A little bit of this and that for this post folks. Consider it a community noticeboard post. Here goes.

25 Things for Charity, via Counting Mermaids.

Make a commitment to craft 25 things for charity in 12 months. It can be any item for any charity.

Quilt Block Swap, deadline for July’s swap is 25 June. Details here.

A couple of Aussie mentions. The Alice Springs Beanie Festival from 1 to 16 July.

Beanie Central is an large and wonderful display of beanies from all over Australia.
Central Australian Indigenous fibre art will also be sold, including the famous Tjampi Aboriginal Baskets and batik and wooden beads and pottery from Ernabella Arts Inc. The famous beanie cafe- home made cakes, soup, tea and coffee. The Desert Spinners: Free Demonstrations of Anangu Spinning and Basketry

Creeping up on us also is Pod: The 2006 Melbourne Scarf Festival. Wish I was in Melbourne for this one and that I’d gotten my act together to enter. Anyone entered? Leave a comment, love to see what you’ve done.

Pod: The 2006 Melbourne Scarf Festival Presented by Craft Victoria In the middle of Melbourne’s grey winter, Craft Victoria holds an annual celebration of a universal garment – the scarf. After exploring the religious, cultural and tribal meanings of scarves, the fourth festival moves to technology: Pod. Pod focuses on ways that scarves might house accessories such as iPods, mobile phones and precious objects. Think scarves with secret compartments or techno functions. A Pod can also be a group or collective. Scarves that can be worn by more than one person, or have been made by more than one person, are encouraged: not just iPods – wePods! The opening night launch will be a major event at the BMW Edge, Federation Square with a fashion parade and awards ceremony. The Scarf Festival will also feature events, workshops and forums relating to the theme.

New Zealand craft fair – CraftWerk, applications close 16 June. Another I’d love to see.

The Paramount Theatre Wellington’s oldest Cinema and now its hottest events venue is where CraftWerk calls home. The Paramount’s lounge bar is stocked with a wide range of beers and wines as well as soft drinks, snacks and Kapiti ice-cream. This relaxing atmosphere, in the middle of Wellington’s hub of entertainment and nightlife, Courtenay Place, allows vendors and shoppers alike a break from the bustle and a chance to absorb the CraftWerk experience.

Grand Central Terminal 2006 Holiday Craft Fair, applications by 12 June. For further information email Karen Weber, karen.weberATam.jll.com

The Holiday Fair in Vanderbilt Hall features selections of merchandise from outstanding specialty vendors. Vendor selection criteria are based on quality and uniqueness of product, originality of display, vendor experience, compatibility of merchandise with overall Fair mix.

Phew…anyone still here? Oh good. Finally, but definitely not leastly a new needle arts show called “Uncommon Threads” for the DIY Network is looking for needle art groups based in the USA.

CALLING ALL NEEDLE CRAFTERS!

Are you a part of a fun and creative needle crafting group? Then the DIY Network is looking for you!

We are looking for needle arts clubs to feature on a TV show for the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Network. DIY is the network that brought you “Knitty Gritty,” and now we’re producing a second season of “Uncommon Threads,” a show that focuses on all kinds of stitchery and fiber arts‹from crochet, embroidery, quilting, sewing, rug hooking, weaving and even needle felting. This program will inspire a new generation of crafters to explore all the great needle arts. If you work your needle to create it, you’ll see it on our show.

If you and at least three friends would like to share your hip and inventive projects on television, we’re looking for you! Your club can be made up of friends, business or work associates, church groups, civic clubs, or any other organized or non-organized entities. Candidates must be fun and outgoing and willing to travel to our studio to show us how they have created some of their unique projects.

For more info, send an email to akerbeinATsdetv.com