Rotorua Museum classes reviving vintage crafts for new generations

Two of the embroidery design to choose from. Photo/Supplied

The Rotorua Museum is looking to jump on the bandwagon of craft revivals and introduce vintage crafts to new generations.

With several crafts having funky revivals recently, the team at Rotorua Museum will be running a series of Craft Revival Cafe classes.

At Te Runanga Tea house, people can enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles as they learn a modern twist on embroidery in the first of the classes, which is taking place on February 13 at 5.30pm.

Those attending will be provided with a hoop, fabric, needle and coloured thread, and can also check out some of the vintage embroidery examples and tools on display from the Rotorua Museum collection.

Rotorua Museum events co-ordinator Tori Williams says the museum wants to develop stronger connections with youth audiences who are exploring these vintage crafts for the first time.

"It is fantastic to see the new and modern twists people add to these traditional crafts."

She says Teresa Ronayne, who is a Rotorua Museum volunteer guide, will be teaching the embroidery class, and they are using a network of experienced local crafters to help with the other sessions.

The third embroidery design to choose from. Photo/Supplied

There are three design options to choose from for the embroidery class on Thursday February 13, and they are still working through the design options for the macrame and embellished darning classes, she says.

Tori says people will enjoy learning something new in a relaxed environment with like-minded people.

"Crafters can have a glass of wine and we expect there will be lots of laughs throughout the evening."

She says it has been wonderful connecting with local community groups to put these classes together and they expect to meet a lot of new people that may not have attended a museum event before.

"It will also be a great chance to showcase some of our collections items relating to these crafts."

Tickets are $15 and include a drink - wine or orange juice - light nibbles, all equipment to complete the craft and crafts instructions.

Spaces are limited and can be booked in advance at Eventfinder.

For more information contact the Rotorua Museum by calling (07) 351 8055 or email tori.williams@rotorualc.nz.

Craft Revival Cafe Dates:
- Tuesday February 13, 5.30pm - Embroidery
- Tuesday March 13, 5.30pm - Macrame
- Tuesday April 10, 5.30pm - Embellished Darning