General News
6 July, 2022
A milestone celebration to be shared
A COMMUNITY group is hoping to celebrate its 50 year history by introducing new members to one of the oldest extant skills practiced globally.
A COMMUNITY group is hoping to celebrate its 50 year history by introducing new members to one of the oldest extant skills practiced globally.
The Western Plains Spinners, Weavers and Craft group will be offering a series of lessons over five weeks to those interested in learning more about the art.
Group member Janet Drake said all would be welcome and experience was not required for those interested in joining the lessons over five weeks.
“We hope to get people with a hank of wool they can be spinning,” she said.
“We’re open to total beginners; we all were at one stage and I have no qualifications, just years and years of spinning.
“I started while I was minding children and I use to bump the baby in a pram.
“The grandmother had a spinning wheel and I said I’d always wanted to learn, so she offered to let me take it and try.”
Ms Drake, who has been a member of the group for around four decades, said she hoped to see growth in the group after restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic took a tollon numbers.
The group, formed in 1971, was unable to formally celebrate its 50 year milestone but hopes to mark the occasion this year through sharing their knowledge of craft with others.
For Ms Drake, however, forming connections with like-minded individuals has been as important as pursing her life-long love ofthe craft.
“There have been many members who we have learnt so much from over the years,”she said.
“There is so much companionship in the group, and you’re always learning something.
“But I love spinning.
“If I’ve got a headache, I won’t take medication; I’ll go and sit on my wheel because it’s so relaxing.”
Members flock to Mortlake from Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Caramut, Panmure, Cobden and Colac to practice spinning, weaving and a diverse range of textile crafts.
Spinning is the process of twisting raw fibres in to a continuous thread, while weaving involves layering threads in a crosswise or lengthwise yarns pattern to create lengths of fabric.
Spinning and weaving date back to as early as the middle ages, when the first spinning wheel was invented, and rely on techniques dating back thousands of years.
“You can make anything,” Ms Drake said.
“Beanies, vests, jumpers, shawls.
“Anything you can think of.”
Lessons will begin from Wednesday, July 20 at a cost of $75 for all five lessons.
The first lesson will be held at 10am-2pm in the bluestone building (beside Soldiers Memorial Hall) on Shaw Street, Mortlake.
To book or for more information contact Janet Drake on 0408 597 188.