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| By Lori O'Brien Correspondent WEST SPRINGFIELD The Quilt Collection from the Irish Patchwork Society is being exhibited for the first time in America at CraftAdventure 2005 slated Aug. 26-28 at the Eastern States Exposition. "We are honored to display the dozen-plus quilts from Ireland as a cultural exchange," said Marci Slinski, coordinator of CraftAdventure. CraftAdventure is a 33-year-old judged showcase of fabric and fiber from artisans across the country, and in past years, artisans from around the world. More than 300 handcrafted entries this month include basketry, beadwork, crochet, dolls, fabric painting, fashion sewing, knitting, lace, needlework, quilting, rug making, spinning and weaving. All award winners are judged on their own personal best and will be showcased at the Big E next month. This year's special theme is "Fairies, Gnomes, Leprechauns & Other Wee Spirits." A host of unique vendors will be selling finished arts and crafts pieces that reflect the show's theme. During the three-day extravaganza, a host of courses, lectures and seminars on textile topics are also planned, as well as a vendor marketplace and special exhibits including "The Quilt Collection." Programming slated includes "Quilting & Couching In One Step," "Creating Your Own Little Wee Spirit," "A Whole New Spin," "Pixie Stick Dolls," "A Brand New Way to Crochet," "Silk Flowers In Your Home," and "Craftworks." An added attraction of CraftAdventure is a one-woman show by fiber and fabric artist Marilyn Tomlinson of West Springfield, who will also showcase her oil on canvas landscapes. Vendors will include Richwood, Craftworks, Studio 55, Stitches Unlimited, Heavenly Inspirations, Crafts & Creations, Quilters Delight, Patches & Patchwork Quilt & Fabric Shop, Stampin' Up! distributor Linda Hunt, Quilts & Treasures Inc., and Donna French Collins & DeColores. A free Craft Book Exchange is also slated as artists recycle and exchange old craft ideas for newer ones. A door prize drawing and awards presentation rounds out the event's festivities. CraftAdventure 2005 is slated Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for participating artists, and $3 for children age six to 12. Children under six will be admitted free. Parking is free for CraftAdventure visitors. The Eastern States Exposition is located at 1305 Memorial Ave. For more information, call (413) 205-5014 or (413) 205-5015, or visit www.thebige.com. |