In a spin: Kaye Cooper demonstrates her spinning skills.
By John Van Klaveren
GEELONG Handweavers and Spinners Guild could have no more appropriate street in which to hold its regular gatherings.
A Guide Hall in Highton’s Patern St fills every Tuesday with spinning wheels, looms, fabrics, wool and felt handled by a band of dedicated craftspeople.
President Pam Morgan said the 40-year-old guild still retained connections to Geelong’s past as a textile centre.
“Some of our members still work in wool, even though not as many people wear wool these days,” Pam said.
“The demise of the textile and wool industries has made it a bit more difficult to source supplies like wool fleece.
“The wool combers and scourers have closed in Geelong, so we have to source interstate.
“But some of the local farms donate fleeces to us because we need good quality fine merino, not too fine but not too coarse.”
The guild also has a long association with Royal Geelong Show, exhibiting and running demonstrations for many years.
“We held an exhibition and demonstration at the Bannock-burn arts trail recently and our members visit various schools to show the students some of the skills,” Pam said.
“We make sure our demonstrations are always hands-on for anyone who would like to try it out.”
The guild holds a monthly workshop with a qualified tutor to train members and interested guests.
Workshops include Navajo plying, candle wicking, dyeing, spinning, novelty yarns, free-form knitting and magic square technique, felt making and even paper work.
“Two of our members completed their Diploma of Tapestry with South West TAFE,” Pam said.
“We have a number of well-qualified members, some working as textile artists with pieces exhibited in local galleries and the wool museum.”
Pam said the group, affiliated with Handweavers and Spinners Guild of Victoria, offered a library of books, magazines and videos.
“We also have an extensive range of equipment available for hire including spinning wheels, looms, carders and dye pots.”
The guild runs a trade day each October for members to showcase their work, with a range of products available for sale.
The Guild also holds a weekend craft camp at Camp Baanya Biami, near Anakie, next month with two days of workshops.
“Anyone is welcome to attend, ask questions or get help with a problem,” Pam said.
She advised anyone seeking more information about the guild to visit vicnet.net.au/glngspin.
