Céleste Compion was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. Coming from a family of sewing and knitting enthusiasts, she started learning needlecrafts at the age of five. She was introduced to quilting in 1985, when she joined the Pine Needles, a small quilting group started by Hazelmay Duncan, who went on to spearhead the formation of the South African Quilters Guild. By 1999, Céleste started her own quilting group.
Céleste taught quilting and patchwork in Cape Town in her home and a quilting store before moving her family to Canada in 2001. They have lived in beautiful Elora, on the edge of Mennonite Quilting country, since their arrival and Céleste was initially a member of the Elmira Needles Sisters and Royal City Quilters’ Guild in Guelph.
For several years, all handcraft took a back seat to the demands of settling and making a new life as an immigrant, but she is now immersing herself in the world of textiles and creativity as never before. Driven by a passion for the beautiful creativity of South Africa, Céleste aims to spread the word through, teaching and distributing imported Shweshwe to North America through Meerkat Trading.
What better way to learn about these unique 100% cotton prints than to sew with them! Celeste has developed several machine piecing workshops that will give participants the opportunity to experience the joy of working with Shweshwe. www.meerkatshweshwe.com
Mini Shweshwe: Double Irish Chain – All Levels
Make a mini quilt top using strip-piecing techniques to sew tiny pieces without pain. Cut and sew 1″ strips to create a double Irish chain pattern as you work with the unique 100% cotton fabric, Shweshwe, often referred to as the ‘tartan’ of South Africa. Using three different prints to create the pattern, an optional fourth print can be introduced for the border. Pick your own colourway or choose a kit that includes a Christmas option. Pre-requisite: Basic machine sewing skills and familiarity with a rotary cutter & ruler. Supply List or Kit $20.
3 Hour Workshop
Enjoy this Conference Class sneak peek!
Registration begins at the end of July when our updated website www.csnf.com is released with the class days & times. Class fees are $20 per hour (advance purchase) with kit fees extra.
Creativ Festival is returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre but MOVING to the NORTH BUILDING (255 Front St. W.) on new days & times! Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 15, 16 & 17, 2015 with 5 days of Conference Classes starting Tuesday, October 13th