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)

Are your knitting needles at the ready?

Have you found all your unwanted wool yet?

702 ABC Sydney's Knit In is heading into its third year and we need you to start knitting now!

The Knit In is a great opportunity for you to become involved in a community event. On behalf of the non-profit organisation Wrap with Love we knit, crochet and sew squares and wraps for people around the world who are in danger of feeling the cold.

Squares need to be 25cm x 25cm. The average number of stitches is 45-50. You can knit in garter, moss, basket or diagonal (not stocking stitch) as it curls up. Generally people use 8 ply wool and No.8 needles.

For more information on Wrap With Love, please call (02) 8399 3000 on Wednesdays or Fridays or try the web site for more information on how to knit squares / create wraps / be involved.

Posted by Red Wolf at 4:53 PM | Permalink

We are seeking assistance for an established women's handcraft project in East Timor.

One of the most urgent needs in East Timor is employment and income generation, particularly for women who are often the main providers for their families.

Over the past two years one women's project has had a good record of utilising women's existing skills, developing new skills and creating saleable products. Ways of marketing these products in Dili and in Australia have been developed. This project has used traditional Timorese weaving skills and taught women to make new products based on handwoven fabric.

Continue reading "Support for Women's Project in East Timor" »

Posted by Red Wolf at 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Knitters take note. Your skills are needed to help World Vision and Guardian Pharmacies deliver winter woollies to needy children worldwide.

The Guardian Angel program encourages Australians to knit as many baby garments as they can during June, July and August. Free pattern books for woollies of all sorts, including jumpers, leggings, cuddly toys and hats are available from Guardian Pharmacies across Australia.

Continue reading "Guardian Angel Program" »

Posted by Red Wolf at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)