophy for the Most Outstanding Exhibit in design and execution in Hand Weaving Classes.

What an honour!

A photo of my winning scarf (oranges, silver and pinks) with the first place ribbon and a medal.
A close-up of the medal text (the Isabel Watt perpetual trophy)

This prize has a perpetual trophy that is kept at the Showgrounds. It’s apparently a miniature loom!

I was very pleased to receive my own medallion as a keepsake for winning this prize.

Just to put the icing on the cake: this scarf also won the “Best hand in Hand Weaving” prize, which is awarded to the exhibit with the best drape.

I’m so very pleased with this achievement!

What’s next? Well, I’m building up my stock of tea towels and handwoven items for my website and to sell at upcoming markets. It’s a challenge for me to guess what people might like to buy. If you have suggestions, or would like to commission something special, let me know!

4 thoughts on “Success at the Royal Easter Show”

  2. Your work is breathtakingly beautiful, Jess. Everything you create is wonderful. Congratulations on all your hard-won, well-deserved success!

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