Can Assist provides accommodation and services for cancer patients from rural NSW who require treatment in either Sydney or Wagga Wagga. They want to put a welcome pack on each bed as most people are away from their homes and family for 6 weeks or more. They thought knitted socks would be a lovely thing to include. They are seeking 50 large, 50 medium and 50 small pairs of knitted socks for patients to wear and take with them as a gift from Can Assist, after their stay at the Jean Colvin Hospital. The socks will be a lovely touch of warmth and comfort.

Let Kate know if you may be able to assist then with. Socks are to be sent to:

Kate vanderVoort, Development Manager, Can Assist
17 Ocean Ave, Double Bay NSW 2028.
Tel: 9328 7571
Email: kvandervoort@cancerpatients.com.au
Web: www.cancerpatients.com.au

Posted by Prue Hill at 8:50 PM | Permalink

The United Nations General Assembly recently declared 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fiber. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the UN resolution would help millions of people around the world, among them some of the poorest people in some of the poorest countries, which depend on the production and processing of natural fibers for their livelihood. Natural fibers contribute to food security and economic development for these farmers.

The International Year of Natural Fibers is expected to raise consumers' awareness of natural fibers and strengthen demand for natural fiber products, improving the livelihoods of the farmers who produce them and translate to revenues for countries that export them. At the same time, promoting the use of natural fibers will enhance the environment.

The wide range of natural fibers includes cotton, wool, jute, flax, silk, sisal, coconut fiber and many others. Some are produced from plants, others from animals and they are used in clothing and other consumer goods, as well as in industrial applications.
From http://www.ebc.org.ph/news/read.php?id=74

Posted by Prue Hill at 8:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

2007 marks the 200th anniversary of sheep breeding and growing wool in Australia. In November 1807, Rev Samuel Marsden, owner of the third largest flock in Australia, arrived in England with his barrel of Australia wool. In the same year, John Macarthur sent 400 pounds of his wool to England aboard HMS Buffalo. See www.merino200.com for an impressive timeline and more details.

Like wool, silk dates from colonial times in Australia. The Victorian State Library has a wood engraving from 1874 of the Rearing House for silkworms at South Yarra.

In the world of alpaca, the World Alpaca Conference will be held at Darling Harbour, Sydney on March 28-30, 2008. In the meantime, there will be alpaca fleece judging at the National Field Day, Borenore via Orange, October 16-18 and the Queanbeyan Show, Nov 17-18. Early next year, watch out for more things alpaca at the Canberra Show, Feb 22-24 and the Bathurst Royal Show, Feb 29 to March 2.

Posted by Prue Hill at 8:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)