PREMIUM

Fifty years of spinning a yarn on show at MEAC

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Weaver: Artist Susan Martin with one of her pieces. Photo by Megan Fisher

With members celebrating 50 years, spinning a yarn in the Shepparton and District Handweavers and Spinners Guild is almost second nature.

For the half-century celebration, SDHSG is hosting and exhibiting the International Scarf Exchange at Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre, with the exchange itself celebrating three decades.

Spin me right round: The exhibition is showing a vintage spinning wheel. Photo by Megan Fisher

SDHSG member Evelyn Harper said the group’s lasting legacy was a credit to the women’s talent within.

“It’s very exciting to be celebrating together, especially after COVID-19 and being apart,” she said.

The International Scarf Exchange is made to preserve the skills of wool craft — each year a guild from each state in Australia takes a turn as host.

Little chooks: The exchange allows spinners and weaver to make what they like out of the given fibres. Photo by Megan Fisher

Participation in the exchange involves a person selecting 150g of fibre and giving it to another member to make an original work.

Almost 70 pieces have made a cosy home at MEAC, including hats, scarves, shawls, bags, mittens and socks.

Colours on colours: The International Scarf Exchange is celebrating 30 years. Photo by Megan Fisher

Items displayed in the exhibition show the talents of people from around the globe, with crafts sourced in Australia and all the way to Canada, the United States and United Kingdom.

Ms Harper said during the the exhibition, spinners and weavers were offering a range of activities such as demonstrations of knitting, crocheting and more.

Winter woollies: What better time to have an exhibition of warm goods? Photo by Megan Fisher

The exhibition opened on Saturday, July 23, at 11am at MEAC, 23 Alexander St, Mooroopna.

It will be available for viewing from Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and on the weekend from 10am to 2pm, closing on Thursday, August 25.

Plenty of pluck: A chicken is part of the display. Photo by Megan Fisher

The guild meets on the first Saturday of every month, except January. Members meet in the supper room of St Augustine’s Anglican church, Orr St. To get in contact, email shepspinweave@gmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page.