Let’s step away from fibre for a moment and look at the work of Janine Bergamot, at North Sun Studio in Hadashville, Manitoba. Her handmade artisan jewellery incorporates fibre art techniques in a very different media. Using a variety of metals she creates necklaces, bracelets, earrings, knit-safe pins, and stitch markers. This is Janine’s second year as a vendor at the Manitoba Fibre Festival.
Janine says “I enjoyed designing and creating embroidery and stitching for may years, but after seeing a photo of viking knit chain in 2013 I decided to give it a try. I love that I can treat metal as a fibre and use some of my thread experience to solve various design challenges.”
“Much of my work is inspired by the stones I select, sometimes I have a vision as soon as I touch them, other times I receive a feeling that takes time to reveal itself as to what it wants. Interpretations of nature, memories, or events also feature strongly in my work.”
“It always seems that the last item I create is my favourite, but I really enjoy making necklaces. I like trying to reach a balance between something quiet that could be worn anytime and something exciting that would be saved for an occasion — in the same piece!”
Take time for a close look at Janine’s work at the Festival. You are sure to find something that will perfectly complement your hand knit sweaters and shawls.